Page 52 of Coral Memories

“What a wonderful place to call home,” she said, stretching her arms overhead.

To one side, a long row of estates lined the ridgetop. Clustered beneath them were Ginger’s favorite spots in town: the Seabreeze Inn, Hidden Garden, Page’s Bookshop, Beach Waves salon, and Nailed It hardware.

Gazing out, she saw brisk business at City Hall, the Seal Cove Inn, First Summer Beach Bank, and Louise’s Laundry Basket.

Jack stood next to her, looking out. “Best day of my life when I found this town.”

“Bertrand and I spent many exciting years away, but I was always happy to return.”

Summer Beach was already busy. She saw the coffee crowd at Java Beach, and staff and diners entering the Starfish Cafe, Beaches, Rosa’s Tacos, Spirits & Vine, and Mel’s Fish. People milled around the Summer Beach marina, Seabreeze Shores community park, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

“There is still a lot for me to discover here,” Jack said. “Your family has been entrenched here for many years.”

“The Delavie-Moore family has contributed its share to the town.” She nodded, satisfied with what they’d accomplished here.

She spied Kai and Axe’s Seashell outdoor amphitheater, her beloved Coral Cottage, and Marina’s Coral Cafe with two food trucks now parked beside it. The farmers market where Brooke sold her produce and Marina’s baked goods was busy, too.

“It’s a breathtaking view from up here,” Jack said. He shrugged off his lightweight jacket as the sun appeared from behind the marine layer.

“It’s good to remember how our lives fit together.” Ginger settled on a large outcropping of rock. “The vastness of the ocean gives proper perspective to our small challenges.”

They sat in silence for a few moments before Jack cleared his throat. “I was hoping we could talk about your memories of Sandi and Dennis.”

Ginger’s heart clenched; she had dreaded recalling this part of the story. When she’d received the tragic news, she’d nearly broken down. But as she opened her mouth to speak, something held her back.

Some memories are only for me, she thought.

When she didn’t respond, Jack asked, “What about Dennis’s family?”

Ginger shook her head. “Sandi’s husband was orphaned and raised in foster care. I was proud of the young man he turned out to be. Always seizing opportunities, studying hard to become an accountant, a certified public accountant, and then a corporate accountant. They married the summer after their first year at university. Too young, I thought, but then, I married at the same age, didn’t I? Marina was born soon afterward.”

“I’ve been thinking,” she continued. “I don’t believe we should include my recollections about Sandi and Dennis in the book.”

Jack raised his eyebrows. “May I ask why?”

Ginger gazed out at the ocean, choosing her words carefully. “Let the past rest. My granddaughters wouldn’t want the accident, or its aftermath, included.”

“I can appreciate that it’s a sensitive topic.” He hesitated, scrubbing his face. “I hate to ask, but I have to. You and Bertrand were privy to classified information. Off the record and onlybetween us, was it truly an accident? Or were there extenuating circumstances?”

Closing her eyes, Ginger recalled the detectives’ gut-wrenching questions. “It was thoroughly investigated and proven strictly an accident. The roads were rain slicked, and conditions were treacherous.” She shook her head. “It could have happened to anyone.”

Jack picked up a small rock and turned it over in his hands. “Marina has shared a lot with me. What if I write that chapter based on what I know? You’ll have full editorial approval. That goes for the entire manuscript as well.”

Clasping her legs, she considered this option. “Do you think that would help others who might be having similarly difficult times?”

“With all due respect, I believe it would. That was a critical juncture in your life. You led the family through it, which likely required more mental toughness than breaking any code.”

“You’re right about that.” She lifted her face to the sun, relieved at his proposal. “Now, I prefer to enjoy my moments and look to the future.”

Perhaps Oliver would be part of that future. They’d been speaking by phone almost every evening. She enjoyed having someone with a shared background and of a similar age to talk to again. Oliver wasn’t Bertrand, but he was also intelligent and unique.

Jack picked up another smooth pebble. “It’s what people do when faced with challenges that hone their character and inspire others. I promise I’ll do this justice.”

“Alright.” She drew another deep breath with resolve. “Now that that’s settled, shall we head back down?”

As they began their descent, coastal wildflowers nodded in the breeze as they passed, as if approving her decision.Consumed with thoughts, she didn’t speak on the hike down. Jack, to his credit, respected her silence.

Reflecting, Ginger thought about the first heart-wrenching year after Sandi and Dennis passed away. She moved into the family home in Claremont, and Marina returned to university. The days passed in a blur.

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