Chapter 78: Memories and Doubts

The rhythmic crash of waves upon the shore filled the air with a sound that was soothing, at least in the context of the very picturesque scene that lay before her. Olivia sat out on the balcony of their quaint B&B room, sketchpad in hand, trying to somehow commit the seemingly perfect interplay of light on the water to paper. But her mind was far away from the task at hand, wandering down paths she had long closed. Behind her, Mark seemed to be softly snoring at the opened French doors. He had dropped off the book he was reading and was obviously very tired after the long drive as well as their afternoon walk along the beach. Olivia glanced over at the sleeping man, and a wave of affection washed over her. He looked so peaceful and dependable. That thought elicited another unexpected pang. Dependable. It was such a good thing, right? Having someone steady who'd been her rock pretty much through the hardest times in her life, so then why did a piece of her really just want something.