Page 76 of The Magic of Sea Glass
“I know it’s just a little touristy thing, but Mary mentioned that you decided to stay here, and I know how much you like sea glass. When I saw this, I was compelled to buy it for you. I thought you could put your inn key on it.”
“Thank you,” she said, tears surfacing for a different reason. “This is… unbelievably perfect,” she said, breathless. She tried to process the fact that Stephanie might have just delivered a message from beyond. Could it be?
“And,” Stephanie continued, picking up her flowers, “I should tell you that I’ve added a little something to the bouquet.”
“Oh?” she said, the word barely coming out on her breath, tears spilling her lashes at a rapid pace now as she blinked them away, gripping the keychain as if it had just saved her life. She barely heard Stephanie.
“I feel like our loved ones are with us—even when they aren’t actually here,” Stephanie said, and gestured to her flowers, but her words meant more than the surface of whatever she was saying.
Lauren tried to pull herself out of the feeling that Mason was there, wrapping her up in his arms and telling her,Go—your future is waiting. Could he really be there with her? Were all their loved ones around? She peered down at Stephanie’s bouquet, and nestled between two roses was a photo of a couple.
“It’s a picture of my parents, William and Anne.”
Stephanie moved a sprig of baby’s breath and the blood ran out of Lauren’s face. She stood there, motionless, the sounds of wedding chatter muffled, her vision tunneling toward that photo.
“Now I know why we look alike,” Lauren whispered.
“Why?” Stephanie asked.
“Your mom looksexactlylike mine.”
Stephanie’s mouth hung open. “How…?”
Only then did Lauren realize that the musicians were improvising. With a rush of adrenaline, she snapped into gear. “We’ve got to go. We’ve got a wedding to get to.”
* * *
LateFall, 1960
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
“I’ve been over and over this, and I truly don’t know what’s best for them,” Joseph said to Phillip, his voice breaking. Tears brimmed as he looked down at the twin baby girls, Grace and Anne, in the bassinette that Penelope had left behind when she’d passed away that fateful day in the hospital. They had dark eyes and a patch of black hair just like their mother. “Penny would never have wanted me to put them up for adoption, but with the cutbacks at work, we’d be living in poverty. I want to give them the best life I can offer them.”
They cooed when he ran a finger over their milky cheeks.
“I can try to get you some money,” Phillip said, “but I’ve got to go back home to do that.” As soon as he uttered the words, he wondered if his parents would even give him the money. But he wouldn’t worry about that now. He felt he had to do something. He’d give him all his inheritance if he had to.
Joseph shook his head. “That’s very kind of you, but you can’t fund them until they’re adults. Even with all the money you say your family has, a handout wouldn’t be enough.” He stepped away from the infants, staring blankly, looking absolutely empty. He put his head in his hands and sobbed. “I have to let them go.”
He slumped forward, appearing completely overwhelmed by grief. Phillip wasn’t sure of the best way to handle it. He wanted to make it better, but he knew there was no way to do that.
“So you’re putting them up for adoption?” Phillip asked.
Joseph cleared his throat and let out an anguished groan. “Yes. I spoke with a woman at an agency who can place them with good families. She travels to different states, finding suitable homes.” His breathing became shallow, his chest barely moving in his obvious anxiety. “I’d have to just hand them over to her. My sweet angels, gifts from my darling Penny.” He collapsed into a fit of tears.
Phillip reached into his pocket and grabbed hold of the bracelet. He’d carried it with him everywhere—the last remnant of their love. He felt as if he’d been left behind as well, and it was his burden to pick up all the pieces that remained. He was angry about it at first, thinking how she wouldn’t have even been in the situation had his parents allowed them to marry. Who even knew what they’d be up to. They could be traveling the world. Now, he felt hollow, void of all emotion because if he actually allowed himself to feel something, he’d probably be right there on the floor next to Joseph.
* * *
Rodanthe, North Carolina
Clutching the keychain, Lauren ushered the bridal party and Stephanie to the double doors of the main room, where Dave and the film crew were ready and waiting. The bridesmaids began to file down the white runner that cut the room in half, the place full to the brim with Stephanie and Mitchell’s family and friends. Joe was waiting and offered Stephanie his arm, already choking up at the sight of her.
“You’re like a grandfather to me,” she said into his ear. “I’ve always thought that.”
Joe cleared his throat, his bottom lip wobbling, and kissed her cheek.
Then the crowd stood.
