Moonlight Beach

by Tammy L Grace

  “My office is up here, but I don’t anticipate having to work this weekend, so you and Mac can have the run of the upstairs. You should have everything you need in the two guest rooms and I’ve set out extra towels in the bathroom.”

  Izzy motioned her to the office and a chair in front of her desk. Lily nodded as she took in the space. “Your home is quite lovely. We’ll be fine and there’s no need to afford us much privacy.” She glanced out the window and sighed. “Mac and I are taking things slowly. We talked about things before we came, since a trip away together, just the two of us, is a big step.” The color rose in her cheeks. “Suffice it to say, two bedrooms are perfect.”

  Izzy smiled. “I know what you mean. Relationships at our age are a bit different than when I met John, my ex-husband. I haven’t dated much in all these years. I recently met a neighbor, Colin, and for the first time feel something different. I’m not certain it’s serious or even close, but it’s nice to have that little tingle of excitement coursing through me when I talk to him or see him.” She shook her head and grinned. “Honestly, I never thought it would happen. I’ve just buried myself in work for so long and sort of relegated that part of me to the dusty corners of my mind. You’ll meet him tomorrow at brunch. Colin is the manager here at Sunset Bay Golf and Tennis and lives just a few houses down from me. He’s the one who organized the tickets for the Halloween party this weekend.”

  Lily noticed Izzy was more relaxed and happier than when she had come to visit the cottages and suspected Colin might be the reason. “From the twinkle in your eye when you mention him, I’d say he’s something special.” Lily walked over to the doors on the balcony and checked on the dogs and Mac. “I keep thinking it seems too soon after losing Gary, but know exactly what you mean about those feelings. I’ve felt a strong bond with Mac, with the dogs and both of us losing our spouses, but there is more to it. I look forward to seeing him, chatting with him, just having him there. I realized that even more when I went back to DC in September. I missed him.”

  Behind her in-charge demeanor that Lily was sure came in handy in her legal work, Izzy’s eyes softened. “I don’t think you can let anyone dictate a timetable to you or tell you when it’s appropriate to date another man. If you’re lucky enough to find someone who is kind, who makes you happy, and you do the same for him, that sounds ideal. Are you worried about what your son thinks?”

  Lily gnawed on her bottom lip. “I was, but I talked to Kevin about Mac. I didn’t feel right coming on this trip without Kevin knowing I was seeing someone. He’s never met Mac, but he was terrific and told me I deserve to be happy and find someone to share my life with. That made me feel better.”

  Izzy smiled and sighed, her shoulders slumping. “You’re lucky. Kevin sounds like a wonderful young man. As I told you when we visited in Driftwood Bay, Mia is a challenge and seems to do everything in her power to sabotage any of my attempts at happiness. I haven’t mentioned Colin and probably won’t. I just can’t deal with any more negativity and drama from her.”

  Despite seeming to have everything under control, Lily detected the regret in Izzy’s voice. “I’m sorry about your daughter. You’re right about Kevin. I consider myself lucky to have a close relationship with him, even with him so far away. I often feel guilty about moving out here, but he’s immersed in his own life and is enjoying school.”

  A few barks from down below interrupted them. Izzy stood and made her way to join Lily at the balcony. “We better get lunch organized and give Mac a break from the dogs. After lunch, you two should take a drive and explore some of the island or go into town and check out the shops along the harbor. I’ll stay here and mind the dogs.”

  With a tourist map and directions from Izzy, it didn’t take long for Mac to drive them to their first destination at the lavender farm. Although they had missed the peak blooming season, it was still gorgeous and Lily couldn’t get enough of the scent. After she loaded up on all sorts of products and they sampled cookies and lemonade made with lavender, they headed down the road to the park and beach Izzy told them about where she loved to walk and view the lighthouse.

  The gorgeous fall day provided the opportunity for some fabulous photos of the lighthouse and surrounding coastline. Driftwood Bay was beautiful, but this view was jaw-dropping. As the surf crashed into the rocky shore, it made for a fantastic spray of water. Mac captured some stunning photos and took several shots of them standing with the lighthouse in the background.

  They sat on a nearby bench, staring out at the water, mesmerized by the rhythm of the tide and the waves slamming into the rocks. She squeezed Mac’s hand. “The sea is so powerful, but yet relaxing and peaceful, isn’t it?”

  He nodded and turned his attention to her. “I agree. It’s comforting. I think it’s the ebb and flow, the way it can churn and storm, and then settle into a soothing presence. It’s a bit like life, the ups and downs.”

  Lily moved her gaze from him to the dark rocks along the shore, imagined them being honed over thousands of years, thinking of the generations before her who sat in this same spot and witnessed the power of the sea, the security of the lighthouse, the beauty of it all. “There is definitely something to the healing power of the sea. Perhaps it’s as simple as reminding us of the strength and resilience inside each of us.”

  Mac slipped his arm around her shoulder and drew her closer. “I like that idea. Nature is full of signs of resilience. The promise of spring after winter, the beauty in each season, the trust an animal places in me, even if he’s come from an abusive situation. People, like nature, can be such inspiration. So many, after suffering unimaginable losses or illnesses, recover and bloom again.”

  She leaned her head against his shoulder and shuddered as the breeze carried the sea spray to them, darkening her jacket with tiny splotches. “They say the only constant in life is change, right? In a way the ocean is like that, it changes and can be angry and tumultuous and then calm and unruffled, but it’s always there.”

  He smiled as he bobbed his head. “It’s definitely beautiful, when it’s calm and even when it’s roiling.” They sat for a few minutes longer, without speaking, listening to the crash of the waves as they admired the powerful force—capable of delivering calming beauty and powerful enough to erode the edges of rocks at the same time.

  They walked hand-in-hand back to the car and made one more stop, at the alpaca farm Izzy had circled on the map. Mac’s love for animals was evident in the way he hurried to the fence line to look at the alpacas and they warmed to him, letting him pet them without reservation. Lily had never seen so many of the cute animals, in a variety of colors.

  They were smaller than Mac’s llamas and as Lily watched him talking to them, she had a hunch Mac could be persuaded to add a couple of alpacas to his pasture with Margo and Coco. He explained the difference between the two species, and how the alpacas on the farm were Huacaya, the most popular of the two types of alpacas. He touted the strength and warmth of their fur, compared to wool.

  After they spent time admiring the creatures, they tore themselves away from the gorgeous eyes and sweet faces, and wandered to the gift shop. Lily ran her hands over the soft sweaters and scarves, trying to decide what to take home. She selected a plain men’s scarf for Kevin and two fur trimmed black ones, one for Mel and one for herself. She couldn’t resist the cute alpaca stuffed toy for Mel. Even though she was in college, Lily was certain she’d love it and it would keep her company in her bedroom.

  They made one more stop to visit the herd of alpacas before leaving. Lily was partial to the babies, one black and one a chocolate brown. “I think you need a couple of these at your house.” She raised her brows at Mac.

  “They are irresistible.” He smirked and added, “I’ll have to keep my eye out for some, although I don’t really need to add more animals to my mini-zoo.”

  “They’re just so sweet and adorable.” Lily blew them a kiss goodbye as they turned to walk to the car.

  They
backtracked along the same route they had taken from Izzy’s, having run out of time to make a loop around the other side of the island. As it was, they’d be pushing it to get back in time to get ready for dinner. There was no time to stop and admire the sunset on the water by the lighthouse, so they decided to save that for another time.

  When they walked in, they found Izzy dressed for dinner and all four dogs, lounging at her feet. They hurried upstairs to change clothes and joined Izzy in the kitchen. “Colin is joining us for dinner and offered to pick us up.” She checked her watch. “He should be here in about ten minutes.”

  Mac nodded at the dogs, who were lying together in a furry heap. “How’d the dogs do?”

  “They were great. I think they’re a bit worn out. Colin is going to add Jethro, his golden retriever, to the mix tomorrow. He’s a sweetie, and he and Sunny are good buddies.”

  The doorbell rang and the dogs all rushed to greet Colin. After a few licks and belly rubs, they settled back down and Mac coerced them to calm down by giving them a few cookies and promising they’d be right back.

  Over a wonderful meal and then drinks and coffee on the patio around the fire pit, Lily understood what Izzy saw in Colin. He was charming and his accent captivated her attention. She caught the knowing looks between them, the tiny gestures of them touching hands and it was easy to see they were both smitten with each other.

  Since she wasn’t driving and wasn’t responsible for anyone, Lily indulged in a couple of glasses of wine, and a fabulous dessert. She couldn’t remember such an enjoyable evening. The couple friends she and Gary had socialized with were all connected through work. Fellow officers, civilian coworkers, and others in the justice system comprised their social circle and usually their conversations were filled with war stories. Lots of them were funny and related to humorous events and they always enjoyed their time spent with friends, but this was different. Good different.

  Much like her conversations with guests at the cottages, the idea of spending time and learning about people with varied interests appealed to Lily. Stories from work, like Mac’s escapades with some animal patients and Colin’s funny account of having to rescue a group stranded after their golfing buddy made an angry exit with the cart, dominated the conversation, but there was room for more.

  They talked about how much dogs enriched their lives, their favorite foods and places to visit, books and movies, things they admired in others. It was new and refreshing and felt more substantial, more sincere than the conversations Lily recalled from going out with friends from work.

  It brought her back to her conversation with Mac earlier in the day about change. Until recently all the changes in her life had included loss and were negative. She feared change but feared being chained to old memories more. Starting with the decision to leave Virginia, she had embraced change and although fearful, had persevered and started what felt like a new life. As she mulled things, she realized each time she had taken a risk and accepted a new change—be it remodeling the cottages, taking Bodie, or welcoming Mel—they had all enhanced her life.

  Helping others, like Mel and Andy, did more good than any therapist she could imagine. It drove home how fortunate she was, even with the tragic losses she had suffered. Seeing the excitement in Andy and knowing how much Bodie would mean to him, filled her heart with joy. Watching Mel, who was truly alone in the world, begin to blossom, even after all the hardship, renewed Lily’s faith in humanity. That satisfaction that came from being part of easing someone’s burdens, helped to cure her heartbreak.

  She had toyed with continuing therapy after her initial visits with the shrink the department provided, but despite the assurance that she wouldn’t be judged for seeing a therapist, she knew there was a stigma associated with it. She didn’t want to bare her soul to anyone within the department’s system. The thought of finding a private doctor was overwhelming, so she had given up on the whole idea.

  Looking back, she often wondered if it would have made a difference. Maybe she wouldn’t have felt she had to leave Virginia. Maybe she could have come to terms with living with all of the memories. She would never know. She had made a choice and moved forward. Right now, as she glanced at Mac’s smiling face, his eyes shimmering in the light of the fire, her doubts about moving to Driftwood Bay faded.

  As the evening grew later, Lily struggled to keep her eyes open. She wasn’t used to drinking wine and it had worked its magic, delivering the fruity blend through her veins, relaxing her as the night wore on. The Winey Widows would be proud.

  Colin drove them home and while he and Izzy lingered at the door, she and Mac made their way upstairs. When they reached the landing, Mac turned to her and took both of her hands in his. “I had the best evening I can remember. I’m so happy we decided to take this trip together.”

  As he rubbed his thumbs over hers, she flinched at the tiny spark of electricity that traveled all the way to her toes. “I was thinking the same thing.”

  He bent and brushed his lips over hers, gently at first, and then with a bit more force. She tasted the caramel flavor of the beer he had drunk. That sensation, the tingle that she hadn’t felt since she had last kissed Gary, stirred something inside her.

  When they finally parted, it took all her willpower to pull herself away. She stretched to keep hold of his hand as she moved toward her bedroom door. “Sweet dreams, Mac.”

  He chuckled and blew her a kiss. “I can assure you they’ll be sweet. I’ll be dreaming of you.”

  12

  By the time Lily got downstairs Saturday morning, Izzy had already left to pick up the food for her party. Mac was still sleeping, which was unusual. He was always up early and started work at the clinic at seven, to make it convenient for pet parents who worked. Lily brewed a cup of tea and made herself comfortable in Izzy’s oversized chaise chair. The four dogs surrounded her and after they all received pets and ear scratches, settled in at her side.

  The kiss dominated her thoughts. She blamed it on the wine, but knew it was more than that. She liked Mac. More than liked him. What was the proper label? He was a kind-hearted man, one she admired, and although it surprised her, she found herself reliving the kiss, like a schoolgirl with a crush.

  As she sipped, she smiled when she thought of the Winey Widows. Their steadiness and the surefooted way they navigated their lives, gave Lily hope. A tear rolled down her cheek as she thought of her mom and dad and knew they would love Mac. As Margot and Jean had told her, she shouldn’t squander a chance at finding love again.

  Last night, Izzy had said she wasn’t sure what she and Colin had, but watching them it was apparent there was a romantic connection between them. They were good together and made each other laugh and smile. She and Mac were the same. It was so easy to see in others, but she struggled to admit her own feelings. This trip had cemented her affection for him. He checked all the boxes and stirred something inside her she didn’t expect. She suspected her heart was already his, but her mind kept holding her back, making her feel guilty. Deep down she knew Gary would like Mac and there was no reason to be ashamed of finding happiness again. Alerted to Mac’s footsteps on the stairs, the dogs rushed to greet him and cut short Lily’s musings.

  He bent over to greet each of the dogs. “Wow, I can’t believe I slept so late. I was hoping to take the dogs for a walk before we head off to golf.”

  “I’m sure they’ll get in lots of exercise today. Izzy said Sam and her husband, Jeff have a large property and the dogs will have a ball.”

  “Well, we won’t forget his name,” said Mac. “Our Jeff and Izzy’s Jeff.”

  “We can call our Jeff ‘Chief’ while we’re here,” said Lily and smiled. “He’s the Chief of Police in Driftwood Bay.”

  Mac chuckled. “Good plan.”

  She pointed at her cup. “Coffee’s brewed and the kettle is full.”

  He poured a cup of coffee. “How’d you sleep?” The dogs surrounded him as he slid into a chair at the counter.
<
br />   “Like a baby. I think I overdid the wine.” She chuckled as she petted the top of Sunny’s head, who had returned to her after greeting Mac.

  “I know. I never sleep in this late. It’s been nice not having to worry about work or messages from patients or anything. I guess I needed a break.”

  “I’m sure you did. I tend to use work as an escape, maybe a substitute for…life, I guess. I’m worried I’m not going to know what to do with myself over these next few months with the cottages closed down for the season.”

  His brows rose over the rim of his cup. “Maybe we’ll have to squeeze in a few more trips and do some exploring. I’ve been wanting to cut back at work, but never had a good reason.” His eyes twinkled with mischief.

  Lily smiled and rose, carrying her empty cup into the kitchen. She stopped in front of Mac and bent down, pressing her lips to his. “I like the sound of that.”

  The dogs scurried to the garage door, alerted to the sound of Izzy’s arrival. Soon after Mac helped her cart in the food, Max arrived. The two of them left, immersed in a conversation of medicine and golf, promising to be back in plenty of time for brunch. Minutes later, Colin arrived to transport the dogs to Jeff and Sam’s house. Lily couldn’t help but worry about Bodie and Fritz, but relaxed when she saw how happy they were running around with Jethro and Sunny. Izzy assured her Jeff and Sam would take excellent care of the dogs and they would have a great time. Between the three of them, they bundled the dogs and their supplies into Colin’s SUV. With five fluffy tails wagging in the back window, Lily and Izzy watched as he drove out of sight.

  Izzy tucked an arm through Lily’s. “They’ll be fine. Come help me get the rest of the brunch ready.”