Page 63 of New Day at the Beach House

She nodded, still unconvinced.

He glanced at the computer screen. “Maybe we should call it a day. We could head off to the Home Depot and have a look around at all the things you could put into your new house. Flooring, tile, carpet, appliances. Would that bring your excitement back?”

He was such a dear man. She smiled. “I am still very much excited, I promise you. I’ve just allowed myself to do too much thinking. To focus too much on all the things that could go wrong. And that’s what’s got me so overwhelmed. It’s just so hard not to think that way.”

“I suppose when you’ve lost two husbands, thinking about what could go wrong comes naturally to you.”

A faint pang of grief went through her, muscle memory because she’d experienced so much of it in her life that her body knew exactly what it felt like at any given time. She nodded. “It’s hard not to.”

“I bet. So what do you say about that trip to Home Depot? The distraction might be just the thing to help you see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

“You are so good to me.” She cupped his face in her hands. “So kind and patient. Thank you.” She kissed him. “I think a visit to the Home Depot sounds wonderful.”

“Get your purse. I’ll get the AC started in the car.”

Twenty minutes later, they were staring at flooring selections in the cavernous warehouse of Home Depot, the familiar orange signs announcing each section of the store.

She was happy to be here. Happy to focus on the end result as opposed to the work required to get there. “There is so much to look at.”

Conrad grimaced. “Does that mean you feel even more overwhelmed?”

Margo laughed. “Heavens, no. I can eliminate half of these without a second glance. When it comes to knowing how I want the house to look, I have no issues with making decisions. I’ve seen three possible options for the master bedroom already.” She pointed at them. “They’re all variations of the same idea. And the bathroom makeover will be just as easy. So will paint colors.”

“That’s fantastic.” He narrowed his eyes. “You should use that same decisiveness to talk to your daughters about helping.”

She held his gaze for a moment, knowing he was right. “I will. Tonight. I promise. But first, maybe we could get an early dinner and you could help me talk through that discussion a little more? Or have you had enough of me for one day?”

He laughed and took her hand. “Margo, you’re about to live down the street from me and I’m still not sure I’m going to get enough of you. I think I can handle dinner.”

Margo just smiled, flattered as all get out. An impulsive thought flitted through her mind with all the hope and promise of spring’s first butterfly. There was every chance she was eventually going to end up marrying Conrad.

And she was more than okay with that.

Jules shook her head, amazed at her son, who’d just scrawled out a new verse for one of the songs she was working on, Man of the World. The song would be a mother’s prayer for her son and it would be her and Cash’s duet. She read it over again. “That’s perfect.”

Cash glanced at her, clearly skeptical. “You really think so? Or are you just saying that because you’re my mom?”

“I think it’s both. I’m saying it because it really is good, but I’m also saying it because I’m impressed that I gave birth to such a talented child.”

He laughed. “I’m not a child anymore, Mom.”

“No, you’re not. But you’ll aways be my baby.”

He rolled his eyes even as he was smiling. “I know.”

“Listen, I don’t know about you, but today has been a long day. We’ve both accomplished a lot. What do you say we pick this up again tomorrow? I’m sure you want to get to the beach or something.”

He shrugged. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. My brain is starting to feel a little mushy. Why? Do you want to work more?”

He shook his head. “No, I’m good. I should probably get a shower.”

She narrowed her eyes. Knowing her son as she did, she had to ask. “You don’t usually shower this late unless you have a good reason to. And you definitely don’t shower before going to the beach.”

“I’m not going to the beach.” His mouth bent in a funny smile, and he looked away. “I might have a date.”

“What? How? Where would you have met anyone?” But she knew before he answered.

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