Page 48 of Coral Memories

“She took our parents’ deaths awfully hard,” Marina said. “We all did, of course. She had to be strong for us, but I could always tell.”

“I know that was devastating for all of you,” Jack said, sweeping her into his arms. “And for her, losing her only child.”

Marina nodded. “She was especially distraught over my mom—it was like they’d left something unfinished. Just a feeling I always had.” She lifted a shoulder and let it fall. “But I suppose that’s common. I never got to tell Stan we were pregnant.”

“That’s an interesting observation,” Jack said slowly. “And I’m sorry you had to go through that.” He kissed her on the cheek and released her.

Marina took out eggs and heavy cream from the refrigerator. “Anyway, all the amazing people she and Grandpa knew shouldadd to her story. When do you think you’ll have a first draft completed?”

“I still have some research to do. So, after the holidays, I imagine. I’ll edit it in the spring. I don’t want to pitch it until it’s finished.”

Just then, Leo burst through the back door. “Is dinner ready yet?”

Jack mussed his son’s hair. “We’ll have soup and salad first.”

Marina added a pinch of nutmeg before pouring the egg and cream mixture into the tart pan. She opened the hot oven and eased her creation onto a rack. Another commotion sounded at the front door.

“Hey, Mom.” Heather’s excited voice filled the house. “I’m here with Blake.”

Marina and Jack exchanged quick glances when the pair appeared in the kitchen doorway.

Blake spoke quickly. “First, I want to apologize for my parents’ behavior. I assure you, none of what they said was true.” He hugged Heather close to his side. “I love your daughter very much, and we’ve done a lot of talking.”

“Everything is okay, Mom.” Heather held out her arms, and Marina embraced her.

“I’m so relieved for you,” Marina said, smiling. “And thank you for letting us know, Blake.”

Jack gave Blake a bro hug. “You did good, man.”

Blake grinned at that. “My mom called again this afternoon. She told me that night with you guys was the final humiliation, as she put it. She just kicked out my father, and this time, I think she means it.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that,” Marina said, feeling a little guilty, although that man had it coming.

“Don’t be,” Blake replied. “She sounds better already. Dad is a bully, and he has lessons to learn. At the very least, they needa long break from each other. And she wants to get to know Heather.”

Marina shot her daughter a guarded look.

“It’s okay, Mom. Blake says she’s fine without his dad around.”

Marina recalled her whirlwind of emotions at that age. “We’re here to help in any way we can. Are you hungry? We have tomato basil soup, Jack’s salad, sweet potato fries, and a quiche Lorraine in about half an hour.”

“Oh my gosh, that’s my favorite comfort dish,” Heather said, her eyes widening. “With a side salad and sweet potato fries with garlic aioli. That must go in your cookbook.”

“Now I know,” Blake said, kissing her cheek. He and Heather set the table on the deck so they could all eat outdoors.

“I’ve already included it,” Marina said. She’d started compiling some recipes.

Scout plopped nearby, likely waiting for table treats. “No beggars by the table, please.” Marina nudged him to one side.

As Heather carried dishes to the table, she said, “I can hardly wait to start working on the food truck and marketing part of the business after graduation. I have so many ideas.”

Marina recognized the spark of determination in her daughter’s eyes—the same spark she’d seen so often in Ginger’s. And her sisters. They all had that. “There will be time enough for all that. You have courses to finish and a wedding to plan.”

“Aunt Kai said she wants to help with everything.”

“Go easy on her. She’s enthusiastic, but she tires easily right now.” Marina turned back to the stove, furrowing her brow as she thought of Kai. The excitement of Heather’s engagement had distracted her.

“Is Aunt Kai okay, Mom?” Heather asked, looking concerned.

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