Page 95 of The Lighthouse at the Cove
Kaiah pressed her fingers to her temples as her head started tospin. This was too much. She’d gotten so caught up in the business of planning the festival and writing about the town that it hadn’t occurred to her what these articles could mean for her career.
A burning sensation bubbled low in her stomach as she processed the tidal wave of emotions roiling through her body. Anger. Fear. Sadness.
Why do all of these dreams have to come with conditions attached?she thought.Why can’t they all just happen for me?Twin streams of tears began to cascade down her face.Why do I have to choose?
What was she going to do? Should she call this Anita Williams and discuss the position? Or should she ignore the email altogether?
She couldn’t decide this minute. She needed time to think. She didn’t have much time left with Reid and Piper as it was. Maybe she should keep her focus on them. She’d figure out what to do later. Maybe.
A knock sounded on her door.
“Hey, Ky? Are you ready?” Reid’s warm voice was a welcome balm, and her heart ached, knowing she may not hear it much longer.
She wiped away her tears and checked her makeup one last time. Then she squared her shoulders and cleared her throat.
“Coming!” she called, rushing toward the door.
“Thank you for coming to see our lighthouse,” Reid told a group of visitors. It was midmorning, and he and other members of the Coral Cove Historical Society were giving tours of the lighthouse while other events went on outside.
An elderly couple stopped by the donation box and slipped a few bills inside.
Reid smiled. Although the tours cost ten dollars a person, with all of the money going into the fundraiser, they also had a donation box for folks who were feeling extra generous. “Thank you for helping our school,” he told them. He loved how his community had come together for this festival. It was just another reason why he enjoyed living in this place.
The couple shared a smile before turning their bright countenances toward Reid.
“We raised our family here, and we’re so grateful our children and grandchildren have chosen to do the same,” the woman said. “Do you have a family, young man?”
“Yes, ma’am. A daughter.”
“I hope she grows and flourishes here as we all have.”
“I do too.”
The elderly couple held hands and then headed toward the door.
He watched them go, and his chest felt tight. He’d always imagined he and Brynn would resemble that older couple someday, spending their golden years together while enjoying their grandchildren. But that dream was ripped from his grasp the day a dump truck driver came across the centerline and stole Brynn from Reid and Piper forever.
“Hey, Reid. Wanna take a break?”
He pivoted to where Ashley Humphrey, another tour guide, stood at the doorway leading to the spiral staircase. “You sure?”
“Now’s the best time.” She pointed to the doorway. “The line for tours has died down. Take a half hour. I’ll take a break when you get back.”
“Great. Thanks.” Reid hurried out into the midmorning sunshine and down the long boardwalk toward the road.
The marketplace was in full swing with people walking in andout of the tents at the base of the lighthouse. Nearby a local historian stood onstage and shared the story of the sailors who were saved by the lighthouse. Reid picked up his pace on his way to the tent across the way where a large sign read “Arts and Crafts, Sponsored by Crafty Creations.”
Something inside him shifted as soon as he spotted Kaiah working with a group of children who were creating lighthouses out of Pringles cans. She crouched down next to a little boy who looked to be about five. His tongue was slipped out the corner of his mouth as he concentrated on following Kaiah’s instructions for gluing a piece of white construction paper onto the cardboard tube.
Kaiah was lovely in a purple sundress with her hair roped into a braid that hung to the middle of her back. He’d tossed and turned most of the night at the station, worrying about her, and he’d even texted his sister three times to check on her. He grinned recalling his twin’s predictable answers.
Becca: She’s fine! I got it handled. Now get back to work.
Becca: I told you she’s okay, Reid! Stop worrying already!
Becca: It’s midnight, Reid. Go to sleep.
The little boy said something to Kaiah, and she helped him finish gluing the paper before she instructed him on what to do next. Reid’s heart swelled as he watched her talking with the child. She was always so patient and sweet to Piper, and it was evident that she enjoyed interacting with kids.
