Moonlight Beach

by Tammy L Grace

  “You won’t have to twist my arm to enjoy your cooking.” Lily chuckled as she checked her lantern again.

  A group of three women descended upon them and all started chatting at once, asking Cyndy where she’d been. They’d been looking for her for the last hour. She smiled and was off to find the wine tent and await the launching of the lanterns.

  Mac shook his head, laughing as he watched his sister leave. “She is always in demand and going a hundred miles an hour.”

  “I admire her easy, outgoing personality. That’s just not me. Sometimes, I wish I was like that.”

  He brought her hand to his lips. “I think you’re perfect, just the way you are.”

  Moments later, the speakers crackled as an announcer asked the participants to make their way to the path that led to the beach. Upbeat music played, and the lights along the dock plus the full moon provided plenty of light. There wasn’t enough room on the beach for everyone to stand at the edge, so they launched their lanterns in groups.

  Mac added the LED tea lights to their lanterns and he and Lily pushed their wooden bases across the water, letting them float with the hundreds of others, flickering on the ocean. They stood watching for a few minutes, fascinated by the number of lanterns and the beauty of them against the backdrop of the dark sea.

  Finally, they made their way back to the dock. Standing at the railing, the effect of the lanterns was even more magnificent. Kids, wrapped with glow-in-the-dark necklaces, darted in and out of the crowd as everyone pointed and admired the view.

  “The girls should have come. They would have enjoyed this,” said Lily, squeezing closer to Mac as more people gathered around them. They watched as the current carried the lanterns further away.

  Mac grabbed her hand. “I’ve got an idea. Come with me.” He led her through the crowd and hurried back to the car. Once they were settled, he drove through the mostly empty streets and made it to their destination, only two miles from the waterfront.

  Lily recognized the parking lot at Fort Warden State Park. After opening her door, he took her hand again and led her to the walkway atop the cliffs. There, they stood in awe of the mass of light moving toward them. The lanterns bobbed along, riding the current to where the organizers would ultimately pick them up and recycle them, but until then, the two of them, wrapped in each other’s arms delighted in the warm glow of the magical lights. As Mac kissed her, Lily wanted to believe in the words she and Mac had written on their lanterns. She wanted to believe in the hope of love.

  It wasn’t even ten o’clock when Mac started to make the turn toward Lily’s house. He caught himself and went one more block. “How about we pick up a hot chocolate and take a walk on the beach? There’s nothing better than a beach, a full moon, and a beautiful woman.”

  “I can’t refuse any offer that includes chocolate and the beach.” Lily linked her arm through his as they entered the café by the library.

  It was far enough from the bustle of the waterfront, that they were the only two people there. The young woman behind the counter made their hot chocolates, adding whipped cream, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce, plus a dusting of cinnamon to one and shavings from peppermint bark to the other. After one sip, Lily knew she could never go back to the instant packets in her cupboard.

  Not wanting to disturb the girls or trigger an alert of the security cameras, they drove to the park near Lily’s house. It was empty, with well-lit pathways. They walked through, following the trail below the park that connected to the beach Lily visited every morning.

  The full moon made for easy navigation, plus Mac held her hand and led the way. They stayed away from the shoreline, so as not to get their shoes soaked and he gestured to a large piece of driftwood. “Care to sit?”

  They eased onto the thick trunk of a log that had settled into the beach long ago. The top of the log was worn smooth by the sea, with shallow indentations making perfect seats by those who had come before them and sat at the same spot to gaze across the water at the beauty before them.

  Although devoid of the stunning colors at sunrise, the moonlight atop the water was enchanting. The huge moon hung in the dark sky, as if mere feet above the water. Lily could see the battered and scarred surface, where patches were significantly darker than others. Like the beam of a powerful flashlight, its light painted a white stripe across the water, shimmering with the gentle waves and emphasizing the white froth as the waves ebbed and flowed along the shore.

  The gentle lap of the water along the beach soothed her mind, similar to the mornings she spent at her spot farther down the beach, where she marveled at the sight of the sun rising. So beautiful, but in a different way, and perhaps even more relaxing. Without the promise of the sun to warm her face and shoulders, she snuggled closer to Mac, sipping the still warm chocolate.

  Stars twinkled in the inky sky, but the moon played the lead tonight. Lily hadn’t ventured out to the beach at night, staying in the yard and enjoying the fire pit and visiting with the guests or sitting on the deck with her tea. She had missed out on the beauty and tranquility of the dark beach. Next summer, she’d make a point of taking advantage of the warm evenings, especially when there was a full moon.

  “It’s magical,” she whispered.

  Mac turned toward her, grinning. “A night on a moonlit beach is something special.” He bent his head closer to her. The cool sensation of peppermint pricked her lips as they met his. Thoughts of her reservations about a relationship and Mac’s complicated situation with his daughter melted away with the chill she had felt. As his mouth wandered to the side of her neck, she gasped, thankful for the cover of darkness and the empty beach.

  16

  With the girls sleeping late, the house was quiet and Lily would have loved to languish in bed longer, but for the two wet noses resting against her arm and the four gentle brown eyes staring at her. The boys needed to go outside and would want breakfast.

  She slipped her hooded cardigan over her pajamas decorated with teacups, then tiptoed out, so as not to wake anyone downstairs. After she let the dogs out, she filled their bowls and brewed a cup of tea. She glanced at the refrigerator where a copy of Mel’s schedule hung. She had to work at the coffee shop from noon until closing.

  Long ago, she and Gary had trained Fritz to rest after he ate and she had trained Bodie to do the same. With them lounging outside on the deck, she took her tea and climbed back into bed, savoring the coziness.

  She scrolled through her tablet, getting caught up on the news and email. Her phone pinged with a text from Nora asking if she could pick up the girls at ten o’clock and treat them to brunch. Lily promised to have them up and ready to go.

  Giving up on the idea of spending the morning in bed, Lily showered and got ready for the day before going downstairs to rustle the girls from their beds. She let them know about Nora’s brunch plans and took the dogs to the beach, albeit late.

  They forgave her tardiness and set out for the trail, tails wagging, their jaws set in the permanent smile that golden retrievers were blessed with, as they kept in step with Lily. They went further than usual, stopping at the same log from last night. The dogs sniffed at the bits of driftwood and seaweed along the shoreline, stepping into the water, but coming back to Lily when she hollered for them. She wasn’t up for giving them another bath.

  She tossed the balls she always made sure were in her pockets and threw them away from the water, so as to remove the temptation. The dogs ran and loped, enjoying the cool temperature and the deserted beach. Lily’s thoughts wandered to the romantic hour she had spent here last night, wrapped in Mac’s arms, enjoying his kisses like a hormone-driven teenager. She blushed at the memory.

  Once the dogs had exercised, she led them back, keeping away from the water. At home, she wiped their feet and let them in the downstairs, which to her delight had been tidied.

  She had checked on the girls when she got home last night and helped to extricate Sherlock from the puddle of pups stationed
by the couch, but hadn’t visited with them. The girls were waiting upstairs and showed her their nails. Each of them had added glitter to the polish, with Mel choosing a deep plum color and Bree going crazy with a vivid green.

  They chattered on about the movies they had watched and the smile on Mel’s face assured Lily she had enjoyed her first sleepover. Nora arrived and visited for a few minutes before packing Bree and her belongings into her car. Mel elected to drive herself, so she could go directly from brunch to work. She had dressed in the required black pants and shirt with the Sunrise Coffee logo.

  Lily waved at her from the driveway, reminding her she’d be having dinner at Cyndy’s, but would be home before Mel got off work. Back inside, she started a load of laundry, and checked her wine stash, pulling a couple of bottles to take to Cyndy’s. She wouldn’t need a supply until next season, and Cyndy would enjoy it.

  She had no sooner gotten comfortable in her recliner, with the dogs nestled at her feet, and selected a new series to watch, when her doorbell rang. She opened it to a smiling young woman holding a bouquet of flowers.

  She carried the gorgeous arrangement of dahlias and chrysanthemums into the kitchen. After admiring the pale pinks, beiges, and white flowers, she plucked the card from them. Thanks for making me believe in hope again. With love, Mac.

  She clutched the card to her heart. The two dogs stood, looking at her, as if wondering who sent the flowers. “He’s definitely a keeper, isn’t he?”

  In full agreement, they thumped their tails against the floor.

  Dinner at Cyndy’s was a treat. Not only was her meal fabulous, but she was such a wonderful hostess, making Lily feel right at home. Along with the crispy chicken thighs seasoned with fresh garlic and rosemary, she served a beautiful unconstructed Waldorf salad, and creamy butternut squash soup.

  As Lily admired the gorgeous table, decorated with fall flowers and candles, and the dishes that looked more like artwork, she wished she could create such a masterpiece. She couldn’t wait to see what Cyndy did for Thanksgiving later in the week. “I’d love to contribute something to your Thanksgiving table, but cooking is not my forte. I’m afraid anything I would make would pale in comparison to your dishes. Is there something I could do?”

  Mac grinned. “I always bring the pies. Technically, I order the pies and pick them up from the bakery.” He winked at Cyndy. “Already done, by the way.”

  Lily took another piece of the garlic bread. “With zero kitchen skills, all I can offer is wine or buying ingredients, but I’m happy to do both.”

  Cyndy reached for her wine glass. “You don’t need to worry about it. I’ve got it under control.” She eyed her glass, and added, “I never refuse good wine, though.”

  Mac and Lily laughed. “Izzy gave me quite a supply from her family’s winery, so I’ll bring several bottles.”

  Cyndy winked at her. “What day does Kevin arrive?”

  “He gets in on Wednesday and is going to take the shuttle. He didn’t want me to have to hassle with the holiday traffic. He goes back on Sunday.” Her smile faded. “Such a short visit, but then he’ll be here for almost a month for the holiday break in December and January.” The sparkle returned to her eyes.

  “Oh, that will be wonderful for you. I’m looking forward to having the two of you and Mel for dinner. The last couple of years without Mom and Dad, it’s just not the same, so having guests will be so much fun.”

  “Kevin is even more excited than I am, knowing you’re a fabulous cook and he won’t have to suffer through my attempt. I think Mel is equally enthusiastic, not having had much in the way of Thanksgiving these last few years.”

  Cyndy glanced at her brother. “We were hoping Missy might join us this year, but we called her today and she can’t come.”

  Mac cleared his throat and turned toward Lily. “I promised you I would reach out to her, invite her for the holidays, and tell her about you.” He sighed. “Mission accomplished, but I’m afraid it went as I feared it would.”

  Cyndy shook her head. “I can usually get through to her, but she’s difficult and delights in getting under her dad’s skin.”

  Lily winced. “I’m so sorry, Mac. I just didn’t want her to be taken by surprise if she did visit. I can’t imagine how awful that is for you.”

  He shrugged, but she saw the sadness in his eyes. “I’m used to it.”

  Cyndy sighed. “I had hoped by now, as Missy got older, she would recognize the importance of family, staying connected, and quite frankly, treat her father better. I think we all gave her a pass when Jill died and made excuses for her. I know I did. Now, though, her behavior is out of control.”

  Lily couldn’t imagine not having Kevin in her life, not talking to him and texting each week, not seeing him. Her heart broke for Mac. She reached for his hand. “I regret asking you to call her. I underestimated the whole situation.”

  He moved his hand and patted her arm. “It’s not your fault, believe me. This has been ongoing. I agree, she needs to know about you, about us. I didn’t intend to hide it from her. It’s always just easier not to engage with her. She still knows how to hurt me, even from all the way across the country.”

  Cyndy’s sorrowful gaze met her brother’s. “There’s no easy answer. If Mac ignores her, she plays the nobody cares about me card and if he engages with her all she does is hurl insults and hurtful words. I’m not sure what it will take to lead her back to us or if she will ever find her way.”

  “What’s for dessert?” Mac scanned the kitchen counters. Lily didn’t blame him for wanting to change the subject.

  Cyndy hurried from the table and returned with an apple slab pie. She scooped out generous slices and passed them. Mac topped his with homemade whipped cream and took a forkful.

  Lily couldn’t bring herself to eat a bite. Rocks formed in her stomach as she thought more about the anguish Mac suffered with his daughter. Seeing how he and Cyndy supported each other also made her think of Wendy. Lily had to make more of an effort with her and try to recapture some type of relationship with her. Her parents would expect nothing less.

  By the time she helped Cyndy with the dishes, while Mac worked on a small repair upstairs, it was almost seven o’clock. Cyndy had made two care packages, stuffing leftovers into containers Lily and Mac could take home.

  Mac had an early morning and Lily wanted to get home before Mel, so they hugged Cyndy goodbye, thanking her for dinner and the leftovers, and waved as Mac drove them away from the house. He was quiet on the way to Lily’s and left the car running when he pulled into the driveway.

  “Come in just for a cup of tea or coffee,” she said, taking the hand he offered her as he held the passenger door open.

  He walked her to the door, carrying her leftovers. “I better not tonight. I’m beat and afraid I wouldn’t be great company. I need to drop by the clinic and check on a patient anyway.”

  She opened the door to Fritz and Bodie, who made a beeline for Mac and then went about sniffing at the bag he set in the entryway. “Thanks again for the beautiful flowers.”

  He engulfed her in a tight embrace. “You’re welcome and I meant what I said on the card.” He released her and bent his forehead to touch hers. “The call with Missy rattled me and I just need to deal with it. I let myself get my hopes up. I’m not sure why I keep going back, just to get abused. It’s like a kid touching a hot stove—you’d think I would learn.”

  She smiled and kissed him. “I understand. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

  He squeezed her hand. “I’ll call you this week. I thought it might be nice to go to dinner with Kevin Wednesday night. Let me know if that works out and we could do pizza or something casual that he’d like. Mel, too, of course.”

  “That sounds perfect. Let’s plan on it. He should be here in the early afternoon.”

  He kissed her again. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  She stood in the open doorway, watching as he walked back to the car, the usual bounce in
his step subdued. There was nothing she could do to take away the pain he felt. The despair and disappointment of being alienated from his daughter and being powerless to change it would be enough to depress anyone.

  She waved as he left the driveway. She hoped his heart would heal and suspected one reason he poured so much love into treating animals was because they were accepting and provided him with the unconditional love he craved.

  17

  Lily wiped the counters and checked Kevin’s bedroom for the umpteenth time while she waited to pick him up from the shuttle drop downtown. The house was spotless and she had made his favorite brownies, loaded with walnuts, along with chocolate chunk cookies. She had the ingredients on hand to make the cinnamon and nut pastry she had always made for holidays. It had been a favorite of Gary’s and Kevin’s and she wasn’t about to break with tradition. Outside of that, for Thanksgiving morning, she planned to go out to eat.

  Having messaged Wendy to wish her a Happy Thanksgiving and open the door to having a longer conversation, she checked her phone to see if her sister had replied to the text. Nothing yet. It had been a long time since she had talked to her and she couldn’t be sure Wendy still had the same phone number. She dashed to the office and sent off an email to her, letting her know she hoped to talk to her soon. That way, both bases were covered and Wendy was sure to get one of the messages.

  She had splurged and had both the dogs groomed, and they were sporting their Thanksgiving-themed bandanas, looking and smelling like a million bucks. They had picked up on Lily’s excitement and knew something was up. She checked her watch one more time. “It’s almost time to pick up your brother,” she said, bending down to ruffle both of their ears. She was sure Fritz knew what that meant, as he began to spin in circles.

  They were set to meet Mac for pizza at six o’clock and Mel ended up having to work so she wouldn’t be there. She also had to work all weekend, so wouldn’t be joining them on their excursion over to Whidbey Island on Saturday. One of the small cities on the southern part of Whidbey kicked off their holiday celebration with a tree lighting and festival the weekend after Thanksgiving. Lily wanted to make sure Kevin enjoyed himself and made reservations on the ferry.