Page 126 of The Shell Collector
Her breath quickened. “Definitely.” She reached out and placed her hand on his chest. His heart was beating as hard as hers was. He was afraid too.
—
Amanda had brought home only one small bag of Spanish moss, but once she realized what she should be doing to honor Maeve, she’d contacted the inn, and the woman there was more than happy to help her out. When the box arrived on Saturday morning, she gathered the children and Paul and Tug and they all worked tirelessly to get it done, putting any other plans on hold.
They laced the Spanish moss throughout the tree, spreading it far enough apart that hopefully it would love its host and not only grow but thrive there. Amanda handed strands of white lights to Paul, who used a rake and a tall ladder to get them as high as they could be on the old live oak in Maeve’s backyard.
It had been a long, hot job, but they’d made it fun by letting the kids separate the moss into pieces and hand them up like they were an assembly line. Hailey named each bunch. Hopefully, she would remember which was which. To her they looked like bearded old men, so they had names like Bart, George, Frank, Gary, Rick, Larry, and Bob.
Afterward, Paul made barbecued chicken on the grill, and the kids anxiously awaited nightfall so they could see the live oak all lit up.
They had a countdown to the big event, and against the dark night sky, the lights really did make the backyard look special. Especially from the second-level deck.
Amanda took pictures. She couldn’t wait to call and tell Maeve about the lights. She’d order copies of the photos and send them to her. Maeve would love it. Amanda could imagine the twinkle in her eye when she saw them.
Paul moved closer to Amanda. “Let’s all join hands in honor of Maeve tonight. How’s that sound?”
Amanda’s heart warmed. “It’s a beautiful idea.” She looked at Hailey and Jesse. They were both nodding. “Yes, we all miss her,” Amanda said.
“Okay, then,” Paul said quietly.
They all joined hands, standing there on the balcony overlooking the glowing tree full of Spanish moss and lights.
Paul started, “Thank You, heavenly Father, for another day to be with You, to learn and grow and work according to Your will. Today has been a special day for our family.” He squeezed Amanda’s hand. “We are so blessed to know You, to walk with You, and we are so grateful for all the things and people You’ve put before us. Tonight we’re here together thinking of our dear friend Maeve. Please hear us and be with her in this time of transition. Amen.”
Paul then shifted his tone and seemed to be speaking directly to Maeve. “Maeve, you stood up for me, for my dreams, and helped me gain the support of this town. For that I thank you, but most of all I thank you for letting me use your beach access, where I was reunited with the most important person in my life. I’m forever indebted to you. You are most definitely an angel here on earth. I bet the Big Guy has extra-special plans for you.”
Jesse followed Paul’s lead and in his little-boy voice said, “I love you, Miss Maeve. Will you ask Jesus if we can make drip sandcastles in heaven? Tell Him I can dig Him a moat too. See you soon.”
“Miss Maeve, it’s me, Hailey. Thank you for being my friend and teaching me so many things. We’re in your house, and I’m taking very good care of our secret shell room for you. I think of you every time I look at the shells and beautiful sparkly sea glass because those sparkles remind me of you.” Hailey lifted her head. “Is that good, Mom?”
“It’s perfect.”
“I bet her ears are tickling,” said Hailey. “We said very nice things.” Hailey clapped her hands. “We love you, Maeve.”
Paul and Amanda exchanged a glance. The kids were so precious and kindhearted.
Amanda looked at her phone. “Oh goodness! I need you two to go brush your teeth and get into your pajamas. It’s way past bedtime. It’s ten after nine.”
They didn’t argue, just ran straight up the stairs to their rooms.
—
The next morning as they got ready for church, Amanda couldn’t resist any longer. She sat at the desk in the shell room, waiting for Maeve to answer her cell phone. When she didn’t, Amanda left a message, letting her know they were thinking of her and wanted to see how she was doing.
Amanda gathered Hailey and Jesse and went to church. Paul met them there, and for the first time, both of the kids went to children’s church, having fun meeting new friends. It was good they were getting some socializing in. Not only at school, but here too. She’d kept them close for so long, and she was glad to see them adjusting.
As they pulled out of the parking lot, Amanda waved to Matthew, Nikki, and Matt. No one asked any questions about Paul. They were accepted just as they were.
When they all got back to the beach house, the kids went upstairs to change clothes. Amanda picked up her phone and saw that she’d missed three calls from Judy.
But before Amanda could call her back, Hailey came in dressed in her purple bathing suit, next to Jesse, who was wearing American-flag trunks. “We’re ready to go to the beach.”
“I just have to return this call first.”
“I’ll take them on down,” Paul said.
“Okay, I’ll be there in a hurry.”
