Page 43 of Sunsets at the Beach House

Claire couldn’t help but be worried about Alex. He was such a nice young man and had made such a great impact on Kat. Claire said a prayer for him and kept an ear out for her phone in case Kat called or texted with news.

Until then, Claire had plenty to keep her busy. The cakes were out of the oven and on cooling racks. Her three pie crusts were in the oven and just about ready to come out. Her sour orange filling was made, ready to fill those crusts.

She topped up her glass of ice water and had a big drink before going to the sink to wash one of the many bowls she’d used. As soon as it was washed and on the drying rack, the oven timer went off.

She put the mitts on and got all the pie crusts out. They were golden and beautiful. She’d made the crusts from crushed Lorna Doone cookies instead of the more traditional graham crackers, because that was how her grandmother had always done it. Claire thought the buttery shortbread just made more sense with the sour tang of the oranges anyway. She wouldn’t know for several hours if that had been the right decision or not, but she’d always loved the pie her grandmother had made, so she had faith it would work out.

It was possible, she figured, that more than just her grandmother’s sour orange pies had been made with Lorna Doone cookie crusts. The cookies had been around since 1912, something she’d had no idea about until she’d done some research.

She lined the pie crusts up on the counter, then spooned enough filling into each of them until it was evenly distributed and just shy of being level with the top. She smoothed them out, savoring the delicious limey, orangey aroma wafting up at her.

She moved on to the meringue, getting that whipped up quickly. She carefully divided that among the three pies as well, then went to work shaping it into something pretty. If she’d had her piping bag, she would have done rosettes or something fancy. If the pie made it onto the bakery’s regular rotation, the meringue would definitely be piped on.

She got the pies covered, then put them back into the oven. The meringue would take about fifteen minutes to brown nicely, but she’d still have to keep an eye on it. No one liked overbaked meringue.

She set the timer then took more bowls to the sink. She washed them, dried them, and put them away. There was still a lot to clean up.

Her phone chimed. She checked the screen.

Alex seems to be doing pretty well. He’s on a lot of pain meds and sleeping now. Might have a few scars, but that should be all.

Good, Claire typed back. Praying for him. Still scary.

Yes, Kat answered. A truss fell on him in a building fire. He was lucky not to be hurt worse.

Claire closed her eyes, trying not to imagine how much worse it could have been. Will he have to stay overnight?

Yes. They want to keep an eye on him.

Claire nodded. That made sense to her. I guess it’ll just be you and Cash tomorrow then. Unless you’re not planning on going now?

No, still going. We kind of have to. The truck is rented. And it needs to be done. I hate to leave Alex, but Miles already promised to pick him up and take him home.

That’s good. Claire didn’t like Kat and Cash having to do all of that work by themselves. She tried to think who back in Landry might be able to help them. Maybe she could call Pastor Freeman and see if there were any men from the church who might be available. Even if just for a few hours.

Kat sent another text. I’ll probably stay until visiting hours are over unless you need me.

Stay as long as you like. I’m fine.

Okay. Love you.

Claire smiled. Love you too. Tell Alex I’m praying for him.

Kat sent a thumbs-up and a heart in reply.

Claire dialed the church in Landry.

“Good afternoon, Landry Community Church. Pastor Freeman speaking.”

“Hi, Pastor Freeman. It’s Claire Thompson.”

“Claire, it’s so good to hear from you. How are you doing?”

“I’m doing all right.”

“You’re at the beach house now, aren’t you?”

“Yes, that’s right.” She realized suddenly she was going to have to explain some of what was going on. “That’s part of why I’m calling. My daughter and I, and my mother, have made the decision to stay here. We’re moving to Diamond Beach.”

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