Page 60 of A Journey in the Bay

“Hey, I’m here,” Alissa said from the front of the house. She already had a key.

“Hey!”

“I’m ridiculously impressed that you unpacked everything so fast,” Alissa said when she entered the living room and looked around. “This would have taken me months.”

“Yeah, I just wanted to get it done. To feel settled,” Caitlin said. “And honestly, without your help with the décor, I don’t think I would have felt as inspired to see it all put together.”

She and Alissa had scoured antique stores, little boutiques, online shops, and big box chains for everything in her house. Buying things had been chaotic, especially since Caitlin had no idea what she wanted her home to look like now that she had full control.

But it was perfect. It was just her style—classic and clean, but still cozy. Alissa had found the perfect dark blue couch, which paired nicely with the reclaimed wood coffee table in front of it. The massive armchair to the side of the couch had already become Pearl’s favorite place to curl up on a rare rainy afternoon. Unique art and sculptures that they’d scored in some of the smaller places they’d looked lined the built-in shelves along one wall of the living room.

And the kitchen—Caitlin had to compromise in her old home’s kitchen, squeezing all of her favorite gadgets alongside James’s. But now she had space for everything, including some impulse buys of vintage Dutch ovens in perfect condition. Counter space was plentiful too.

Her bedroom was an oasis with the softest bed stacked with all the throw pillows she wanted. And Pearl’s room was much bigger too, to her delight.

“It looks amazing,” Alissa said. “We did great.”

“We really did.”

The two took in the space. Caitlin knew they were going to spend a lot of time in here, catching up after long days or relaxing on the weekend.

“Do you need any help with the food?” Alissa asked, peering into the kitchen.

“Nope, I kept it nice and easy. Charcuterie, fruit, a few tartes.” Caitlin wandered toward the kitchen, which had a view into the backyard.

It wasn’t huge, but it was more than big enough for Pearl to run around in. She was kicking a soccer ball around with Michael. Caitlin’s heart expanded as she watched the two laughing. Over the past few weeks, they’d become even closer. Spending time on Michael’s boat, having picnics on the beach, Pearl and Michael surfing. They’d already made so many great memories and Caitlin knew there were even more to come.

Alissa helped Caitlin put together the platters for the party, then opened a bottle of wine.

“To your new home?” Alissa asked, raising her glass.

“Perfect.” They tapped their glasses together and sipped.

They enjoyed their wine, watching Pearl and Michael play soccer, until the front doorbell rang.

Caitlin rushed to get it. It was Dane with a bottle of wine.

“Hey! Thanks for coming!” she said, stepping aside for Dane to enter. “And thank you for the wine.”

“Thanks for inviting me. Looks like I’m first.”

“You are. But we’re ready for you.”

Caitlin led Dane through the house and back to the kitchen. His expression warmed when he saw Alissa, pulling her in for a kiss. The bittersweet feeling she’d had seeing their love when she’d first arrived in town was gone. Now she understood how it felt for someone to walk into a room and see their whole expression brighten when they saw you.

“Mommy, did you see?” Pearl said, bursting into the kitchen with dirt all over her knees. “I scored!”

“I missed it,” Caitlin said. “You’ll have to do it again and show me.”

“She’ll definitely do it,” Michael said, coming in behind her. He had some grass stuck to his legs too. “She’s doing so well.”

“We just placed an ad for a kids’ soccer team in the paper,” Dane said.

“Can I join?” Pearl asked, her eyes pleading.

“Sure, we can take a look at it.” Caitlin brushed some grass off her t-shirt. “Why don’t you go change and you can have some cheese and crackers?”

“Okay!”

---