Moonlight Beach

by Tammy L Grace

  While Cyndy’s house was always beautiful, she had outdone herself for the holidays. The aroma of mulled spices greeted them the moment they walked through the door. White twinkle lights filled every corner, decorated trees adorned each room, and her table was set with white, silver, and just a few touches of red. Candles flickered among the fresh flowers and greenery running the length of the dining table, while Christmas music played in the background.

  Cyndy greeted each of them with a hug and Mel’s mouth was still hanging open as she studied the tall tree near the base of the staircase. “It’s like something from a movie.”

  Cyndy took the board she was holding as Mel’s gaze never left the tree. “Come on in when you’re ready. I’ve got some punch and hot cider ready, and I’ll introduce you to the others.” She turned toward Lily. “You can hang the stockings with the others on the mantle.”

  Mel’s eyes darted from the tree to the banister, outfitted with greenery. “Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this.”

  Lily gestured with her head toward the kitchen. “Come see the rest of it.”

  Cyndy was busy at the island counter, making sure the food was organized. Lily hung their stockings, then joined Mel in getting a mug of cider. Cyndy made introductions around the room, pointing out her old friends, a few of whom recognized Mel from Sunrise Coffee. A few more ladies arrived. Everyone was welcoming and friendly, chatting as they filled their plates from the buffet Cyndy had organized.

  There was never a moment of silence as the women visited and laughed while nibbling on appetizers and salads atop the fancy silver-rimmed plates, and drinking out of crystal goblets. A pang of sadness filled Lily’s heart, knowing how much Wendy would have loved the party. With Wendy being new and the tea house staying open late during the holidays, it was impossible, but Lily wished she could have come. She was sure her sister’s life had been filled with extravagant parties like this on a regular basis. She wouldn’t have been caught dead in Lily’s sweater, but would love Cyndy’s décor.

  After all the ladies had finished lunch, Cyndy guided them into the living room and explained the game they would be playing. It was the old gift exchange game most people had played, but with a twist. She had a stack of cards and after everyone chose a stocking, they had to take a card, which told them what they had to do. Directions included trading gifts with the person on your left or having everyone shift their gifts to the right, or trading a gift with someone wearing red, or someone with the ugliest sweater. It went on for a few rounds, and when Cyndy was sure nobody was holding the stocking they had brought, she ended the game.

  Instead of diving into their goodies, Mel and Lily watched the two women, Nancy and Beth, who ended up with their stockings. Beth was excited about the gift card to Sunrise Coffee that Mel had included and Nancy loved the lotion and book in her stocking. Mel turned toward Lily and smiled. “I think they like them.”

  “Go ahead and see what you ended up with.” Lily gestured to the purple velvet stocking, embroidered with snowflakes.

  Mel’s smile widened as she unearthed the treasures. Nail polish, plush socks, a cute hat, fig body scrub, lip balm, a snowflake bracelet, and a gift card to the bakery were among her favorites. “This is so fun,” she said, reaching in to pull out the item stuck in the toe of the stocking. It was a pretty holiday mug with a pouch of tea. “This is so fun to get all these treats.”

  Lily slipped her hand into the gorgeous red velvet stocking in her lap, the deep band at the top decorated with gold beads, embroidery, and lace. She plucked out bath salts, shower gel, and lotion, soft gloves, a gift card for a pedicure, a leather journal and a gorgeous pen, plus a pair of earrings. Like Mel, she loved getting so many gifts.

  All the women were holding up their presents and admiring what everyone had received. Cyndy interrupted the chatter with an announcement about dessert. She invited them back to the kitchen to partake and fill their cups with something warm. When the women gathered around her granite island counter, they gasped, in awe of the spread.

  Cyndy smiled and gestured to Lily. “I was inspired by Lily’s gorgeous charcuterie boards and thought it would be fun to do the same idea with desserts.” She had used the counter to create a huge assortment of cookies, candies, mini pies, cupcakes, brownies, and cake slices, all of which were nestled among sugared cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices, with some sprigs of greenery to give it a holiday look. Like everything she designed, it was perfect.

  The women filled their dessert plates, admiring the sinful treats. Cyndy’s signature laugh rippled through the room. “Since all of these are bite sized, you can sample one of everything without feeling guilty.”

  As they enjoyed the sweets, they continued visiting and Mel discovered several of the women were in a book club and was over the moon when they extended an invitation for her to join them. Cyndy had provided take home containers and insisted they all help themselves to the leftovers. Lily loved hearing the excitement in Mel’s voice as she talked about getting the book they were reading so she could join them at their meeting in January. Mel grabbed a container and pitched in to help box up some food to take home. Lily doubted Wendy would eat much, but added helpings of several salads, hoping she would try them. Mel concentrated on filling a container with desserts.

  She looked up at Lily and shrugged as she pressed the lid onto the top, careful not to squish the pretty cookies. “I figured Kevin will help us eat all this when he gets here tomorrow.”

  Lily put an arm around her shoulders. “He’ll love them. I’m so glad you came today and even happier you found some new book friends.” When Lily met her eyes, she noticed a tear leak from them.

  Mel smiled at her. “I’m so excited for Christmas this year. Somedays, like today, I can’t believe it’s all real. If you hadn’t given me a place…a home, I wouldn’t have all of this.”

  Lily hugged her close and said, “Let’s go home. We have time to watch another movie before I have to pick up Wendy. You can make us some hot chocolate and we’ll snuggle with the dogs.”

  25

  Sunday morning, Lily was up early, excited about Kevin’s arrival. Mac had volunteered to drive Lily to meet Kevin’s plane, and Mel would make sure Wendy got to work on time. His plane arrived just before noon and once he had been hugged numerous times and Mac took charge of his luggage, they hit the road. Just past Tacoma, they got off the busy freeway and onto the quieter highway that would take them to the Kitsap Peninsula.

  Forty-five minutes later, Mac pulled into a cafe promising the best views in Gig Harbor. Lily smiled at him as she grabbed her purse. “I take it you know this place, the way you drove straight to it?”

  “I’ve been here a few times. Great food and service and they’re right about the view, especially in warmer weather when you can sit on the deck.”

  Kevin followed them inside, holding the door for both of them. It wasn’t busy and they had their choice of tables next to the windows. Kevin’s eyes lit up when he saw they served breakfast all day. Lily didn’t even have time to give Kevin the latest update on Wendy before their platters of food arrived. An omelet, eggs benedict, and cinnamon raisin bread French toast covered the table and the enticing aroma made Lily’s stomach growl. She had been too excited to eat anything before they left and was starving.

  Mac shared a bite of his decadent French toast with each of them, smiling as he watched them savor it. “I told ya, it’s the best thing ever.” He chuckled and dipped his bacon into the warm maple syrup on his plate.

  “So, Wendy’s situation is up in the air, but you’re free to relax and take it easy. We don’t have anything planned until the day after Christmas when we go to Victoria. It will just be the three of us. Mel is working.”

  Kevin nodded, as he scooped up another bite of his eggs benedict. “I’m looking forward to just hanging out with the dogs and you.”

  “Your mom said you’re going to do some skiing up in New Hampshire. Do you do quite a bit of skiing?�
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  Kevin’s cheeks reddened and he glanced at his mom. “We went a few times when I was younger, but I’m not much of an expert. Brooke assures me it will be fine, but I’m sort of nervous about it. It sounds like they are a family of avid skiers.”

  Mac nodded. “If you want to get in some practice, we could run over to Hurricane Ridge. It’s where you and your mom visited when you went to Olympic National Park.”

  Kevin’s eyes brightened and he grinned. “That would be great. Are you sure you have time?”

  Mac met Lily’s eyes. “I have plenty of time and I’m determined to use it for fun.” He turned his attention to Kevin. “As long as your mom trusts me with you. It’s been a long time since I’ve been skiing.”

  Kevin laughed. “Good, then I won’t feel bad when I mess up.”

  After finishing their wonderful meal, Mac and Lily leaned against the railing, admiring the waters of Gig Harbor while they waited for Kevin to use the restroom. “You’re sure you’re okay with me taking him up to Hurricane Ridge?” he asked.

  “Of course,” she said, lacing her fingers through his. “I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you would take time off to spend with Kevin, especially when you’re already taking time off to drive us to Victoria.” Tears filled her eyes. “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”

  He squeezed her hand and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’m happy to do it. It will give me some time to get to know him, just the two of us. I think you’ll both love Victoria.”

  Moments later, Kevin emerged and they piled back into the car for the rest of the journey to Driftwood Bay.

  As excited as Mel had been to make a special stocking for Wendy, her reaction to it was less than enthusiastic. Mel had presented it to her on Sunday night, when she got home from work. Kevin and Lily remarked on each of the little gifts, trying to elicit a response from her, but she just stuffed them all back into the stocking and went downstairs.

  Kevin and Lily distracted Mel by letting her choose a Christmas movie and they played a board game while they watched it. The sound of them laughing made Lily’s heart swell. No matter Wendy’s attitude, it would be a wonderful Christmas, with Kevin home and Mel enjoying her first holiday in what Lily guessed was years.

  Tuesday morning, Mel was already at work and Kevin still sleeping when Wendy came upstairs, looking happier than she had since she had arrived. “I just talked to Constance and she’s agreed to let me come and stay through the holidays so I can meet with Chad and will even pay for my ticket. I booked a flight for next Monday. I can’t wait to get out of here.” She grinned, looking quite satisfied with herself.

  “Wow, that’s great news.” Lily didn’t bother to clarify if she meant about being able to stay with Constance or that she was leaving. “So, you won’t be here for Christmas?”

  Her sister waved her hand in the air as she went to pour a cup of coffee. “No, I should leave even earlier, but figured I’d have to endure another lecture from you about leaving Poppy stranded.”

  “Good for you. It wouldn’t be right when you committed to working for the season.” Maybe there was a glimmer of hope that Wendy would grow up one day soon.

  “I’ve got to be at the airport super early Monday, so I reserved a spot on that shuttle again.” She rolled her eyes. “As horrible as it is.” She took a sip from her cup. “Constance is sending her car service to collect me, thank goodness.”

  Lily ignored the jab. “Good plan on the shuttle. It’s what Kevin does when he’s got an early flight.” She checked her watch. “I’ve got to get the dogs loaded and go to training. I’ll see you when I get home.” She couldn’t stomach another minute of her sister’s attitude.

  They were early for training, so she took a detour to the park, giving herself a pep talk while they strolled the pathways. She just had to get through the next five days with Wendy. She could do that; she’d survived much worse. But it pained her to see how selfish her sister was. Just as difficult, guilt nagged at Lily for not trying harder.

  She hated being judgmental, of both Wendy and herself, but couldn’t seem to help it. She should be happy to have her sister with her for the holidays. They were all that was left of their small family, and yet she couldn’t deny the ripple of happiness she felt knowing Wendy would be back in Texas soon.

  All she could do was maintain her patience and let Wendy know she always had a place to stay. Though she wanted her sister to be kinder, Wendy was the only one who could make that change, and Lily beating her head on that rock would only result in making her miserable.

  Their mom would be so disappointed.

  Lily spent the rest of the week working on her mosaics and planning the food for Christmas Eve. Instead of an elaborate dinner, she decided to make appetizers and scoured recipe groups she found online for ideas. Mac had taken a weekday off and picked up Kevin for a trip to Hurricane Ridge for some skiing. He then ended up working most of the weekend, since he was taking time off after Christmas, and she and Kevin lounged around the house for most of it.

  Monday morning, Wendy left, without much fanfare. Lily made sure Wendy understood that she always had a place to stay, and asked her to let her know when she’d be coming back. She tried to hug her sister goodbye when she dropped her at the shuttle stop, but Wendy was in a hurry and offered her an air kiss instead. She then watched with dismay as Wendy instructed the driver how to place her luggage and warned him not to scratch it. Her recent experience had not humbled her in the least.

  When Lily returned home, she saw the special stocking Mel had made for Wendy sitting on the counter, along with the wrapped gifts for her that had been under the tree. She had been in such a hurry to leave, she must have forgotten about them. Either that, or she didn’t care about them at all. Lily tucked them all back under the tree as far back as possible, so Mel wouldn’t notice. She’d save them for when Wendy came back from her visit.

  She occupied herself with her mosaics, while Kevin spent most of his time sleeping or watching movies.

  With all her presents wrapped and ready Wednesday afternoon, with Christmas music playing, Lily was puttering in the kitchen putting the last-minute touches on the charcuterie boards she had put together for Christmas Eve.

  Kevin sat at the counter, sipping hot cocoa, the dogs at his feet. “Mac is pretty cool, Mom. We had so much fun skiing. He’s nice and funny. I’m glad you found him.”

  She stopped fiddling with the garnish and looked up at her son. The boy she loved more than anything. “I’m so relieved you like him. I’ve been nervous wondering how you would feel about him.”

  “He’s great. You’re so much happier now, which helps me not worry about you. I wasn’t sure about you moving so far away, on your own, not knowing anyone, but you’ve got some great friends.”

  She smiled. “I feel the same way. I wasn’t too sure myself, but something, I like to think maybe it was a combination of your dad and Uncle Leo, pulled me here. I miss being closer to you, but I’m better here.”

  “Well, I just wanted you to know, I think he’s great and I know Dad would have liked him.” He slid off the chair and hugged her in a tight embrace. “I’m going to go get changed.” His words were like a healing balm to her heart. Young men weren’t known for sharing their feelings, but in his few words and matter-of-fact way, he had succeeded in letting her know he supported her.

  He made for the stairs and the dogs bounded after him. She checked her watch and finished the last of the garnish before changing her clothes, expecting Mel to be home in a few minutes. Then Cyndy and Mac would be arriving, along with Jeff and Donna, Nora and Bree. Andy had promised to stop by and visit before their family dinner.

  When she emerged from her bedroom, she found Kevin entertaining Mac and Cyndy, who were in the kitchen nibbling on appetizers. Mel joined them, changed from her work clothes, and wearing a pretty new sweater Lily had urged her to buy. It wasn’t long before the others arrived and the house was filled with laughter
and conversation.

  Bree and Mel had their heads together laughing and snacking, while Andy and Kevin spent most of their time surrounded by the dogs while they chatted, with Andy teaching Kevin some sign language.

  Lily stood against the wall, taking it all in, her thoughts drifting to Gary and her parents, wishing they were here. She didn’t linger long in the past, urging her mind to the present and the happiness right in front of her—the new memories she was making. Warmth flooded through her when she caught Mac’s eye and he winked at her, waving her over to join him and the others. The wise words of Margot and Jean echoed in her head. She would never replace Gary or forget him, but the man smiling at her, his eyes full of love and kindness, was here right now. She would be foolish to throw away a chance at happiness, a second chance at love.

  After everyone had left, and Kevin and Mel took the dogs outside, Mac lingered and gave Lily his gift to her. She opened the card first and discovered a gift certificate for a complete spa day at the fancy hotel on Orcas Island that Izzy had mentioned when they had visited. “Oh, how thoughtful. I can’t wait to go.”

  Next, she opened the beautiful foil-wrapped box. A small blue velvet box nestled inside of it. Her heart pounded and her fingers trembled as she lifted the lid. She breathed a sigh of relief when she discovered a gorgeous pair of earrings nestled against the satin lining.

  “Do you like them?” Concern laced Mac’s voice.

  “I love them.” She held the shimmering moonstone drop earrings out up to the light. “They’re lovely. I’ve never had any moonstone jewelry.”

  “Something about them made me think of you and our walk in the moonlight. I wanted you to remember that special night.”