Page 46 of Coral Memories

Life with Bertrand was always exciting. As much as she loved her work, if they moved overseas again, she would welcome that experience, too. She loved living in Paris, and they could easily travel to other countries by train.

Sometimes, she could hardly believe this was her life. When she wrote to her mother in the evenings, she described her new experiences, which delighted her mother. And when they visited Summer Beach, Ginger enjoyed spending time there.

While their lovely cottage there was home, she and Bertrand weren’t ready to leave their professional lives.

15

While Bertrand cracked crab for lunch on the beach, Ginger sat on the sun-drenched porch of her cottage, carefully watching her grandchildren play in the sand far from the water.

Marina, the eldest at eight, was busy constructing an elaborate sandcastle, filling and emptying a bright red bucket. Six-year-old Brooke chased seagulls; her delighted squeals carried on the ocean breeze. At just a year old, little Kai was tucked safely in Ginger’s arms, watching her sisters and waving her tiny hands, eager to be a part of their fun.

The front screen door creaked open. Bertrand’s voice broke through her reverie as he handed her a glass of iced tea. “Thought you could use a refresher, darling.”

Taking the cool glass, Ginger smiled up at him. She thought her husband was still the most handsome man in any room. He remained fit, and the gray strands sprinkled across his thick hair made him look more distinguished.

She sipped the iced tea. “I’ve been thinking about how easy and peaceful life is here on this sunny beach.”

Bertrand eased onto the swing beside her. “Someday, we’ll make it our full-time home. I have another five, maybe ten years to work. But you may return as often as you wish to see our grandchildren.”

“With my parents gone, it seems different now.” She sighed at her memories, now tucked away in photo albums. “We have become the older generation.”

Bertrand laughed at that. “We’re forever young in our hearts and minds. Just not the knees.”

“Swimming is good for that,” Ginger replied, although she missed him on the morning hikes they used to take. Still, he was ten years older, so she had to be considerate.

“Nothing beats the pool at the Ritz, unless it’s Biarritz,” he said, his eyes twinkling. “How about we make reservations at the Hôtel du Palais when we return? You love the coastline.”

She considered that for a moment. “That’s a wonderful idea. The food and views are spectacular.” Several years ago, they had returned to Paris, which they both loved. Bertrand had earned his seniority and was well respected.

Still, they returned to Summer Beach when they could. She gestured toward the beach and their grandchildren. “However, this area has a unique draw.”

Bertrand put his arm around his wife and pinched little Kai’s cheek. “I promise we’ll come back more often. And one day, we might never want to leave.”

Just then, Sandi arrived at the house in her car. She pushed her sunglasses up over her wavy strawberry-blond hair. She looked slightly frazzled but happy. “Mom, Dad, thanks for watching the kids. I hope they weren’t too much trouble. Dennis is finishing his meeting, but I thought I’d come back early.”

Ginger waved off her daughter’s concerns. “The children were a delight. Although I must say, keeping up with them can be more challenging than work.”

Bertrand laughed. “Fortunately, you’re practiced in problem-solving.”

As Sandi lifted her baby, Ginger felt a sense of contentment wash over her. She had accomplished so much in her career, contributed to advancements that would shape the future of technology and security. But here, at this moment, she realized that her greatest legacy might be the love and knowledge she could pass on to these bright-eyed children.

“I’m ready when you are,” she said to Bertrand.

“Speaking of being ready, fresh crab and corn on the cob awaits in the kitchen,” he said, rising. “Who is hungry?”

Sandi stashed her sunglasses in her bag. “If you have enough, Dennis and I will stay.”

“That’s why I steamed as much as I did.” Bertrand flexed an arm. “Real men don’t cook small portions.”

Sandi laughed. “Gee, Dad, I didn’t expect such a caveman comment from you.”

“I keep up with the times, my darling daughter. Will you help me in the kitchen?”

“I’ll gather the girls,” Ginger said. “They’re a mess, so let’s eat on the rear patio.”

“You can hose them off there,” Sandi said.

“Just like I used to do for you when we visited,” Ginger said, remembering those summers with fondness.

---