Page 124 of The Shell Collector
“Oh my gosh. I’m the luckiest girl in the world.”
“I hope you feel that way every day.” Paul took the handle of her suitcase. “We’re parked just across the way. Line up, kids.” He took Jesse’s hand, and Jesse took Amanda’s. Hailey ran to Paul’s other side, holding his hand that was on the suitcase. “We’ve got a system.”
“Very nice.”
When they got to the parking garage, they all piled into Paul’s truck. Amanda loved that he had moved the car seats to his truck. “Wait. Did you buy new car seats?”
“Yeah. We should both be ready to transport whenever necessary, don’t you think?”
“Sure, I guess so.” She hadn’t meant for it to sound so hesitant.
“Is it okay? Did I overstep?”
“No. No, you didn’t. Thank you, Paul.”
“Mine has a cupholder,” Jesse said.
“I bet you like that.” Amanda looked over her shoulder at her two sweet children.We’re all going to be fine.
Paul started his truck and set the navigation system for home. He took his eyes off the road for a quick second and smiled in her direction.
Her mood, which had been reflective just a little while ago, seemed lighter now.
“I almost forgot. I told Kimmy and Nate that I’d watch the twins for a couple hours tomorrow morning,” Paul said. “They are going on a surfing date. Do you want to come along? I mean, no pressure. If you can’t, I understand.”
“I’d love to help.”
“And those meetings that you saw on my calendar—”
“I know you’re busy.” She dreaded his being gone so much, afraid that she’d find herself filled with fear that he might not return, as silly as it sounded even in her own head.
He reached for her hand. “It’s not as busy as it was. I’ve delegated some duties. My focus is still on achieving the goals I set for Paws Town Square, but I’ve promoted a few people to take on more responsibility. I should’ve done it a long time ago, but it was all I had to focus on.” He looked into her eyes. “That’s no longer the case. I have more in my life now: you.” He glanced in the rearview mirror. “And them. I’ll be here for all three of you. No matter what.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Amanda stared at him. Thank you didn’t begin to explain the feelings of being loved and protected. Grateful for that, she said, “We’ll find a balance together. What you’re doing is very important. I want to be part of that too.”
“Then you will.” He grinned, his arms flexing as he gripped the steering wheel. “You have no idea how happy I am.”
“I feel it too.”
30
Over the course of twoweeks, Amanda had packed a few boxes each day to move to Maeve’s. She’d decided how she would set up her little bungalow for her business. Even dreamed of a pretty sign out front by the gate. No one would ever see it but the mailman and her, but it would give it even more of a cottagey feel.
She was finally going to start her herbal-salts business after all. But with so many things changing, she’d decided to still teach this year and take the time to make a strong business plan. Plus, she still wanted to refine her product line and processes.
They spent most days at Maeve’s already, and there was joy when she and the kids spoke of her. It was therapeutic to be among her things and strive to live like she had: joyful, hopeful, and in balance with the ocean. The air-conditioning was a great relief, and the kids loved running up and down the stairs. It was just the motivation she needed to hurry up and finish moving out of the cottage.
Paul came in the back door as she was packing up all her herbal salts. She already had a few boxes filled. It was as if the stuff in the cabinet was never ending.
“Good morning,” Paul said. “Starting in here now, huh?”
“Yep.”
“What’s all this?” He looked inside the top of the full box, then lifted out one of the containers. “Inventory?”
“Sure is.”
He opened the jar and inhaled. “This smells great. I’m so happy that you’re able to chase this dream. Without any help.”
