by T. I. Lowe
“You eating without me?” Lincoln gave Carter a manly slap on the shoulder while inspecting an untouched plate of delicious-looking fare—biscuits and gravy, bacon, French toast, and eggs.
Carter stood and gave him a bear hug. Lincoln cringed at the contact. The Cole family was not an affectionate bunch. Handshakes from the men and hugs from the women that were so brief they could hardly constitute as hugs were what he was used to receiving. Carter and his family were the complete opposite, offering long embraces and draping arms over each other’s shoulders without thought.
Carter finally released him and gestured for him to have a seat. “I was beginning to think you ditched me. Good to see you, man.”
“Sorry. This bum knee won’t let me get anything done fast. It’s good to see you too.” Lincoln stifled a grunt as he settled on the stool beside Carter. Moving in and unpacking the last few days had stiffened his leg considerably, making him feel more like a decrepit old geezer than the thirty-three-year-old he was. He pulled in a deep breath, stealing the enticing aroma of fried bacon and rich, robust coffee. “This place looks like it’s ready to collapse, but it sure does smell good.”
“The dilapidated shack is part of the charm, but wait until you taste the food.” Carter waved over a tall blonde. “Josie, you think you could bring my buddy Lincoln one of your Hungry Sailor’s Specials?”
“You got it.” She offered Lincoln a welcoming smile. “What can I get you to drink?”
Lincoln motioned to Carter’s cup. “Coffee would be great, please.”
Once the waitress disappeared into the kitchen, Lincoln angled himself on the stool to keep a better eye on the perimeter of the dining area. The place was busy considering it was well past Labor Day, but most of the clientele looked to be made up of fishermen. The telltale signs of fishing bibs and hats gave them away. He noticed a few tables in the back corner occupied by young mothers chatting it up over coffee while their little ones either slept in their carriers or made a gaum in their high chairs.
“You settled in at the cottage all right?” Carter asked as he studied his plate, looking as starved as Lincoln but being polite enough to wait.
“Yeah. It’s peaceful for sure.” And peace was exactly what he was looking for.
The blonde waitress was back in a flash and placed several plates before him. The savory scents of breakfast meats and a sweet vanilla perfume wafting from a thick stack of French toast had him turning to face the counter.
“Wow.” Lincoln picked up his fork and pointed it in the direction of one of Carter’s plates. “Why didn’t I get any biscuits and gravy?” he asked the waitress. “And is that shrimp in the gravy?”
“A batch of biscuits just came out the oven. I’ll bring you out a serving in a minute. We use shrimp instead of sausage.”
“It’s genius,” Carter commented.
Josie only added a timid smile as she placed a cup beside Lincoln’s plate and filled it with aromatic coffee.
“Thank you, ma’am.” Lincoln tipped his head before taking a sip. Still unable to shake off the bad night’s sleep, it was exactly what he needed.
“You’re welcome. I’ll go grab you some biscuits and gravy.” She backtracked to the kitchen.
Lincoln cut into the thick slices of toast and crammed a bite into his mouth. Before he could start chewing, Carter bowed his head and said grace, thanking God for the food and for Lincoln’s safe return from overseas. Lincoln, feeling uneasy, waited to take another bite until his friend wrapped up the prayer.
He wasn’t on good terms with God as of late. His gran and paps always said God wanted to answer his prayers and to see him prosper. Lincoln had wholeheartedly believed them until a rocket attack showed him just how naive he’d been.
Lincoln came from a long line of Marines. He was a Cole, and Coles were born to protect their country. His grandfather, great-uncle, uncle, and dad had all been career soldiers, and that was Lincoln’s projected path. He’d managed almost two tours until an attack in Syria ended his plans, leaving him broken and uncertain of any future. The need for a little space to heal and overcome the shame of letting his family down was one of the reasons he finally accepted his friend August’s advice to take a break from Beaufort, South Carolina, and headed up the coast to Sunset Cove.
“When’s August going to grace us with his presence?” Lincoln asked between bites, trying to ignore his dismal thoughts.
Carter sopped up the creamy gravy with a chunk of biscuit and chuckled. “That one has been globe-trotting for so long, I think he sometimes forgets he’s supposed to grace us with his appearance now and then.”
August was Carter’s nephew even though the two guys were fairly close in age and acted more like brothers. Lincoln had met them both at a summer ministry camp in Beaufort years ago when they were all teens, before Lincoln became a soldier and August a world-renowned artist. They had instantly clicked and had remained in touch over the years. August was the type of guy to draw others to him, so it was no surprise when Lincoln formed a close-knit bond with him similar to that he would later find with his military brothers. Carter was also a great friend, but he was now in love and that kept the sucker too preoccupied.
“He’s back in the States now, though, right?” Lincoln shoved another bite of sweet toast in and followed it with a strip of bacon.
“Yeah. Wrapping up an inner-city art project in New York,” Carter explained around a mouthful of food.
Lincoln chewed thoughtfully while musing over August. The guy was an artistic genius with a penchant for hair dye and piercings, and he could create art out of just about anything. Lincoln was right proud of how his friend had used that incredible talent to share with others through an international art ministry that introduced fine arts to the less fortunate. August had also found his place in the world of art. His paintings hung in galleries from California to New York. “He’s really made a name for himself, hasn’t he?”
Carter’s face lit up with pride. “He sure has. He’s gone and gotten famous on us.”
Carter Bradford had made a name for himself in his own right. Until recently, he and his fiancée, Dominica, had been members of a praise and worship band that shared their talent at camps and conferences across the United States. Carter was the sound tech guy but knew his way around a piano and could pick about any song on a guitar. Dominica was the bass player. Lincoln didn’t know what all was behind their early retirement, but he figured Carter would share it if he wanted to. And if not, Lincoln deduced it was none of his business.
Carter reached over and grabbed the carafe and refilled both their cups with coffee. “August told me he set you up with a job at Bless This Mess. When do you start?” He took another sip of coffee.
Lincoln stared down at his plate. “I’m not working there.”
“Why not?” Carter groaned. “August promised Opal you would, and he doesn’t make a habit of promising something he can’t deliver. Was she upset?”
Lincoln’s back tensed up, knowing good and well he’d just made his friend do something he himself wouldn’t do. But then again, August had no business making promises on his behalf in the first place. “She had no reason to be upset. I didn’t even tell her who I was, so she’s fine. That woman doesn’t seem to be one for getting upset, anyway.” Lincoln shrugged and chomped down on another crispy strip of bacon.
Carter gave him a shrewd look while slowly chewing. “You’re selling it a little too hard there, buddy.”
“What?” Lincoln shook his head. “Am not.” He wiped his mouth with his wadded-up napkin and took a sip of coffee. “Look, I’ll have August call her up and explain that his friend changed his mind about the job. No harm, no foul.”
“She really needs the help, Linc. Don’t leave her hanging.”
“She’s weird. Why would August even suggest me putting up with her? She some kind of hippie or something?” Lincoln asked just as the waitress placed a piping hot plate full of biscuits and gravy before him.
Lincoln shifted on the stool, aggravated and a little embarrassed. “I’m not looking for a good time.” And he certainly didn’t want to deal with Opal’s intuitiveness, which he’d noticed even in their brief meeting. He grimaced.
“Clearly,” the blonde muttered while walking off.
“Who does she think she is?” Lincoln glared at her retreating back.
“That’s Josie. One of Opal’s best friends. And you just got on her bad side. I’d leave a fat tip after how you just got caught talking about her friend—or find somewhere else to eat from now on.” Carter waved a hand toward Lincoln. “And besides, look at you with all that long hair and your old Converses. You look like the hippie.” He pushed an elbow into Lincoln’s side and tsked. “Even got a rip in the knee of your jeans.”
Lincoln suppressed the urge to tuck his shoulder-length hair behind his ear, knowing his friend would call him out on it. And he could razz Carter right back. With shaggy brown hair that the sun had faded quite a bit and wearing his own pair of tattered jeans with a surf logo T-shirt, Carter was a cross between country boy USA and SoCal surfer dude.
He let it go and muttered, “I’m not looking for complication, and that woman screams it.”
Carter huffed a laugh. “It’s just delivering furniture and helping Opal move stuff around. How’s that complicated?”
The way she looked at me was complicated. Lincoln held that comment back and focused on enjoying every bite of breakfast just in case it was the last time he was allowed in. It was a mighty fine meal, so he hoped he wouldn’t be banned from the premises.
“Your loss then.” Carter shook his head, but after another bite of food, he changed the subject and filled Lincoln in on the fine arts camp he was going to open next summer. The conversation remained on that topic until their plates were clean. After settling the bill, and Lincoln placing a twenty in the tip jar while making sure Josie saw him do it, the guys headed outside.
It was quite a nice, sunny day on the beach with a subtle breeze, but the stunning ocean view wasn’t the cause of Lincoln coming to a halt. No, it had everything to do with the redhead sitting on the hood of his Jeep. He eyed her with as much annoyance as possible before sliding his focus to the bench wedged in the back of his vehicle. He knew he should have put the top on.
Crossing his arms, he glared at her. “How’d you manage that?” His head ticked in the direction of the bench. “And just how did you know this was my Jeep?”
Opal didn’t make a move to get down as he’d expected. Instead, she lifted her legs from the bumper and crisscrossed them. “Honey, this Southern drawl may come out a little slow, but I ain’t. I also move faster than you and saw you climb into this beast before peeling out of my parking lot. How rude.” Her dainty brows rose on that last word.
Lincoln ignored her reprimand and Carter’s snort of laughter. “How’d your tiny self get that bench loaded up?”
She sent him a bored look. “I know how to work a dolly.”
In his periphery, Lincoln caught Carter trying to slink away. His hand darted out and fisted in the back of his buddy’s T-shirt. “Where do you think you’re going?”
Carter yanked free. “Taking the high road. You got your ornery butt into this mess. Now figure out how to get out of it.” He tipped his head at the young woman. “Opal.”
“See ya later, Carter,” she said in that breezy voice that was already raking Lincoln’s nerves.
Lincoln watched in disbelief as Carter left him high and dry. He turned back to the peculiar woman, knowing he had no other choice unless he was going to physically remove her, and that wasn’t an option. Clenching his fists, he waited for her next move.
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DISCUSSION
QUESTIONS
Sea Glass Castle is not only the book’s title but is also the name of Weston’s beach house. How does the book’s name relate to the main characters, Sophia and Weston?
Did you like Sophia when you first met her, whether in this book or one of the previous books? If not, how did you warm up to her?
Sophia certainly did not get a good first impression of Weston. Did you find this to be true for you as well? How might his circumstances have affected the way he came across to people when the story started?
Collin plays a significant role in this story: Sophia trying to take care of him, Weston easily settling into a fatherly role for him. Both adults had only good intentions for the little boy but didn’t always get it right. How so?
The author enjoys infusing comic relief into her stories. Does any particular scene from this book come to mind?
Seth is the mischievous twin. Did he add another layer to the story or detract from it?
Even though Weston tried to start the next chapter of his life after losing his wife and child, how did he carry them into this new chapter?
Ty came back into town midway through the story, throwing a wrench into Sophia and Weston’s blossoming relationship. How was his appearance the final period Sophia needed to firmly close that chapter of her life?
The turbulent journey of sea glass and the turbulent lives of both main characters come together at the end. How do they correlate?
Sea Glass Castle is the conclusion to the Sand Queens’ stories. Does the series feel complete? Was the conclusion satisfying, or is there someone else’s story that needs to be told?
SAND QUEENS’
SUMMER PUNCH
2 packets (0.16 ounce each) Kool-Aid unsweetened tropical punch powdered soft drink
1 46-ounce can 100 percent pineapple juice
1 12-ounce can pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
1 32-ounce bottle Simply Orange orange juice
1 liter ginger ale, chilled
Combine first four ingredients. Pour mixture into quart-size freezer bags, filling halfway. Seal each bag carefully and place in freezer until completely frozen. To prepare punch, chop frozen blocks of mixture and place in punch bowl. Pour ginger ale in and stir. Serve and be prepared to make more quickly! Yes, it will disappear. Just to be on the safe side, go ahead and double this recipe.
For special occasions, you can change up the recipe by using regular lemonade instead of pink lemonade and using a different flavor/color of Kool-Aid.
Note: I’d advise against allowing a member of the Knitting Club to prepare the punch. They have been known to switch the ginger ale for sparkling wine . . .
A NOTE FROM
THE AUTHOR
Each book in this series has been dedicated to my daughter, Lydia. And each dedication has come with purpose even if it wasn’t obvious at the time.
In Beach Haven, I encouraged Lydia—and you (yes, you)—to dare to be different. I hope readers take away from Opal’s story the fact that it’s okay to be different. In my opinion, it’s better! How boring this life would be if we all matched in personality and everything else. I personally want to be an Opal. To wear what I like, not what’s trending. To write a story in my style, even if it doesn’t fit into the box of what folks expect for my genre.
In Driftwood Dreams, I urged Lydia and you to dare to dream. Circumstances told Josie she couldn’t, but sweet, encouraging August said she could. Finally the ole gal listened! I’m a great example of this, if I do say so myself. Had I not chased the dream of writing, listening to society whispering that a stay-at-home mom with very little college education could never be a successful author, what a poor role model I’d have become for my Lu. (I’m sticking my tongue out at critics as we speak.) Surround yourself with encouragers like August. I’ve had three specific blondes in my corner from the very start of this writing dream. They told me I could, and they wouldn’t let me turn my back on the
dream even when it seemed hopeless. Thank you, blondies. You know who you are.
When it came to Sea Glass Castle, I challenged Lydia and you to dare to declare your own destiny. I hope Sophia has shown you that you have the power to do whatever it is you’re led to do. Do not allow someone else to tell you who to be or how to be. I love the saying “You do you.” My hope is that Sophia showed us all that it’s okay to stop being a people pleaser and to stop worrying about what others think of you. Who you are is between you and God and no one else. I guarantee you will never meet the expectations of others. Don’t even bother. I encourage you to live up to God’s expectations and your own, and no one else’s. Sometimes those other fools are just too discombobulated about what their expectations are anyway . . .
SEA GLASS CASTLE
PLAYLIST
“Everything to Everyone”
by Everclear
“Waiting on Superman”
by Daughtry
“I Could Use a Love Song”
by Maren Morris
“Wonderful”
by Everclear
“Praying”
by Kesha
“I Have This Hope”
by Tenth Avenue North
“I Met a Girl”
by Sam Hunt
“Carolina”
by Parmalee
“Broken & Beautiful”
by Kelly Clarkson
“Born to Be Yours”
by Kygo & Imagine Dragons
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
While completing this book series, I experienced my first traditionally published book launch with the rerelease of Lulu’s Café. Wow, what an experience! So many folks went above and beyond to help me. There are too many to name, but I have to begin here with thanking them. The amazing marketing team at Tyndale House Publishers, Andrea Garcia and my publicist, Amanda Woods. And also Kaitlyn Bouchillon and my awesome Lulu’s Café launch team. You spent an impressive amount of time and graciously dished out your enthusiasm for my “little book that could,” and I look forward to partnering with you for this book series as well.