Page 96 of Halstead House

I’d called a realtor I knew and asked her to start up the preliminary paperwork to sell my condo. I’d use the month and a half back in Providence to pack and prep, and hopefully sell the condo quickly. The paperwork was ready to go, just awaiting my signature.

Eliza had been overjoyed to keep me on as an assistant event planner, and Lucas had been excited as I’d told him about the way things were coming together. It had made me feel like part of a team in a way I hadn’t before. I was hoping he could join me for part of the time I’d be in Providence, because the thought of being apart for six weeks was depressing.

While I didn’t know what would happen when I came back to the island to stay, I knew that it was a chance I was more than willing to take. My future started here, regardless of how it ended up looking.

I had less heartache over leaving Providence than I thought I would. Yes, I had loved my job, but I also loved event planning and occasional tours here on Lavender. The gulf area had a lot of history, and I knew I could find places to work, or volunteer, and be involved in the community outside of my work with the Halsteads. I was making a sacrifice but somehow knew it would come with immeasurable rewards.

The only sticking point that remained was Mother. I hadn’t spoken to her yet. She was expecting me to leave Lavender to return to Providence any day now. That part, at least, was true. I would be heading back soon. However, she had no inkling that I wouldn’t be staying.

I picked up small pebbles and tossed them into the ocean as I walked. I was barely strolling, enjoying the soft breeze, amazed at how it kept the air cooler than I would have expected. The oranges and pinks of sunset were soothing, and my thoughts shifted to Mother once again. I knew I had to call. It was my turn to reach out to her.

I sighed and chucked the last pebble out to sea. Time to stop procrastinating. My plans were in motion, and she deserved to know. I took my phone from my back pocket and dialed her number.

She answered after the third ring, and I felt a strange sort of tugging nostalgia at the sound of her voice. “Hello, Grace.”

“Hi, Mother,” I replied. “How have you been?”

“I’m fine. And you?” She sounded hesitant, like she was holding a shield in front of her. I didn’t blame her. She’d felt attacked by my bids for freedom.

“Actually, I’ve been thinking a lot about all that happened while you were visiting the island. It got ugly. I hope we can clear the air and find some middle ground.”

I thought I heard her exhale before she spoke. “I’d like to clear the air too.”

“Good.”

“What does clearing the air mean to you?” The words sounded forced, like they’d left a bad taste in her mouth.

I appreciated the effort and answered with direct honesty. “I want to make sure you understand that I meant what I said about there being some changes. We’ll need to figure out a new relationship where I’m in charge of my own life.”

“Then your opinions haven’t changed since we last spoke?” Her voice was taking on an annoyed tone.

“I’d like you to be part of my life in a more balanced way if that’s something you’d be interested in.”

“I see.”

“I also wanted you to know that I’ve handed in my notice and will be selling my condo. I’ll come to Providence for about six weeks while I work it all out, but then I’ll be returning to Lavender Island to live full time.”

Her silence felt heavy and cold across the phone. I steeled myself, expecting the worst. Instead she only said, “Will you be able to make time for your lonely mother while you’re here?”

I ignored the prod and answered simply. “I’d like that.” I meant it. I truly did want to have her in my life if it was possible.

“Call when you’re free. Goodbye, Grace.” She ended the conversation unexpectedly.

I found that I wasn’t too upset about not speaking further. I’d called to extend the olive branch, stood my ground, and she hadn’t thrown a fit. That was all that could be expected at this point.

I put my phone back in my pocket and was thrilled to feel his presence before I heard him call out to me. “Grace.”

My heart beat hard in my chest as I turned. He was jogging toward me, barefoot, dressed in casual clothing. He looked amazing.

“I thought you weren’t back until tomorrow morning,” I cried as he picked me up and spun me around.

“I was extremely motived to get back home,” he replied.

He set me down and leaned in for a light kiss. I rested my hands on his chest and kissed him back as giddiness flooded me. He was the beginning of my new life.

He took my hand, and we started walking back in the direction he’d come from. “Who were you on the phone with?”

“Mother.”

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