Heart across the tides

ented office. She had set up her workspace in an old building overlooking the harbor, choosing the spot for its convenience and charm. Now, as th

eave her thoughts. He hadn't shouted or stormed off in a dramatic huff, but his words had left a mark deeper than any loud prot

tion away. Clara straightened, smoot

ing assistant. The petite woman, dressed in a flowy flora

llian said, setting the binder on Clara's desk with a sati

pages. The feedback ranged from supportive optimism

ess corporate takeover* and *preserve our heritage at all costs.* She sighed

" Jillian said with a grin. "Some

help but chuc

g from amused to curious. "How are you settling in?

ncing out the window. "It's not com

"Really? I didn't realiz

to the papers on her desk. "Big c

t press further. "Well, if you ever need a tour guide or so

ind," Clara said wit

s wavered, though, her thoughts drifting back to the harbor and its most vocal protector. Ethan Lawson was more than stubbor

bed her notebook and a camera, slipping into comfortable sneakers instead of her usual heels.

rs setting up for the day's market. Clara moved through the throng, capturing snapshots

p photogr

iosity. Clara turned to find Ethan standing a few feet

replied. "Trying to get a b

tical. "You think snapping picture

ng his gaze without flinching.

a scoff. "You're persist

aid, I'm

. Then he sighed and motioned for her to follow.

frustration. He showed her the shallow waters where seagrass beds thrived, the tidal pool

r. "It's an ecosystem, a community, and a way of life. Everything her

ally snapping a photo. She didn't interrupt, le

wary but hopeful. "You don't have to agree with me

d quietly. "That'

if trying to decide whether to believe

sting sharp shadows across the wooden planks. Clara felt a strange mi

our," she said, g

ention it. Just make sure you a

rrived in Bayshore, she felt a flicker of hope. This wasn't just a fight- it was a conversati