Page 123 of The Shell Collector
Maeve held Amanda’s hand the rest of the ride.
They turned into a long driveway lined with crape myrtle. The road curved, making a large circle in front of the house. Inthe middle of that circle, a large fountain sprayed water into the air.
“Very pretty.” Amanda noticed Maeve’s lips tightening. “Are you okay? You can come back home with me. Whatever makes you happy.”
“I’ll be fine. It won’t be for very long. It’s the right thing to do, and I’m at peace with this.”
Amanda nodded, unable to respond, else she might start crying and never stop.
“Amanda, some people only come into our lives for a season. I’m glad our paths crossed. I needed you in this phase of my life, and I pray that my experience has somehow brought you some peace with your recent past and possibly given you a nudge toward a happy forever after with Paul. This summer has been so eye opening for me. I’m definitely going out on a high note. Don’t you mourn for me. I want you to celebrate. Hang colorful lights across the yard and throw a wonderful party. Be brave and enjoy everything you deserve in this lifetime. Do not waste a single day.”
“Yes ma’am. I promise I am listening to your every word. I will make you proud.”
“Oh, Amanda. I already am.”
James opened the door and helped Maeve out of the car. Amanda also got out, feeling protective of her new friend as Judy and her husband made their way toward them.
Amanda hung back, not wanting to interfere with Judy and Maeve’s reunion. There were hugs and introductions, and it was all a blur to Amanda. She was thankful when James interrupted the chatter to offer to take her to the airport if she wanted him to since they made such good time.
Judy didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely. Amanda, thank you for getting my sister to me safe and sound. You are a good friend.”
“It was my pleasure. Can you hang on one second?” Amanda dipped into the back seat of the limo and pulled out a small bag. She reached in and grabbed a card, which she handed to Judy. Then she presented a photo album to Maeve. “The kids and I made this for you. It’s just pictures from home.”
“Thank you.” Maeve hugged her, holding her a long time. “Ilove you, Amanda. Kiss my little angels in the palm of their hands for me. Tell them I’ll always watch over them. And you—you are going to be fine. Go ahead and get moved into the house. You don’t have to wait until the papers come, but they are on the way. Reinvest in your new reality. Live. Love. Laugh. And keep that sand under your feet.”
“Yes ma’am.”
They both cried, not even bothering to sweep the tears to the side. Amanda choked back a sob as she slid back into the limo.
At the airport, Amanda bought a paperback novel and settled in at her gate. She resisted the urge to call Paul. If things were going well, she sure didn’t need to disturb them or make the kids antsy for her return.
When she did the calculation, she could’ve driven by the time she added the wait at the airport and the flight time. But at least it gave her time to be alone with her feelings.
When she got off the plane, her hands were sweating. She was ready to get home. She went straight to baggage claim and retrieved her suitcase. When she turned around to go outside and get a taxi, she spotted Paul, Hailey, and Jesse all holding signs. Hailey and Jesse each had eighteen-inch poster boards withMomcolored on them. Paul held a big yellow cardboard withThe Most Beautiful Girl I Knowwritten across it in big black balloon letters. Underneath in red were the words “We missed you.”
She ran over to them, throwing her arms out, wanting to hug them all at the same time. “I love you all.”
She knelt down and Jesse clung to her while Hailey draped herself across her back, kissing her ear. “We love you, Mommy.”
Paul hovered above them.
“Things went well?” She looked at her two children. Good as new, like nothing had happened. Their big smiles cheered her heart.
“It was so much fun. We did a lot of stuff. We even slept in the backyard. Like camping.”
“Wow, that is very cool!” Amanda stood, reaching for Paul’s hands.
He took her hands in his. “Welcome home.”
“I’m so happy to be back. Thank you. Please tell me the kids behaved for you.”
“They were great. I was horrible. Hailey had to put me in time-out.”
Hailey laughed hysterically. “He was good. Plus, he made us the best pancakes in the whole world.”
The thought of Paul, in her apron, cooking for Hailey and Jesse filled her heart. He never looked happier. “You really had fun with them, didn’t you?”
“I did, but I’ve been counting the minutes until I’d see you again.”
