Page 83 of The Magic of Sea Glass
Lauren leaned on the window ledge, the bright summer sunlight shining through the panes, warming her. “I can’t imagine what he went through, giving them up.”
“I can’t either.” She turned to Lauren. “You know, I wasn’t able to have children, and I’ve always wondered what it would be like; I’ve always wanted to be a mother. That’s one of the reasons I enjoyed being around Brody and Stephanie when they were growing up.”
Lauren nodded, following Mary outside onto the front porch.
“If only I’d been around back then,” Mary said. “I’d have adopted both those baby girls.” She shook her head, evidently contemplating Joe’s hardship once more. “He never showed once that he was carrying any of the weight of it.”
“I didn’t think I would ever understand it, but I know now how you both came through your losses and made it safely to the other side. It’s because you carry the love with you. You know they’re here.”
“Yes,” Mary said. “Exactly. Frank is always with me.”
“I’ve learned more than you know from you and Joe. And now, I carry that love too. I truly believe that Mason is around me. All the time. I can feel him now.” She looked around them, wishing she could see him just as the breeze from the open door blew over her skin, as if he were letting her know where he was.
Mary smiled.
Just then Lauren caught sight of her parents in a rental car, pulling into the parking lot. She grabbed the luggage cart, and then she and Mary made their way down to greet them.
They wrapped Lauren up in a tight embrace as they met her in front of the inn. “It’s so good to see you,” her mother said into her ear.
“You too.” She gave her a big smile and then planted a kiss on her father’s cheek.
“You look incredible,” her mother said. “I haven’t seen you this vibrant in a long time.”
“It’s because I’ve found where I belong.” She gestured toward Mary. “This is Mary Everett, the owner of the Tide and Swallow.”
Mary shook their hands as she stared in awe at Lauren’s mother, Grace, while Lauren helped them with their bags. “I’ll make sure we’ve got enough glasses for cocktails,” she said as she headed inside.
“How was the trip?” Lauren asked, piling the luggage onto the cart.
Her father grabbed the heaviest suitcase, placed it next to the ones Lauren had organized, and shut the trunk. “It wasn’t bad; we enjoyed it,” he said, wheeling the cart up to the main porch of the inn.
Mary poked her head out. “I just called Brody to pick up Joe. He said he’s already on his way, and he’s bringing Stephanie.”
Lauren’s mother lit up.
Eagerness prickled Lauren’s skin. Her mother was about to meet her biological father and niece for the first time. “I’m so excited for you to get to know them. They’re great people.” She opened the door and helped them guide the cart inside.
Her mother put her shaking hands over her mouth, already overcome with emotion.
Mary wobbled through on her cane. “It’s incredible,” she said. “You standing here—it’s like seeing Anne again. It takes my breath away.” She placed her hand on her heart.
Mary’s comment only seemed to increase Lauren’s mother’s anticipation. Her mom was nearly bouncing with observable energy.
Lauren picked up one of their suitcases. “Let’s get your bags to your suite and then we can settle in. Mary, are the cocktails ready?”
“You know they are,” Mary replied with a wiggle of her shoulders. “I’ll get us a round.”
“Thank you,” Lauren called back to her.
“This place is wonderful,” Lauren’s father said as they made it down the hallway to the office, where Lauren ducked in to grab their key.
“I’m glad you like it! It’s a wonderful place. You’re staying in unit eighty-six, next to mine.”
They went down to the suite, let themselves in, and dropped their bags.
“We haven’t had a vacation in years, John,” Grace said, putting her arm around Lauren’s father before she drew open the new sheers and opened the French doors. “I’m already so relaxed.” The shushing sound of the ocean filled the room.
Lauren understood exactly what her mother was feeling. “It has that effect on people.”
