A Sea for Summer

by Shelley Kassian

  “I knew you would.”

  She closed her eyes, breathing salty air, listening to the lull of the waves. A gentle swell, a slow current rolling across the sand, sweeping in and out, drawing her closer to the shoreline. A gorgeous table was set and waiting for them and all she wanted to do was search for shells.

  Peter smiled as if he recognized her heart’s desire. All this…because of him. She took a deep breath, trying to control the sudden emotion. Where did it rise from? This bliss, this joy in her heart was enough to make her cry.

  “Good evening,” the chef said. “Welcome to your anniversary weekend. We’re ready to serve your dinner. Will you take a seat?”

  Peter grasped her elbow. “Shall we, my love?”

  Claire turned to him. “This is beautiful, Peter.” She clutched his arm and he led her toward the table. There, he pulled out her chair and helped her to sit before taking his own seat. She glanced at him, the sea becoming a secondary view.

  Their server, a young woman, came forward. “May I pour you a glass of wine?”

  “Yes, please,” Claire said.

  “A little history around this wine, which your husband says is perfect for this evening’s occasion. The Sea Star Ortega comes from the Clam Bay Vineyards on Pender Island. It has rich notes of peach, starfruit white, grapefruit and melon.”

  The server poured an ample serving into two glasses. Claire lifted hers and Peter lifted his.

  “Happy anniversary, my love,” Peter said, smiling. “Cheers to making more memories together.”

  They clinked glasses. Claire was suddenly overcome with emotion. She couldn’t look away from Peter’s face. The atmosphere and the man near her made the occasion memorable. How did you thank someone for an occasion such as this?

  “I love you, Peter. I feel like a princess. Thank you for this weekend.” Caught up in the emotions, she gazed at the sea momentarily. “This seaside vacation, it means so much to me. I’ll never forget it.”

  “I hope that’s true.” He grinned at her, and she wondered what might come next.

  The server brought them fresh bread. Claire broke off small pieces and dipped them in garlic-flavored butter. Peter took a sip of his wine, in no hurry to eat his bread. He studied her expression like a man desiring something more than food. “What’s going on in that mind, Peter?”

  “I’m contemplative, enjoying the moment, the wine, and the view.”

  “You’re not even looking at the ocean.”

  “I’m looking at you.” His comment made her speechless.

  Listening to the breeze and the swell of the ocean, they were quiet as they ate. A fresh garden salad lightly covered with a citrusy vinaigrette. An entrée of seared scallops in a white wine sauce. Claire was full by the time dessert arrived, whatever it was, hidden beneath a large clam shell.

  “Why don’t we take a walk?” Claire suggested. “Watch the sunset, then return and have dessert.”

  Peter stretched forward, desire or some other intrigue highlighting his expression. “Why don’t we have a taste, see what we’ll be coming back for.”

  Peter gave her an intent look. Claire reached for the clam shell and lifted the lid. And there inside, on a blanket of marzipan icing, was the most beautiful ring. It sparkled in the diminishing sunlight.

  “Peter, what is this?”

  Peter left his chair and kneeled near her. “I want this moment sealed with my love, more love than you’ve ever known. I want you to know that this new ring is an expression of my love and commitment to you. I’m prepared to do something I thought I’d never do.”

  Claire swallowed. “What’s that?” she asked, whispering.

  “Let’s get married. Let’s renew our vows. Will you marry me again?”

  Emotion overwhelmed her in a good way. She joined him on the ground. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Honey, I’m on my knees. Say you’ll marry me.”

  “Yes, I’ll marry you.” She hugged him. “Of course, I’ll marry you.”

  They rose together and Peter removed the ring from its bed of icing. “This is a cultured pearl, it’s circled with semi-precious diamonds.”

  “It’s beautiful.” Claire removed her wedding band from her ring finger and watched Peter slip the engagement ring on her finger, replacing their first commitment. “It’s stunning. Beautiful. I adore the pink hue of the central pearl and the diamonds around the band are exquisite. I didn’t expect this. You’ve completely surprised me.”

  “Our life together didn’t begin in the right way, so this moment is important to me. I want it to be perfect for you. You need to know that I don’t regret one second of our life together. You are my rock. My world.”

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  The sun dipped a little lower on the horizon.

  “Before we watch the sunset, there’s another gift I’d like to give you.”

  “Another gift?” Claire asked, staring at the ring. It felt strange having its weight on her finger.

  “Yes, I want you to have it before there’s not enough light to see.”

  “Okay.” Her heart pounded. What could possibly top off an already perfect evening?

  Peter pulled an envelope from his vest pocket and passed it to her. Was it an anniversary card? It must be something more. A wistful expression lit his face. He watched her as she opened the card, pulling out a postcard image of the vacation property they were staying at. The words had been notated simply. Peter wasn’t a man of many words.

  To my wife on our twenty-sixth anniversary,

  You own a house by the sea.

  With all my love, Peter.

  Claire held the image in her hand. She stared at Peter, not sure what to say. She read the message a second time. A house by sea… “What does this mean?”

  “I put in an offer on this seaside cottage. There’s only one condition on the purchase.”

  Claire glanced at her ring, glanced upward at the cottage built on the cliff’s edge. “What is happening here? I don’t understand. What are you saying?”

  “I bought my beautiful wife a house by the ocean. The seaside home you’ve always wanted. A place to search for shells. A home to store them. Your very own sea for summer.”

  “With what money?”

  But Peter didn’t seem concerned about her surprise or her concern about purchasing this home. He laughed in response to her question, giving her a humorous look while taking a sip of wine.

  “I sold my business.”

  “You what? Why!?”

  “It was the right thing to do.”

  “Peter, please explain. I’m overwhelmed.”

  He grasped her hand and urged her to rise upward. “Let’s talk about it while we watch the sunset.”

  Claire rose from the chair, and they walked a few steps toward the ocean. The color in the sky encouraged them forward. Incredibly beautiful, it blossomed with hues of orange and pink, and with the backdrop of a blue ocean, the view stole her breath.

  This is mine, ours?

  Claire thought about the highlights of the evening. A new ring on her finger, a cottage above the ocean, and the business Peter no longer owned. She turned to him, tears of happiness glistening in her eyes. She’d yet to receive the most surprising gift of all, the investment in the bakery, and knew how Peter had been able to make it happen.

  He took her into his arms and held her. “What’s wrong? Why do you weep? Doesn’t this make you happy?”

  “I’m in shock. We own a cottage?”

  “Yes, if you want it. I want you to know that this second time around, this commitment I’m proposing, it’s not about material things. I want you to know that I choose you. All of you. Every inch of you.” His voice had more determination in it than she’d ever heard before.

  Claire asked a commonsense question: “I appreciate the gesture. I really do, but we can’t afford this place. It must be worth a pretty penny.”

  “Yes, we can. I did better than expected from th
e sale of my business.”

  “And we haven’t talked about the sale. Why didn’t you tell me? Shouldn’t we discuss major life decisions?”

  “Probably,” he said quietly, massaging her fingers, “but it wouldn’t have been as special.”

  “It was special. I’m grateful,” Claire said.

  “I don’t want further space between us. It’s a good thing you showed me how to make a pie, because honey, you have a new partner at the Old Thyme Bakery and Café.”

  Claire shook her head, giving him a half-smile. “I wondered when you’d get around to telling me.” She should be annoyed that she’d been left out of the decisions, but the generosity of his actions filled her heart with gratitude.

  “Congratulations and happy anniversary,” The chef said. He gave each of them a glass of sparkling wine. Peter lifted his glass and Claire did as well. “To our future,” Peter said, gazing into her eyes.

  They clinked their wine glasses. “To our life together,” Claire replied, having more love in her heart for this man than ever before.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Claire glowed with happiness on her wedding day. In the cottage on Ruxton island, in a vacation home she appreciated having as her own, Stephanie weaved her mother’s hair, more silver highlights than blonde these days, into a messy bun.

  Time had passed quickly. Claire couldn’t believe the renewal ceremony was about to happen, and she was delighted that her children, family and friends, could share this special day with them.

  “It’s good to see you happy. I love your dress. You look beautiful, Mom.”

  Claire glanced at Stephanie while sitting in front of a vintage makeup dresser. “You’re the beauty, but your compliment warms a mother’s heart.”

  Stephanie stood behind her, a serious expression on her face while twisting layers of hair into place. “I want the best for you.”

  “I have the best. I have my daughter and my family with me on my wedding day.” Claire grasped Stephanie’s hand. “I’m glad you’re able to share this with your father and me. I know how busy you’ve been.”

  Claire released her hold and Stephanie dotted her face with peach blush. “Where else would I be, but with my mom and dad. It’s summer. I have a break from school. And let’s get real, now that Dad and you own the cottage, Chris and I will come home more often. You can’t be here every weekend.”

  “I’ll hold you to that promise. We barely see you as it is,” Claire said. It would be great to see her adult kids more often. She wanted to share this cottage with her family. Peter did as well.

  “How’s Dad managing at the bakery?”

  “He’s okay, but I’ve never seen so much flour on his clothing,” Claire said with a giggle.

  The new memories they were creating at the Old Thyme Café caused her eyes to water. Peter gave this work a lot of effort. The renovations in the café portion would be complete soon.

  “Your father’s better suited to refurbishing the cottage, but he never complains and always digs in wherever he’s needed.”

  “He’s always been a generous man, even when he was busy. I still can’t believe he sold the business.” Steph paused. “Mom, your eyes are full of fluid. You can’t cry. You’ll spoil your makeup.”

  “I’m not worried about my makeup,” Claire said, wiping away a tear. I’m grateful to have my family together. Grateful to have this second chance with your father.”

  “Dad hired a photographer. He wants to capture every moment. It’s important to him.”

  Claire was aware of this. Peter had bought a camera for himself and had taken up photography. Pictures of bakery renovations. Images of gulls and great blue herons. And his wife when she let him capture her image.

  “He’s told me as much.”

  Like her mother, Stephanie became wistful. Claire studied her as she reached for a hairpiece adorned with pearls. She placed it in her hair. “The perfect complement for your updo. You’re not a new bride, but you should feel like one. My gift for my mom on her special day.”

  Claire became wistful for a moment. Her eyes threatened to fill with tears again. “This means a lot to me. I’ll wear it with pride.”

  “Maybe you’ll wear it when I get married.”

  “Are you dating?”

  “Not yet, but there might be someone special.” Stephanie smiled, glancing at the floor. Claire was certain there was someone in her daughter’s life.

  “Chris and I are happy for you guys. We were worried, worried our parents might…”

  “…divorce?” The look on her face pierced Claire’s heart. She didn’t want to worry their children. “This is a happy day. A day for new beginnings; new memories, like the pictures your father wants to capture. A time for joy, not sadness.”

  Stephanie stepped backward and reached for a mirror on the dresser. “I can’t wait to celebrate with you. What do you think, Mom? Do you like it? Did I do a good job?”

  Unsure how to respond, Claire grasped the hand mirror and perused her image in the glass. A middle-aged woman stared back at her, and she reflected on the creases at the corners of her eyes, lines at the bridge of her nose, and soft skin that was no longer supple. Still, her daughter had applied a long-wearing foundation, and with peach blush and nicely painted eyes, the look complemented her complexion. She might be older, but looked and felt beautiful.

  “You’re quiet, Mom.”

  Claire placed the mirror on the dresser. “It’s great to have you home. You’ve made me feel special and loved. Thank you, Stephanie.”

  “You’re beautiful, inside and out.” Stephanie reached into her bag and retrieved a box tied with an ivory bow. “Dad wanted me to give you this.”

  “Really? Your father, he’s been full of surprises lately.”

  “A girl appreciates being appreciated, if you know what I mean.” Stephanie winked, passing her the box. “Open it, Mom. I’m dying to see what’s inside.”

  Claire held the gift in her hands while studying her daughter, seeing a younger version of herself. Stephanie had chosen to wear a pale peach summer dress. The style complemented her mother’s ivory gown, which contained a lace bodice with tiny seed pearls and Swarovski crystals. And with layers of chiffon, the dress was perfect for a walk across the sand.

  “Come on, Mom. Dad will be waiting.”

  Claire slipped off the bow and opened the box. She gasped at the sight of a three-strand pearl bracelet with gorgeous crystal spacers. “Oh my,” Claire said, sighing, “your father has exquisite taste.”

  “He said to tell you the pearls represent the memories he plans to share with you.”

  Claire took the bracelet out of the box and held it in her hands. If these pearls represented their life together, they had a long journey ahead of them. Tears glistened in her eyes as Stephanie undid the clasp and placed it on her wrist. “He’s so thoughtful. So full of surprises.”

  “You love it, don’t you, Mom?”

  Claire admired the bracelet adorning her wrist. “Oh yes, it’s absolutely stunning and perfect.”

  Stephanie glanced at her watch. “It’s time to take your walk. Are you ready?”

  Claire nodded, smiling. “More than ready.”

  Claire accepted the bridal bouquet of peach, blush, and white roses from Stephanie. They gave each other a hug at the doorway, neither of them speaking, then passed through the door and began their descent to the private cove, where the renewal wedding vows were soon to take place.

  A small circle of friends and family waited for the bride and her daughter, and the guests were not disappointed. When a trio of performers began to play; a violinist, a guitar player, and a harpist, Claire and Stephanie made their entrance. Peter studied his daughter, as beautiful as her mother, as they paraded down the hillside. Claire paused at the base while Stephanie strolled forward, all smiles, seemingly pleased with the occasion. When she reached the ceremony spot, carrying a bouquet of flowers that matched the color of her dress, she stood on his right
.

  And then the moment came that Peter had been waiting for. Claire strolled forward, flowers in her hands, her dress flowing between her legs. The wind teased her hair as she passed along a white-washed boardwalk in the center of the cove. He sucked in his breath, his pulse racing. Was this beauty his wife? His love, his everything…the partner he planned to make many more memories with for the rest of his life?

  He was a lucky man, and he knew it. Fortunate to stand at the altar of their love, waiting for her to join him.

  Claire drifted closer, a pleasant smile on her face. She nodded to their son when she reached the ceremony circle, then grasped his hand. Was her hand quivering?

  Caroline began the ceremony, a perfect choice, as she had been responsible, in part, for bringing them back together.

  “Welcome to this beautiful cove, and to Peter and Claire’s renewal of their wedding vows,” Caroline said. “It gives me pleasure to witness this special occasion. When I began my couple’s retreat at Daydream Island, I could not have predicted a better outcome to my work than Peter and Claire renewing their wedding vows.”

  Peter grinned, glancing at Claire. Her blissful expression, pretty face, her hair so artfully done. He squeezed her fingers. He took a deep breath. “Caroline, on behalf of Claire and myself, we wish to extend our gratitude, not only for conducting the ceremony, but also for replanting seeds of love in our life. We’re grateful.”

  “We’ll build more bridges together,” Claire said with a nervous giggle. “We won’t fail next time.”

  “Here, here,” Burt called out, their family and friends chuckling at the comment.

  “Peter and Claire Douglas, you have worked hard in the past weeks to heal heartbreak, restore relationship connections, and make stronger memories together. I wish you much love as you move forward in your life. Are you ready to renew your vows?”