Page 66 of The Shell Collector
“No. Heavens, no. The place was a dump. But even so, I knew we could be okay there. I mean, it was at the top of my budget and still needs a ton of work. Upgrades have to wait, but I like it. It’s turned into a cozy home for the three of us, and Denali, of course.”
“I bet Denali has gotten big,” said Paul.
“Oh yeah, and a handful, but Jack was right. We needed him. As much as I hated the idea of a dog, it turned out to be the best thing he could’ve left us with. Especially, well, you know…”
“All he ever wanted was for you to be happy.”
“I know. I let him down for a while, but the kids and I are doing better now. We spend a lot of time out here on the beach. Maeve has been a great friend. We even went back to church.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“So, I bought this house from under you. Are you living nearby?”
“Yes, I am. I rented a house on the sound side.” He twisted his sunglasses between his fingers. The silence lengthened between them. Finally he looked up. “Amanda, you mean theworld to me. I want to be there for you, and the kids. Please let me.”
“It’s really good to see you again. I’ve missed you.” She placed her hands over her heart. “I’d like to be friends again.”
“I can’t wait to catch up. I want to know everything.” He pulled her into his arms.
She rested her head on his shoulder, smiling toward the heavens.
When I asked for help, I never expected this.
17
Paul walked with Maeve backdown to her house. “I can’t believe you know Amanda,” he said.
“I could say the same thing.” Maeve nodded, her eyes twinkling. “Incredibly tiny world we live in. Everything is so connected if you look close enough.”
Thoughts were bumping through his mind. Amanda was here. He thought any hope of ever seeing her again was gone. “How’d you meet her?”
“Met her on the beach, through Hailey and Jesse a few weeks ago. Such sweet children.”
“I was with Jack when I met her.” Paul looked out toward the water. “I remember it as clear as if it were today.”
“How long ago was that?” Maeve asked.
“Gosh, eleven years ago. They would’ve been married seven years now. You know her husband died about two years ago, right?”
“I do.”
“We were best friends, Jack and I.” He slowed his long stride for Maeve. “We were together when we met Amanda. One of my favorite Skynyrd songs was playing. I asked her to dance. She was just so lighthearted and happy. Not like anyone I’d ever met.”
“What was the song? Do you remember?” Maeve asked.
“I do. It was ‘What’s Your Name,’ and we were singing along as it played. She reached up and whispered her name in my ear.” He inhaled, remembering the zing that had rolled him that night. “Then I spun her around.” Paul remembered every move, even the way she lowered her lashes when she politely laughed at his cornball jokes. “The three of us were together all the time after that.”
“Kindred spirits.” Maeve smiled gently. “She’s a delight.”
“I’d never met anyone so truly happy to just breathe the air.” They turned up the beach toward Maeve’s house. “You seriously walk this every day?”
“Sure do.”
“I’m impressed.”
“Well, I am impressed with you too, Paul. Amanda doesn’t know about Paws Town Square?”
“No. She assumed I’m working with the MP dogs in the same capacity as when she last saw me, and I didn’t correct her. I’m not sure how to tell her. I’m afraid she’ll be disappointed in me for leaving the Marines.”
