by Kay Correll
“I don’t even know where to start.” Courtney set down her glass. “So much has happened.”
“I just saw you this morning.”
“My whole life has changed since then.”
“Okay, kind of melodramatic, but I think you better start explaining.” Tereza eyed her.
“I’m bursting to tell someone.”
“I’m your girl. Spill it.” She leaned forward.
“You’re never going to believe this. I’m… I’m Tally’s granddaughter.
“What?” Tereza sat up straight. “But, I thought… I’ve heard rumors… I mean, her son has been gone for years.”
“Her son, Jackson, was my father. We just figured it out.” Courtney mindlessly dumped some more sugar into her tea… and she didn’t even like her tea sweetened.
“I don’t even know what to say.”
“Me either. We figured it out because of this.” Courtney wrapped her hand around the watch hanging around her neck.
“Wait, one thing at a time. So, you and Tally and Bobby. You’re all just one big family?”
“It gets better. You know, Eddie?”
“Yep.” Tereza cocked her head to one side. “Tally’s friend.”
“Well, it ends up that Eddie was Jackson’s father.”
Tereza gulped a big swallow of water. “So you, like, have… an instant family all of a sudden? Wow, I can’t imagine having a better grandmother than Tally.”
“I can’t either. She’s certainly different from my mom’s mother. My grandmother on my mother’s side couldn’t have cared less about me. She was a cold, hard woman.” Courtney was dazed from all the day’s revelations. “I don’t even know what to think. But I’m so happy that Bobby has a family. A real family. Tally has already been so good to us, but now… Bobby is over the moon.”
“How’s Tally doing? That’s a lot to take in during one morning.” Tereza took another long swallow of ice water.
“I think she’s happy. She seemed happy. Well, and shocked. Just like I am.”
“But you found out your father is dead now, didn’t you?” Tereza reached out and squeezed Courtney’s hand.
“I did, and it’s sad. But I’ve always had this empty place in my heart regarding my father. I knew nothing about him. I at least will be able to find out things about him now. What he was like.”
“It seems like such a huge coincidence that you ended up here on the island.” Tereza’s forehead wrinkled.
“It was all because of this watch. It has an inscription in it that says ‘you’ll always be my Belle.’” Courtney clutched the watch hanging from her neck. “I’d seen it when I was a young girl, but I’d forgotten about it. The back used to open easily, then it got stuck, and I was always afraid to pry it open, afraid I’d break it. Tally got it open and knew it was her watch that she’d given to her son. I think when I saw the sign to Belle Island, somewhere deep in my subconscious, I remembered that inscription.”
Tereza smiled. “I think that sometimes the universe conspires to bring us right to the place we’re meant to be.”
“Maybe you’re right.” Courtney nodded. She looked out at the ocean, stretching before her. Tally and Bobby were down at the beach, collecting shells. For the first time in her entire life, she felt like she was home.
* * *
Tally paced back and forth across the beach in front of Magic Cafe. She glanced at her phone in her hand. Why hadn’t Eddie called her back? She considered leaving another message, but how many did it take?
Maybe he wasn’t going to call at all. Maybe he was that angry with her. But she needed to tell him the news.
He was a grandfather.
He had a granddaughter and a great-grandson.
This time he’d know the truth. He’d be able to spend time with Courtney and Bobby. Everyone would know about Eddie being Jackson’s father. They’d know the truth. The whole truth.
Even the truth that she loved him.
If he would ever talk to her…
She sank onto a lounge chair and watched as Bobby chased the waves, his favorite pastime. Her granddaughter sat by the water’s edge, watching her son. Her family, right within her view. Something she never thought she’d have again, but now she’d never give it up in a million years.
“Tally?”
She jumped at the sound of Eddie’s voice and looked up, her heart swelling with joy at the sight of him.
Eddie was oblivious to her swirling emotions and stood with his hands in his pockets. “You left some messages for me. I thought I’d come see what is so urgent.”
Tally sprang up and went to Eddie. “Oh, Eddie, you came.”
“So what’s the reason you were blowing up my phone?” Eddie’s voice sounded cautious, and she couldn’t blame him.
“Here, sit down. I have something to tell you.”
“I’ll stand.” He eyed her with a bit of defiance.
“Okay, but you’ll wish you’d sat down.”
He crossed his arms and stared at her.
“I have news… about Jackson.”
Eddie narrowed his eyes. “What about him?”
“He… Oh, Eddie, he had a daughter.” Tally felt a smile spread across her face, spread across her very soul, and happiness flooded through her.
“He what? How do you know? How did you find out?”
“It’s a long story involving a lady’s pocket watch and a secret code. But let me tell you the best part first.”
“Which is?”
She reached out and slipped her hand in his. He looked down at their hands and for a moment she was afraid he was going to pull away, not that she could blame him. She reached her other hand up to touch his face and he covered her hand, giving her hope. He might have missed his son growing up, but she was filled with the joy of giving him a family now. A chance to watch Bobby grow. She suddenly knew, she was certain, she’d do anything for this man.
She caught her breath and nodded down toward the shoreline. “See Courtney and Bobby down there by the water?”
Tally watched as Eddie swiveled his head to look at the duo at the shore.
“Those two. They are your family. She’s your granddaughter, and he’s your great-grandson.”
Eddie slowly sank down on the lounge chair, his face a mask of surprise.
Tally grinned. “I told you that you should sit.”
“But, how? I mean… what?” Eddie raked a hand through his hair. “How did you figure all this out?”
“Like I said, it’s a long story, and I’ll explain it all, but it’s all true. I’m sure of it.” Tally touched Eddie’s shoulder, but what she really wanted to do was hug him with all the exuberance she felt rushing through her.
Bobby looked up and let out a whoop. “Hey, Mr. Eddie is here.” The boy came racing across the beach and threw himself at Eddie. “You came back. Did you hear the news? We’re a family.” Bobby jumped up and whirled around.
“I… yes…” A dazed expression covered Eddie’s face.
Courtney slowly walked up to them, one arm wrapped around her side. She still hadn’t recovered from her bruised ribs. “Hey, Eddie.” Her voice was tentative.
Eddie rose and took a step closer to Courtney. They stood looking at each other, then Eddie opened his arms and Courtney walked right into his embrace.
Right that minute, with Eddie hugging his granddaughter, and Bobby dancing around them, all was right in Tally’s world.
Almost everything.
* * *
Tally stood at Lighthouse Point with Eddie. The sun drifted toward the horizon, throwing splendid shades of orange and purple into the fluffy clouds. A salty breeze drifted around them.
“It was quite some day, wasn’t it?” Tally stood by Eddie’s side.
“It was. I never thought… Well, I couldn’t be happier.” He looked out at the ocean.
“Eddie, another thing. You know how you wanted to have one more talk with me?”
“Yes?”
&nbs
p; “If we could have it now? I mean…” Tally touched his arm and he turned toward her. She looked right into his amazing blue eyes. “I love you, Eddie. I always have. It might be too late now. I know I sent you away. But… I want to try. I want to be with you. I want us all to be a family.” She looked down at the water sliding over her feet. “I admit I’m scared, but I know it’s what I want.”
Eddie tilted her head up to look at him. “I’ve waited forever to hear those words from you. To hear you say you love me.”
“I do love you, Eddie.”
He leaned down and kissed her gently. “I love you, too.”
She touched his cheek and bathed in the warmth of his smile.
Eddie’s eyes were filled with wonder. “You know how you told me you made a wish here at Lighthouse Point that you’d get your family back? Wishes do come true at Lighthouse Point. We didn’t get our son back, but we did get our family.”
A peace that Tally hadn’t felt in so many years washed over her like a gentle, cleansing wave. “That we did.”
He wrapped an arm around her shoulder as they watched the sun slip below the horizon in one final burst of light.
Chapter 27
Tally ran her hand down the cream linen on her wedding suit. She looked in the mirror at her reflection, hoping that Eddie wouldn’t only see the older woman she’d become, but look inside at the girl who had been so in love with him all those years ago. She’d waited a long time for this day.
Courtney walked up behind her. “You look lovely.”
“Thank you. I feel… well, it all feels a bit unreal to me.”
Courtney hugged her. “Everything is all so new for all of us, isn’t it? Bobby is beside himself, bragging to everyone about his Pops.”
“Eddie loves that Bobby calls him that.” Tally was pretty pleased with being called Grams herself. So much had changed in the last few weeks. Eddie had moved to the island. They’d pulled off this wedding in record time. Eddie had insisted that he’d waited years for this. No more waiting. She smiled as she thought of his persistence. Not that she didn’t want the very same thing. Once she’d made up her mind to marry him, she wanted to be his wife without any delay.
“It’s so strange to have a real family now.” Courtney smoothed the skirt of her blue floral bridesmaid dress. She was wearing the rose gold pocket watch on a chain around her neck. Tally had gotten the watch fixed for her, and it now kept perfect time.
Tally glanced at Courtney’s simple blue flats. “Good to see you in new shoes, too.” She grinned at the girl. Her granddaughter. Sometimes she felt like she needed to pinch herself to make sure all this was real.
“Hey, I also bought a new pair of sneakers when I got these. I figure now that I don’t have to save money to run away, I could at least get comfortable shoes to wear while I work.”
“Good plan. I couldn’t be happier about you and Bobby staying here on the island.” Tally looked back in the mirror. What would Eddie see when he looked up and saw her walking toward him?
Susan popped into the room. “The best man sent me in and told me to tell Momma and Grams to hurry up.”
Julie hurried into the room, too. “You look fabulous.”
Tally looked at her two friends. “You know, we’ve all come such a long way in the last year. Julie, you found Reed. Susan found Adam, and I’m back with Eddie.” Her heart swelled with happiness and gratitude. Her blessings were many.
“We are very lucky.” Susan smiled. “Not to mention you have a family now.”
“I do.” Tally squeezed Courtney’s hand.
“So are you ready?” Julie asked.
“I’m ready.” Tally took one last look at her reflection, and for the briefest moment, a girl of eighteen stared back at her and nodded encouragement. Then, all she saw was herself, now. Older, and hopefully much wiser.
“Let’s go.” Tally and Courtney stepped out of Happy House and into the sunshine. The wedding ceremony was out on the beach, with chairs lining the aisle. Susan and Julie had tied bows on the chairs and made two simple floral arrangements up by the arbor. Every detail was perfect.
Courtney walked up the aisle and stood waiting for Tally. Eddie and Bobby stood at the arbor. Eddie’s eyes shone with happiness and he grinned at her.
She felt a smile spread across her face. With confident strides, she floated down the aisle to this man she’d loved her entire life. This man and her family. All standing together.
They said the vows they had prepared, and the minister told Eddie he could kiss his bride.
“Hey, Pops, you gonna kiss Grams or what? I think that makes it legal or something,” Bobby piped up.
Everyone laughed, and Eddie did as their great-grandson said. He leaned over and kissed her ever so gently on the lips. Then with a whoop, Eddie scooped her up and twirled her around like they were young kids again.
All of their friends stood up and clapped. Tally looked over at Julie and Susan and smiled at them. Her friends had tears in their eyes.
She’d never been happier or felt more complete.
“I love you, Tally.” Eddie bent down and whispered in her ear. “I always have, and I always will.”
Now she had tears in her own eyes.
“Courtney, Bobby, come with us.” Eddie held out his arms and the four of them, a family, walked down the aisle together.
Also by Kay Correll
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Comfort Crossing ~ The Series
Did you miss the start of this series? Click here to get the first book for free now! The Shop on Main - Book One
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See all my books at my website.
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COMFORT CROSSING ~ THE SERIES
The Shop on Main - Book One
The Memory Box - Book Two
The Christmas Cottage - A Holiday Novella (Book 2.5)
The Letter - Book Three
The Christmas Scarf - A Holiday Novella (Book 3.5)
The Magnolia Cafe - Book Four
The Unexpected Wedding - Book Five
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The Wedding in the Grove (crossover short story between series - Josephine and Paul from The Letter.)
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LIGHTHOUSE POINT ~ THE SERIES
Wish Upon a Shell - Book One
Wedding on the Beach - Book Two
Love at the Lighthouse - Book Three
Cottage near the Point - Book Four
Return to the Island - Book Five
Click here to learn more about the series.
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INDIGO BAY ~ a multi-author series of sweet romance
Sweet Sunrise - Book Three
Sweet Holiday Memories - A short holiday story
Sweet Starlight - Book Nine
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About the Author
Kay writes sweet, heartwarming stories that are a cross between women’s fiction and contemporary romance. She is known for her charming small towns, quirky townsfolk, and enduring strong friendships between the women in her books.
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Kay lives in the Midwest of the U.S. and can often be found out and about with her camera, taking a myriad of photographs which she likes to incorporate into her book covers. When not lost in her writing or photography, she can be found spending time with her ever-supportive husband, knitting, working in her garden, or playing with her puppies—two cavaliers and one naughty but adorable Au
stralian shepherd. Kay and her husband also love to travel. When it comes to vacation time, she is torn between a nice trip to the beach or the mountains—but the mountains only get considered in the summer—she swears she’s allergic to snow.
Learn more about Kay and her books at kaycorrell.com
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