Page 67 of The Shell Collector
“Why would she be? You’re doing quite well.”
“Her husband…he gave his life for this country. We were Marines together. It should have been me. He had a family. He had her.” Paul took in a long breath. “After Jack died, and Amanda pushed me away, my whole life changed. It wasn’t good for a while.”
“Tell her.” Her jaw set. “Don’t leave a thing out. She’ll understand.”
He walked Maeve to the gate at the bottom of her stairs. “Thanks for inviting me to use your beach access. I had no idea it was about to change my life. I thought I’d never see Amanda again.”
She nodded, making him feel like he needed to explain.
“Before Jack died…I’d promised her that I wouldn’t let anything ever happen to him. I was the best man at their wedding. I’ll never forgive myself for taking the new assignment that separated us. If I’d been there—”
“It wouldn’t have done diddly.” She pressed her finger against his chest. “You are not responsible for what happens in this world. There’s only one Man who has that power.” She pointed straight into the sky. “He knows what He’s doing.”
“But I—”
“No. No buts.” The words were stern, but she lowered her hand, her expression softening. “You were in love with her, weren’t you?”
He looked away.
“You can’t deny it. It was in every tiny detail you described.”
“It sounds so corny, but it was truly love at first sight, and it grew every day.”
“Then how is it she married Jack?”
“I never told her. I’ve asked myself a million times why I didn’t say something to her. It was timing. Bad timing on my part. I left to take care of my parents’ estate when they died in a car accident. When I came back, I thought we’d just pick right back up, but the two of them had become more than friends.”
“You never said anything? Not to either of them?”
“Of course not. I was Jack’s best friend. One of us would be devastated if I said anything. I didn’t want any of us to get hurt.”
“So you took on that burden yourself.”
“Maeve, you are an intuitive woman. Why am I telling you all of this?”
“Because you can. I’m an excellent listener. It’s my thing.”
“I can see that. Well, I will continue to use your little slice of heaven here at the beach if you don’t mind. And one day I will run all the way down to the pier and back.”
“I hope that’s soon.” She started for the gate. “Paul?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“It’s none of my business, but I think you should tell her the truth. You owe that to yourself, and to her. And mind your p’s and q’s.” She leaned in and said with all intents of a warning, “She’s still on unsteady ground. If you break that girl’s heart, I’m personally coming after you. Do you understand?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Are you headed back over there now?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Don’t waste a moment. You never know how long your timeline is. Make every single day count and you’ll have no regrets.” She pressed her palms together. “I think you might be exactly what she needs in her life. I have a very high regard for you both.”
She started up the steps but stopped and turned. “Another thing. She was supposed to start a home-based business when she moved here, but there was a snag and she’s going to have to teach instead. Be a good listener. I bet you can figure something out together.”
“Thank you.” He headed to his truck, flattered and empowered by Maeve’s words. Was there actually a chance that he and Amanda could be together? When Jack was alive, she was off-limits. Back then, he didn’t care how broken his heart was—he loved them both and he wouldn’t put Amanda and Jack’s marriage at risk. But now…No one would sweep in and take her away from him this time.
He jumped into his truck and sat there and cried. Not tears for Jack. Not tears of anger. Tears of hope.
