Page 103 of The Shell Collector
“Meeting you has been so wonderful. It’s like a big finale with fireworks. You’ve brought real joy to my heart. And your children…oh gosh, they’ve filled a void I’d forgotten was there.”
“I feel the same way. I love our friendship, and you’ve reached that special spot that my mom doesn’t.” Amanda recalled a missed message from her mom this morning. If only Mom were as comforting as Maeve.
“That works both ways, Amanda. You have a part in fixing that relationship with your mother. I stand firm on that advice. I hope you’ll act on it.”
Amanda laughed. “I hear you.”
“Sweetie, I’m dying.”
It was like a sucker punch, leaving her off-balance. Amanda never saw it coming.
“I’ve been sick for a very long time. Fought for years, treatments and all that, and now the fighting is over.”
“How? What?”
“Does it matter? Cancer takes us all. Even old age is usually tattered with some cancer in the mix along the way, unless a fool doesn’t go to the doctor and just isn’t aware of it. I promised my sister, Judy, I’d come to her house when I got to this point. It’s time.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“I found one of those shells with a message,” Maeve responded matter-of-factly.
“You did?”
“Yes. It said, ‘Say goodbye to the past, because it’s time to move on.’ My doctor had already told me it was time to get some help. I knew he was right. The shell just confirmed it.”
Amanda looked to heaven.Why do You have to take everything I love?
“Is Paul with the children?”
“No, I left them with Tug.”
“Paul’s a very good man. Just let things happen, honey. It’ll all work out as it should. You’re not driving this party bus.” She looked up to the sky. “He knows what He’s doing.”
“I know, but things are starting to get back to normal for me. I know it’s selfish, but what if he changes his mind? What if he realizes it’s guilt? He has that huge company to run, and we’ll keep him from that good work.”
“Amanda, he has capacity for you and those lovely children along with his good works. He’s sincere.”
“He wants to fix everything for me. That sounds like guilt. When I told him about the hiccup with getting my business started, he said he’d give me space in Paws Town Square to do it. Just hand it to me. That’s nuts.”
“Or love.” Maeve patted Amanda’s hand. “If I let you live here so you can run your business from the cottage, is that any different?”
She stopped. “Yes, it would be totally different.”
“How? I want to fix a problem for you, because I love you and want to help.”
“I don’t know.” She closed her eyes.
“You are very special, Amanda. Paul’s gesture is from the same place as mine. From the heart. Please allow me this one pleasure.”
Amanda sat quietly, tears falling down her face. “I will really miss you.”
“I feel the same way. You know,” Maeve said, looking around the sunroom, “this is Hailey’s favorite room in the house. She wandered in here that afternoon we made lunch together. I told her the room would be our secret. You should’ve seen her shine in here.” Maeve pointed to the beautiful apothecary jar of sea glass on the windowsill. “She was so drawn to the sea glass in that jar. I’d like to be sure she gets that. I’m tying up loose ends this week.”
“I can see why she loved it in here. It’s almost…unreal the way the colors and textures fill the space.”
“We had such a sweet talk. She’s a brilliant child. You’ve been a dear friend, Amanda. You’ve had an impact on the way I live, and I’ve loved having you to talk to.”
Amanda could feel the winds of change in the air.
