House on the Beach

by Linda Barrett

  “Where is she?” Matt loomed over the appointment desk and watched the gal behind it open her eyes in fear. So he looked like a madman. He felt like one, too. But decided to soften his voice.

  “Laura McCloud,” he said. “She had a ten-o’clock appointment, and now—” he glanced at his watch “—it’s ten thirty-six.” He felt like he’d run a marathon. And perhaps he had with all his pacing on the ferry.

  “She’s with the doctor at the moment,” came the soft reply.

  “I want in,” he said slowly and distinctly. “Call the exam room. Tell them Matt Parker is here and I want in now.”

  She nodded and spoke into the phone, but he couldn’t hear what she said.

  His adrenaline was pumping, he had enough energy to bash down every door in the place until he found her. But he made himself stand still. For all he knew, the receptionist could have called Security. He glanced around. People were staring at him. Hell, he would have called Security.

  “Here’s Grace, thank God,” said the appointment clerk, nodding in the direction of a nurse who was walking toward them.

  Her arm was outstretched inviting him to follow her, and Matt felt himself relax.

  “So, you’re Laura’s boyfriend,” the nurse said, giving him the once-over. Her hazel eyes were as sharp as razor blades, and Matt thought he’d relaxed too soon. Thank goodness he was one of the good guys.

  “No,” he said, pumping her hand. “I’m not her boyfriend,” he said, emphasizing the word “boyfriend”. “I’m her fiancé. The man she’s going to marry.”

  “Congratulations,” the woman replied without missing a beat. “You’ve got a winner.” Her assessment continued. “I’m hoping she does, too.” Then she smiled, and her eyes warmed. “Come on in, Matt. Meet the team.”

  He didn’t care about a team. He only wanted Laura! But he followed the nurse down the hall without another word.

  WAS IT REALLY Matt causing all the ruckus out front? Was it Grace’s voice she heard with him? Laura nodded at Dr. Berger and his nurse, Janet, when the call came in that a wild man named Matt Parker was asking for her. No, not asking. Demanding.

  Maybe it was just as well he was here. He could see what she experienced. And would probably experience again.

  A knock sounded and the door opened. And there was Matt, filling the exam room with his six-foot towering presence. He stared at Laura. “I’m furious with you, but we’ll put that on hold for the moment.”

  She shivered in her medical gown and slacks, and watched in disbelief as her normally warmhearted, loving, kind man turned on Dr. Berger.

  “What the hell’s going on here?”

  Dr. Berger was no slouch, either, as Laura well knew. He was used to dealing head-on with truth. His questioning eyes met Laura’s and she nodded. The doctor rose from his stool, looked Matt squarely in the face, and said, “She’s fine.” The doctor nodded at the vacated seat, and Matt collapsed into it.

  “Proof once again that the bigger they are, the harder they fall.” Dr. Berger, who was shorter than Matt by a good four inches or so, winked at Laura while Janet and Grace grinned.

  Then the doctor addressed Matt. “She has a thickened milk gland. It’s common and definitely not cancerous. But I’m glad she came in. She should never delay with anything that bothers her.”

  Matt nodded. “Just…just a milk gland?” No mistaking the fear in his voice.

  The doctor nodded.

  “And lots of women get this?” Matt repeated.

  “Yes.”

  Laura watched as Matt just sat and breathed. She knew how he felt. An exquisite release of tension, like a snapped rubber band. “It’s okay, Matt. I’m fine.”

  But when he raised his head and stared at her, her stomach tightened. In his expression, she saw sadness and…disappointment.

  “No, Laura,” Matt said. “You may be fine, but we are not fine. Why didn’t you tell me the truth about where you were going today? I thought we were partners. I thought we were in this together. I don’t need or want a martyr!”

  Laura couldn’t move. Couldn’t speak. Matt’s unexpected accusations robbed her strength. Under his prolonged study, she felt like disappearing. Her fear grew along with the silence. In her effort to protect Matt, she’d risked their entire relationship in a way she hadn’t thought about. And now she had to reconnect with him. She forgot about everything and everyone in the room except Matthew.

  She reached toward him from her position on the examining table. “Please, Matt. Don’t be angry. I thought I was doing you a favor. I’m not used to asking for help with this. Not even too much from Alison. And I guess I’m not used to people wanting to take care of me. With my mom, I was always the caregiver.”

  Her arm dropped. She didn’t have any more words. She didn’t know what else to say.

  Matt had leaned back in the chair, his eyes closed. Was he thinking about forgiveness? Or was he trying to find words to say goodbye?

  “I used to think all my fear was rooted in the cancer,” he finally said, looking at her again. “I was so afraid of loving you and losing you. I’ll take blame for that. But now I see that there was more. I was afraid of something else.”

  She stared at him, trying to absorb every word he said. Trying to understand what was on his mind.

  “A real relationship requires communication,” continued Matt. “Sharing. Talking. Give and take. You’re the one who said that Dee and the Chief wasted five years because of poor communication. Well, I’m sick of silence between people. I’m sick of people running away. For God’s sake, I have a brother I haven’t seen in eight years. And what has his disappearance accomplished?” He waited a beat and then answered his own question. “Absolutely nothing good. Only empty spaces in people’s lives.”

  He stood up and stepped closer to her. “I love you, Laura. And I want our marriage to be one of sharing—the good and the bad. Running away scares me more than anything, so you can’t do that. You can’t just up and leave people who love you. It’s not fair. Do you think you can talk to me, trust me?”

  “Thank you, God,” she whispered to herself before she looked up at the man she’d love forever.

  “Oh, yes. Of course I can. Because I love you, too. With my whole heart.”

  And then he kissed her, and her world was right side up again. Music should have been playing; birds should have been singing.

  She did hear something. Simultaneously she and Matt broke the kiss and looked around at their audience. Grace, Janet, Kate, the third nurse, and Dr. Berger. All hands clapping and soft sounds of “bravo” for good measure.

  “What a story to tell the other patients,” said Kate.

  “Just make sure you tell them that it’s not about the cancer.” Matt nodded at Dr. Berger. “That’s the doc’s department.”

  Laura leaned forward, not wanting to miss a syllable of whatever Matt would say.

  “Tell them it’s all about the love around you. The love and the support and the caring.”

  “Amen,” said Grace.

  One by one, Matt looked at each person standing in the room. “Thank you,” he said, “for everything. And especially for not throwing me out of the office.”

  “Our specialty is listening,” said Evan Berger. He indicated his nursing staff. “Would you say we’ve seen and handled just about everything over the years?”

  The women chuckled.

  “I wish we had more like him,” said Grace, with a nod toward Matthew.

  Laura started laughing as Matt’s face turned a deep red, and wasn’t surprised when he abruptly turned to her and then to the doctor. “Is she good to go?”

  The doctor nodded.

  “Great,” replied Matt. “We’ve got two kids who’ll be getting out of school about the time we get home.”

  Might as well ask now. Laura slid from the table and looked at Dr. Berger. “Any problem with changing that to three kids in a year or two?”

  She heard Matt’s gasp.

&nbs
p; “In your case, no problem at all,” replied Dr. Berger. “We’ll talk next time.”

  “All three of us will talk next time,” said Matt, a frown on his brow.

  Laura squeezed his hand. “Of course. I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’ll be a joint decision.”

  He kissed her again. “Come on, my love. Time to go home. Time to celebrate.”

  “Time for you two to get on with your lives!” The doc had the last word. And a big grin on his face.

  WORDS WERE SUPERFLUOUS in the taxi. On the ferry. But touch wasn’t. Holding hands was as necessary as breathing. A caress on the cheek, a gentle kiss on the forehead, on the mouth—all vital to life.

  With Matt beside her at the railing, Laura raised her face to the May sunshine. The rays warmed her, and she felt all the remaining cold disappear. His finger traced the outline of her lips, and he kissed her again.

  “God, I love you so much, Laura. I couldn’t let you run away without trying to understand.”

  She rose on tiptoe, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him with everything she had inside. “I’m so glad you came after me, Matthew Parker. I like a man who’ll make a big scene because he loves me!”

  His eyes gleamed. “Baby, you ain’t seen nothing yet!”

  He proved it an hour later at Sea View House in the master bedroom. But making love was different this time, Laura noticed. Just as the boat ride had been. Quiet, more intense and passionate, as though a brush with death had to be overridden by experiencing life at its most exquisite. By experiencing the act that gave life.

  “Why,” Laura gasped at the end, “is this called ‘the little death’ when I’ve never felt so alive?”

  “Let’s try to figure it out during the next hundred years.”

  She cuddled against him, then felt herself doze off. Until she heard the familiar click, click, click. “The damn shutter is driving me nuts,” she mumbled as she wrapped her naked limbs around Matt. “Bart was supposed to send someone to fix it.”

  “He did, sweetheart. It’s how I found you today.”

  She looked up at him as his words fell into place. “I’m glad he called you and not someone else.”

  “Not a chance. Sea View House has a lot of history that Bart won’t mess with. Only a trusted few can work here. Did you know that he keeps what he calls an “official” journal of stories connected with this house? It’s really amazing at how many people have lived and loved here.”

  “He’s told me…and—” she peeked at him “—are you ready for this?”

  “What?”

  “There’s a new story being added to the journal.” She stared at him until the light of understanding flickered in his eyes.

  His index finger pointed at her, then back at himself. His comical expression made her laugh.

  She nodded. “Yes, indeed. I just have to write the ending.”

  Matt fell back on his pillow. “I swear, this is why everyone knows everything about everybody in Pilgrim Cove. We write it all down!”

  Laura giggled. “Bart said the book is kept under lock and key for posterity.”

  “Just make sure you write a very happy ending.”

  “That’s easy. I’ll just tell the truth.”

  He kissed her and got up. “Why don’t you finish the story this afternoon and give it to him at The Lobster Pot tonight. I’m taking the whole family to celebrate how much I love you.”

  WITH A BOY on each side of her, and Matthew and Sam behind her, Laura’s visit to the popular restaurant that evening was as different from her first visit as it was possible to be. Thea and Maggie greeted her before saying hello to the men, as if she were the lifetime resident of Pilgrim Cove.

  “Is this guy treating you right, like a bride-to-be is supposed to be treated?” asked Thea as she gave Laura a hug and winked at Matt.

  Before Laura could respond, Maggie added her voice. “What a time this town is having with two weddings right next to each other. It’s something happy to talk about. That’s for sure.” Then Katie’s grandmother turned to the children. “You’re taking it easy on Laura, aren’t you? Not driving her crazy yet?”

  “No-o,” said Casey, looked at his dad. “Are we?”

  “Of course not,” Laura answered quickly, without giving Matt a chance to reply. She looked at Maggie. “They’re wonderful kids. The best!”

  Casey grinned and so did Brian.

  “Of course they are,” said Thea. “Now come on in and sit down. We need help with something we’re working on for Rick’s bachelor party Sunday night. Both you guys are going, aren’t you?”

  Matt and Sam nodded.

  “Good,” said Maggie while Thea disappeared. “Most of the police force is going to be here, too. Current and retired. The place will be rocking with the stories they’ll tell about Rick.” She sighed with contentment. “I can’t believe he and Dee are finally getting married. And in only two more weeks! Memorial Day is sneaking up on us.”

  As the family followed Maggie to their table, Laura puzzled over how they could possibly assist with Rick’s bachelor party. She didn’t imagine Thea or Maggie would want help preparing food.

  Thea returned quickly. “What do you think of this?” she asked, displaying an unframed sketch that very soon would be destined for a place on the wall. The top half of the paper was a caricature of Rick O’Brien riding on a big fish and wearing a policeman’s hat on his head. The caption read: He wanted to snapper up…

  The bottom half was a cartoon picture of petite Dee, sitting demurely on a dock at the water’s edge. The punch line read: Because she smelt so good!

  Laura laughed and groaned at the same time. “No, no, no. Good wordplay, but not fair to Dee.”

  “I thought it was too much, also,” sighed Maggie. “Can you think of something else?”

  Laura glanced at the menu in front of her. A slew of fish names. “How about…” she said slowly. “He wanted to snapper up…because she lived inside his sole.”

  “All right!” said Maggie with enthusiasm. “That’s better.”

  “Friendlier,” said Thea.

  “Glad I could help,” said Laura. “By the way, who’s the artist? This stuff is great.”

  “Oh, that’s Maggie,” said Thea. “She’s better at drawing than cooking!” Thea grinned at Maggie’s outraged expression and then made a quick getaway.

  “That sister of mine! She’s the one who comes up with the ideas. And no one’s ever gotten sick from my cooking!”

  Laura kept her mouth shut. No way was she getting involved with a sisterly squabble despite their obvious devotion to each other.

  “Hmm. Is your dad here tonight?” asked Matt. “Laura’s got something for him.”

  Laura’s eyes met Matt’s. He winked.

  “Dad’s in the kitchen, stirring chowder,” said Maggie. “I’ll tell him you’re here…after I show you our other etching.” She grinned at them. “We’re not done yet.”

  “Uh-oh,” said Matt. “I don’t like that look in your eye, Maggie Sullivan. What’s going on?”

  “Oh, hush. It’s not so bad. But I did say there were two weddings coming up, didn’t I?” She raced off.

  “Now what?” asked Laura. “What do you think they came up with?”

  Matt shrugged.

  “Anything’s possible,” said Sam, “but it’s all in good fun.”

  Laura nodded, and caught sight of the two sisters returning to the table with their newest offering. It was a caricature of Matt wearing a big tool belt, one hand raised high in the air, holding a huge wrench with Laura sitting balanced on top. His other hand was fisted on his hip, and he was winking at the viewer. The caption read: Matt Parker loves his wench!

  Sam applauded.

  Matt exclaimed, “True! How true!” And leaned across the table to give Laura a quick kiss.

  Brian looked puzzled.

  Casey yelled, “I don’t get it!”

  And Laura laughed until tears ran down her face. She loved
them all! She opened her arms to Matt’s sons and motioned them over. “Come on. I’ll explain everything.”

  Casey plopped into her lap. “Okay, La-La-L-Mom! Tell us.”

  EPILOGUE

  BART QUINN SALUTED Rick O’Brien as the retired police officer stood sentry at the door to Pilgrim Cove Elementary School on the morning of the Memorial Day program. The Chief usually volunteered his services to the town when extra help might be needed. But today, with his wedding only two days away, the man was either extremely conscientious or needed to keep himself busy.

  Bart maneuvered down the crowded center aisle of the auditorium searching for his family, amazed but satisfied at how a children’s event prompted such a big turnout. There wasn’t another town on the New England coast that could hold a candle to Pilgrim Cove, not in his mind.

  “Granddad, over here.” Bart recognized Lila’s voice and spotted her hand waving at him.

  “Is our Katie set for her debut?” he teased as he sat down.

  “You mean, did she let me pull a comb through her hair?” replied Lila.

  “She looks gorgeous,” chimed in Maggie Sullivan. “Cute as a button, bright as the sun. Anyone can see that, not just her doting grandmother! She and Casey are going to knock ’em dead with their duet.”

  “Of course they are,” Bart replied. “Never thought anything else. Now where’s Sam and his crew?” he asked, scanning the crowd.

  “Right across the aisle, Dad,” replied Maggie. “You’ll see them when everyone sits down. Laura’s the nervous one in that group.”

  “She’s worried about Casey, is all,” said Lila. “Casey singing in front of all these people. She’s wonderful with him and with Brian, too. She loves them. Each one of them, including Sam.”

  “Good. Good,” said Bart. “That’s the way it should be.”

  “Did you know I’m showing Matt’s house to a potential buyer this afternoon?” asked Lila.

  Bart shook his head. “He’s decided to build a new one after all?”

  Lila nodded. “Or buy—if we can find the right house. And that means a stone’s throw from the beach.” Lila sighed, a wistful note in her voice. “Oh, Gramps. He’s so in love with Laura. He says his wedding gift to her is the Atlantic Ocean!”