Page 52 of The Shell Collector
“But you don’t have to. There’s always someone in the wings who can help.”
Amanda didn’t argue, but she didn’t look convinced either.
Maeve studied her. “Have you ever said you needed help?”
“To who?”
“Doesn’t matter. The wind. The water.” She picked up a handful of sand and let it fall. “The sand.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. I’d think admitting it would be a start. Try it.”
Amanda’s brows pulled together. “You want me to say it right now?”
“Why not?”
Tentatively, she spoke the words. “I need help.” She felt her forehead wrinkle in protest. “No I don’t. I take it back. My kids are great. Okay, yes, once in a while some help would be nice.”
“You need a break. That’s why families have two parents. It’s not a one-person job. It takes a village and all that. Listen to me acting like I’m the authority, and I’ve never even had children. Even my dog I got when I was an adult and he was already housebroken. I haven’t raised anything.”
“Well, the advice seems sound. It is exhausting.”
“If nothing else, why don’t you at least let me give you…let’s say an hour.” The sudden burst of excitement inside her surprised Maeve. “Let me visit with them to give you time to read or think or nap while you are out here on the beach once in a while. Just a chance to not pay attention at all.”
“A whole hour? That does sound nice.”
“Then we’ll give it a go. I’m not trying to get in your business.”Or maybe I am, and I don’t even know why.“I just think…” How could she articulate it? “I’ve been alone a long time. I’m not complaining. Once I figured out how to live again without Jarvis, my life changed. I still love and miss him every day. Our reunion someday will be so wonderful. My heart soars when I think about it, but his time wasn’t my time. If I can help you find that peace more quickly, save you even a bit of that struggle, then I’d consider that quite a gift.”
“A gift.” Amanda’s lips pulled up at the corners. “Oh yes, that would be a real gift.”
“Good. I’m going down to teach your precious angels how to defy gravity. Your hour of freedom starts now. Enjoy.” Maeve stood and walked away, hoping she dragged some of Amanda’s baggage along with her.
14
The next four days weresunny and clear. All three of them were getting so tan.We don’t look like tourists anymore.
Amanda couldn’t say for sure if it was the escape Maeve had treated her to or the extra exercise from walking the beach every day now, but she’d never felt more at peace.
That night as she walked through her house locking doors and turning off lights, she realized she wasn’t sad.
Tears, happy ones for a change, tickled her lashes. She tipped her chin to the ceiling.
I’m grateful for all the things we’ve found joy in right here in our backyard.
I’m thankful that I had the strength to uproot my precious children and move here.
Thank You for bringing Maeve into our lives.
I do need help sometimes, and I’m ready to accept that.
Other than the day she and Jack had gotten married on the beach, she had no ties to this place, but already she felt more stable here.
I thank You for the continued blessings.
She’d been driven here by a need to survive, and now the days were filled with good things and new possibilities. The kids were eager to make friends, and Hailey was excited about starting school in the fall. For the first time, Amanda wasn’t afraid to let go of them for a few hours each day.
It’ll be okay.
