Page 106 of The Shell Collector
Maeve’s expression softened. “Life is rarely predictable if we’re doing it right.”
—
Amanda drove over to the diner. Hailey and Jesse were eating ice cream at the counter when she walked in. “No wonder they love you,” she teased.
She nodded for Tug to follow her out to the deck.
“How is she?” he asked.
“I love Maeve,” The Wife said.
“She wants you to come see her tomorrow between the breakfast and lunch crowd.”
His head hung low. “It’s not good. I sensed something was off. I’ve been noticing little differences.”
“I’m sorry.” Amanda wished she could tell him he was wrong. “You really love her, don’t you?”
“More than anything in this world. Always have.”
“Even before she married your best friend?” Amanda cocked her head.
“Definitely.” His eyes glossed with tears. “It’s not right to mess with another man’s woman. I’d never do that. But even the Bible says it’s okay for a widow to remarry. I never could get her to take me serious, though.” He closed his eyes for a moment, then exhaled. “I love Maeve. I’ve lived my whole life trying to make her believe it.”
“Tug, how can that be? You still loved her when she married someone else?”
“Love isn’t simple. It’s not convenient. It’s in here.” He tapped his chest. “In your heart. Your soul. It consumes you. You’d lay your life down for it. Step aside for their happiness. It’s anything but easy, but it’s true.”
“Wow.”Oh my gosh. Paul.She needed to fix things before she ruined them forever. The last thing she wanted was to punish Paul for loving her. “I’ve got to go. You check on Maeve tomorrow and let me know what I can do. Anything.” Amanda pressed her hand to his cheek. “You’re a good man, Tug.” She turned and hurried back inside and rushed the children out the door.
She dialed Paul’s number as they made the short trip home, unable to wait another second to correct the doubt that she’d caused.
Am I walking your same path, Maeve?
The call went straight to voice mail. “Paul, can you come over tonight? It doesn’t matter what time it is. I don’t want to do it over the phone, but I need to talk to you. Please? Thanks, Paul. I’ll see you later.”
26
Paul cursed himself for havingmissed Amanda’s call. The last thing he wanted was for her to believethat anything came before her in his priorities. He’d beenin meetings all day, but still he’d have had time for a quick text at least. The whole drive back to Whelk’s Island, he wanted to call her, to hash out whatever she wanted to talk about, but her message had been adamant. He wanted to respect that.
He pulled in front of her cottage. The living room and kitchen lights were still on.
He walked up to the house and tapped on the screen door.
She jumped from the couch. “I’m so glad you came.”
“Nothing could keep me away. Are you okay?” He walked inside and guided her back to her seat. She looked like she’d been crying. He swept his thumb beneath her eye.
She caught his hand, leaning her chin into it. “Sometimes life can be so confusing.”
“It sure can.” Worry etched his face. “Are Hailey and Jesse okay?”
“They’re fine.”
He let out a long breath. “Thank goodness. My mind has been reeling through a hundred scenarios.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that to you.”
“Can I look in on them?”
