Page 81 of The Magic of Sea Glass
“What?” Alicia stood in the kitchen of the home that Phillip’s parents helped them buy, her hands by her sides, her face slack in surprise.
“I bought us a house in the Outer Banks.”
“It’s a summer home, right?” she asked.
Phillip took a step toward his new wife. “No, it’s going to be our home. I’m meeting with the agent today to put this one on the market.”
“Phillip, I’ve never even set foot in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Why in the world would you buy something so far away and not at least consult me?”
Phillip ran his hands through his hair in frustration. “I’m miserable in this town, Alicia.” He threw his hands up. “There’s nothing at all keeping me here.”
She stared at him, silent, unblinking, long enough for him to turn his attention to her in an attempt to decipher her reaction. “What aboutme?” She jabbed her chest. “I’mnot keeping you here? I grew up here. I love it here. Ourhomeis here.”
“You can be happy anywhere,” he said, irritated that she wasn’t elated. But his crossness was more with himself than with her, if he was being honest. After promising Joseph that he’d come back to North Carolina, he returned home and married Alicia out of duty. He didn’t want to let her or her parents down, but now, he was struggling to know his own place in all of this and be the husband he wanted to be.
“I can’t be happy plonked in the sand in the middle of somefishingvillage!” She put her hands on her hips adorably, her cheeks red, only making him feel guiltier. But the truth was that when he lost Penelope, he’d lost a piece of himself—that little slip of freedom that he felt with someone who understood him inside and out. And now, he was torturing himself and Alicia, completely adrift as to his purpose.
She deserved a better man. One who could love her like she should be loved. It wasn’t her fault that he’d been irreparably broken. Fairhope only reminded him of the love that had been ripped away from him and the innocence that he’d lost, and he needed to get back to the Outer Banks to take care of Joseph, a place he could do some good in Penelope’s honor. The poor man was completely on his own.
He left the room, unable to look at Alicia’s disappointment in him anymore. He had no idea when or if he’d ever figure out a way; but somehow, he planned to make it right for everyone, even if it took until his last breath.
* * *
Rodanthe, North Carolina
“Gosh, you two look like you could be Grace and Anne, all grown up,” Joe said as Stephanie and Lauren sat by the flickering flames of the bonfire. Both barefoot, still in their formal gowns from the day, the two of them were giggling together like schoolgirls, the thrill of connection and the wine making them giddy. “If only your grandmother were here to see this.”
Just then something distracted him, his attention moving to the sand. He bent over, running his fingers through the grains. “Ha!” He righted himself. “I saw it flashing at me in the light of the fire.” He held up a shiny penny. Then he tipped his head up to the star-filled sky. “I’ve never told a single soul about her sending me pennies until you all. I suppose she’s happy that you know.” He smiled, gripping the penny in his fist and pressing it to his heart, emotion brimming in his eyes. “And I’m happy to think that maybe Phillip is up there keeping her company until I arrive.”
Stephanie’s lips wobbled. “Weallhave family now,” she said, standing up. She pulled her gown into her fists and paced across the sand to Joe, putting her arms around him. “I can’t believe it. This is the best wedding gift I could’ve ever gotten.” She squeezed his neck, the two of them crying happy tears.
Lauren, still trying to wrap her head around it all, stared at the man who was most definitely her grandfather with a lump in her throat. Brody came over and stood behind her, draping his arms around her shoulders. He bent down. “You okay?”
She nodded. “I need to call my mom.”
* * *
“It can’t be. There’s no way. I mean, what would be the odds?” Lauren’s mother said, her words coming out breathy and unsteady over the phone, obviously wanting to believe it but not sure if she could.
“Probably one million to one,” Lauren replied. She ran her finger over the glass pieces of her bracelet and then scooted closer to Brody. He put his arm around her.
“Are you hearing this, John?” she asked Lauren’s father.
“I’m speechless,” her father said in the background.
Lauren cradled the phone as she sat next to Brody in the sand, the wind tickling her cheeks. “I think Mason planned it all along. He wanted to give us the big family we’ve always wanted the only way he could.”
“Mmm,” her mother said, with fondness behind it. She’d always adored Mason. “I think you’re probably right. Sounds like something he’d do.”
“You’ll love Joe. He’s the sweetest man.”
“I’d like to meet him.” Her mother let out an excited huff on the other end of the line. “I had such a wonderful family. I don’t know what I did to deserve more than that.”
“And I want you and Dad to meet Brody. He’s someone very special.” She leaned against him, putting her head on his shoulder and he gave her a squeeze.
“I can’t wait,” her mother replied.
The surf slid up the sand, reaching her toes with its cool foam. “When can you come?”
