Page 18 of Moonlit Harbor Nights

“Did you have anything on your mind you wanted to talk about?” Vivian asked her. “How are things going in your life?”

“Not really.” Hazel shrugged, smiling. “Everything’s good.”

“Yeah? How’s work?”

“Work is great. It’s been just busy enough to be interesting without being hectic.”

Hazel worked as a receptionist at the local doctor’s office, a job that was well-suited to her sweet, optimistic personality.

“And what about Jacob?” Vivian cocked a brow as she asked about her daughter’s handyman boyfriend.

“Really good.” Hazel suddenly looked smitten and her cheeks flushed slightly. “Dating is even better than just being friends was. I mean—that sounds silly, but I was worried that the way we’re so comfortable around each other might go away when we started dating. But it hasn’t at all. Sometimes we feel kind of shy and romantic toward each other, but most of the time, it’s like our friendship has just evolved to the next level.”

Vivian nodded, thrilled that her daughter was able to experience something so wonderful. She remembered feeling that way with Frank, and her heart ached with a bittersweet joy. “I’m so happy the two of you have finally gotten together. It feels as though it was meant to be, doesn’t it?”

“It kind of does. I’ve had a crush on him for so long, and the whole time I had no idea he was interested in me too. I’m so glad we finally figured it out.”

“I am too. I remember you felt as though you’d missed your chance when he started dating that other girl, but it just goes to show you that you never know how things are going to turn out.”

“So true.” Hazel shook her head as she cut one of the mini pancakes in half with her fork. “I’m kind of glad it all happened the way it did, though. I’d just mustered enough courage to ask him out with that gift basket I’d made him when I learned he was dating someone else, and it had felt like terrible timing, but I think it was actually good timing.”

“How so?”

“I learned to be brave enough to tell him how I felt, and then I got those few months of being single. I really got to work on myself and become the person I want to be. I became so much more confident and able to express my own needs. That’s been so helpful in my relationship with Jacob now. I think we still would have worked out even if I hadn’t gone on my journey of self-improvement, but it’s made everything a lot better.”

“I’m so proud of you, Hazel. You’ve really discovered a strong sense of self while still being a giving person. It’s an important quality to have.”

“Thanks.” Hazel shot her mother a bashful look. “I’m just so thankful we got another chance. I learned to be happy without him, but I’m definitely happier with him. He still gives me butterflies just like he did when I was seventeen.” She laughed. “Samantha calls us ‘disgustingly cute’ but she’s just teasing. She loves having Jacob around.” Hazel was still smiling, but Vivian noticed a trace of worry her in daughter’s eyes.

“Everything does seem to be going great for you.” Vivian reached over and patted Hazel’s hand. “But I’m detecting a hint of reservation. Are you sure you’re telling me everything?”

Hazel laughed. “I can’t get past that mom radar. You’re right. There is something else on my mind.” She sighed and took a sip of her coffee as if giving herself time to gather her thoughts.

Vivian took a sip of her own coffee, waiting patiently for her daughter to speak and wondering what it was that was bothering Hazel.

“Nothing’s wrong right now,” Hazel said. “At least, as far as I can tell it isn’t. But I am worried that Samantha might start to feel neglected now that I’m in a relationship.”

“Why do you think that?” Vivian asked. “I mean, I was in a relationship with your father, and you kids never felt neglected by either of us.”

“True.” Hazel poked at her scrambled eggs with her fork as she thought. “But Jacob isn’t Samantha’s father, and as a single mother, I’ve always put Samantha first. Taking the time to enjoy being with Jacob feels a bit frivolous and self-centered.”

Vivian shook her head. “Not at all, sweetheart. You’re such a giving person, but you need to remember that you shouldn’t give too much, not even to Samantha. She’s old enough now to understand what’s happening and be happy for you. And I know she is. Life has all sorts of seasons, and family members have to share one another with other people. It’s in the interest of helping our loved ones live their best lives. I know Samantha wants that for you.”

Vivian listened to her own words and realized with surprise that she had been giving herself advice as well. She missed being in a romantic partnership, but she’d convinced herself that it was her duty to her children to not look for another man, since it would be difficult for them after losing their father. But she realized as she spoke with Hazel that her attitude was too unselfish, in a way that wasn’t healthy for herself. She did have the right to seek out her own happiness, and she knew that her children would want that for her, even if it would feel weird for them to see their mother dating another man.

“What are you thinking, Mom?” Hazel asked. “There’s clearly something on your mind too.”

Vivian laughed. “You’ve got some mom radar yourself there, missy. I have been thinking about something lately, but I convinced myself I shouldn’t be thinking about it. What I was just saying to you applies to me too, though, and I just realized it.”

Hazel leaned forward with interest. “What is it, Mom?” she asked softly.

“I feel…” Vivian took a deep breath. “I feel ready to move on from the heartache of the past and give another man a chance to make me happy.”

Hazel blinked for a moment, and Vivian felt a flutter of worry that her daughter was upset by the idea. But a moment later a smile spread across her daughter’s face.

“It’s weird to think of you loving someone other than Dad,” Hazel said slowly. “But I want you to be happy, Mom. I want that for you so much. I think the idea of you dating someone else is wonderful.”

Vivian smiled, feeling tears spring into her eyes. “Thank you for saying that, sweetheart.”

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