We flew to a coastal city. Then drove for nearly two hours. We arrived at a small seaside town.
From the marina, we took a yacht that came to pick us up. It carried us to the island.
Evelyn was incredibly excited the whole way. She looked like a kid on a field trip.
“How do you know about this place?” she asked, staring at the horizon. She turned to Alexander, her eyes sparkling.
“I lived on this island when I was a child,” he said.
“What?” Evelyn thought she misheard. She spun around to face him.
“I lived here from the time I was three until I was ten.”
“Why?” she asked, curious.
“Why what?” Alexander looked at her.
“Didn’t you grow up at the Sterling Mansion? Why would you come all the way out here to live on an island?” she pressed. Her face was full of gossipy curiosity.
“Want to know?” Alexander smiled.
Evelyn nodded eagerly. Then, afraid he hadn’t seen her, she said, “Yes, I do!”
“I’ll tell you later,” he teased.
“Okay!” she said with a grin. She acted like just landing on the island would let her uncover all his secrets.
She realized she was becoming as nosy as Emily Hart.
But soon, her excitement faded. The waves tossed the boat around. She felt like she was going to throw up.
Luckily, the ride lasted only a little over half an hour.
Finally, Alexander helped Evelyn off the yacht. They stepped onto dry land.
The luggage was carried by the staff to Iris Hart’s house.
Evelyn lay on the bed. She still felt like she was rocking on the boat.
“I didn’t know you got seasick,” Alexander said. He rubbed a towel and wiped her face and hands. Then he sat by the bed and looked at her.
“I didn’t know either. I’ve never been seasick before.”
“The waves are a bit rough today. Rest for a while. I’ll get you something to eat.”
“I’m not hungry,” Evelyn replied. She tugged at his sleeve.
Alexander looked down at her hand. He sat back down.
“Get some sleep. We’ll go downstairs when you feel better.”
“Okay,” she said. She closed her eyes.
But closing her eyes made the rocking feel worse. She had to open them again. She kept talking to Alexander.
“When I’m not so dizzy, let’s walk along the beach.”
“Sure,” he said.
They chatted for a long time. Finally, she fell asleep.
Alexander sat there for a while. Then he went downstairs.
Iris Hart was sitting downstairs, shucking oysters. She saw Alexander and asked, “Is she feeling better?”
Iris was Alexander’s wet nurse. She had brought him to live on Misty Isle until he was ten. She treated him like her own son.
She always spoke her mind. She never hid anything or beat around the bush.
Alexander always respected her. He listened to what she said.
“She just fell asleep,” he said. He sat down beside her.
“You shouldn’t have married someone so delicate,” Iris sighed.
“She’s not being fussy. She’s just a little seasick. She’ll get used to it.”
Iris glanced at him. She didn’t say anything more.
“Sister Iris, is Brother Alexander here?”
A cheerful girl’s voice rang out from a distance.
“He’s here,” Iris answered. She turned to Alexander and asked, “Do you remember Hazel?”
“Yes,” he replied.
The girl was the neighbor’s daughter. She had sun-kissed skin, bright eyes, and a naive, lovely look.
Hazel ran over. When she saw Alexander, she suddenly became shy. She stopped in her tracks.
“Hazel, long time no see. Don’t you recognize me?” Alexander greeted her with a smile.
“Brother Alexander—” she said softly. She blushed as she greeted Iris. “My mom asked me to bring something for Sister Iris.”
“Again? I don’t have anything good to give you in return.”
“My mom says you always help our family. She wanted to thank you.”
“Don’t be so polite. That makes you sound like a stranger.”
Hazel nodded. She put the things down. Then she squatted beside Iris. She picked up a tool and helped shuck oysters to hide her shyness.
“Hazel, has your father come back from fishing?” Iris asked.
“He’ll be back this afternoon,” Hazel said.
“Save some seafood for me,” Iris said.
“Okay. I’ll talk to my dad later,” Hazel replied.
“You still remember Brother Alexander, don’t you?” Iris continued.
“Yes,” Hazel answered shyly.
“He came back with his bride this time.”
Hazel froze. She turned to Alexander. After a moment, she said, “Really? Congratulations, Brother Alexander!”
“Thank you. Do you have a boyfriend, Hazel?” he asked with a smile.
“No… not yet…” Hazel lowered her head. Her hands slowed down as she shucked the oysters.
“So many matchmakers have come to her door. But Hazel doesn’t like any of them,” Iris added.
“It seems our Hazel has high standards,” Alexander said with a smile.
“No,” Hazel said. She shook her head, looking embarrassed. Then she said, “Sister Iris, I should go back now. My mom told me to help with the chores.”
“Go ahead. Come play tonight,” Iris said.
“Okay. Goodbye, Brother Alexander,” Hazel said to him.
“Goodbye,” Alexander said with a nod and a smile.
Hazel left. Iris looked away and sighed. “That girl has had a crush on you since she was little.”
“Sister Iris, she’s just a child,” Alexander said, half laughing.
“Hazel is eighteen. People have been coming to her house to propose for the past two years. This year, even more. She doesn’t like any of them. She’s been waiting for you. A while ago, her mother asked me if you were already taken. She wanted Hazel to talk to you. I knew your mother wouldn’t approve of this match. So I told her you already had a girlfriend. I didn’t expect that half a year later, you not only have a girlfriend, but you’re already married,” Iris murmured.
“Sister Iris, it’s impossible between Hazel and me. Even if my mother agreed, we wouldn’t fit. She’s just a little sister to me.”
“It’s good that you think that way. I know you don’t feel that way about her. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have helped you refuse. It’s just that Hazel has always liked you. When I heard you married such a delicate girl, I thought she wasn’t as good as Hazel.”
“Sister Iris, you don’t know Evelyn yet. I brought her here this time so you could meet your daughter-in-law. You’ll like her,” Alexander said softly.
“We’ll see,” Iris said. She looked at the oysters on the plate. She put down her tools. “I’ll make some oyster noodle soup for you.”
“Sister Iris, I’ve been craving your oyster noodle soup,” Alexander coaxed.
“Then eat more. Go upstairs and keep your wife company. Come down when it’s ready,” Iris said. She walked toward the kitchen.
Alexander stood downstairs for a moment. The sea breeze was slightly salty and fishy.