Page 48 of The Beachgoers
seventeen
— Now —
IT’S THE TWILIGHT HOUR.
The lowest rays of sunlight shimmer through the dune grasses on the secret path to the beach. A dragonfly hovers ahead in the misty air. The distant sky is lavender. The sweeping grasses whisper as everyone walks through them. Andpeopleare whispering, too. Maris hears them behind her. Hears their excitement.
But the first thing sheseeswhen emerging onto Stony Point Beach is a sign. It’s painted on a wide piece of driftwood and mounted on an old easel. What’s surprising, though, is the way Maris’ eyes tear up when she sees what Elsa pulled off. Oh, there’s no mistaking her aunt did indeed salvage the night when Maris reads that sign:
To Kyle + Lauren Bradford’s Vow Renewal…
Join us on the sand.
“Look at that! Theydidit,” Maris says to Jason behind her. “They really did it.”
After stepping out of the grassy path and onto the beach, Jason reads the sign, too. “How do you like that?” he asks.
Together, they lead the way across the sand. Beside the easel, two silver buckets are jammed with flip-flops for any guests who want to change out of their good shoes. Maris doesn’t, though. She and Jason keep walking—until Jason nudges her when they see Kyle. He’s standing on shore at Elsa’s driftwood podium.
Andhe’s wearing his well-tailored groom outfit: pale gray suit; vest in lieu of jacket; white button-down shirt; white-rose boutonniere perfectly pinned.
But there’s more. Further down the beach—out of sight from the inn’s grounds—white chairs are arranged on the sand. Each aisle chair has a Mason jar candle hanging on it. Just now, Lauren’s mother—wearing a metallic-gold off-the-shoulder dress—is lighting the very last one so that all the candles glimmer in their jars.
There’s Celia, too. Walking barefoot in the sand, she’s wearing her black sheath with that low-slung chain belt. It looks like she’s heading over to a side chair closer to the podium. Her guitar case leans against the chair.
All the while, murmurs rise from the gang behind Maris. Different hushed and exclaiming voices overlap.
Holy moly, they’re finally renewing their vows!
When did this happen?
Yo, Commish! Did you set out all these chairs?
What? Are you kidding me? I’ve been in BOG meetings all day. Had no clue about this.
Aunt Elsa pulled this off? When? And…how?
Wait. Where’s Lauren?
Oh my gosh, would you look at this beach all decorated! Stunning!
Hold on, none of you knew?
Someone here had to.
When Maris glances to the side, she sees that more’s surely to come. Because a long table and chairs are set on the sand beneath a canopy overhang. The walls of the canopy are sheer curtains perfectly draped—tied back just so. There are Mason jars, too, filled with flickering candles and strung from the canopy’s ceiling framework. No visual detail of the night was missed.
Just then, Kyle raises his arm and motions Jason over to the podium.
“Go!” Maris says, nudging Jason across the sand. But suddenly she pulls him back and straightens the lapel on his jacket, then pats his bandana pocket scarf. “Kyle needs you.”
* * *
Jason can’t miss Kyle’s grin. He’s not sure when he’s seen his friend look happier. Kyle steps away from the podium and clasps Jason’s hand.
“You son of a bitch!” Jason says when Kyle pulls him into a man hug. “Why didn’t you say anything when you brought me dinner last night?” Jason asks, backing away and eyeing Kyle’s formal attire.
“I did.” Kyle reaches over and slaps Jason’s shoulder. “I asked if you were coming to Elsa’s event, remember? Just left out that it wasmyevent, too.”
