Jesse swung his ornament in the air as he barked.
“I thought you could keep them by your bed at night. They can help bring you good thoughts and happy dreams.”
“I love it.” Hailey wrapped her arms around Maeve’s waist. “Thank you.”
“Me too.” Jesse pushed his hand forward, handing his gift to Amanda.
As she took the shell dog from him, she noticed the woman who’d been sitting across the way with her husband and toddler earlier. She was trying to wrangle the child, an umbrella, and a bag full of toys as the man walked over the hill ahead of them carrying only his cooler.
What a jerk. Amanda sat up on her knees. “Maeve, could you watch these two for a quick second? I want to give that gal a hand.”
Maeve seemed to register the situation. “Of course.”
Amanda ran over to the struggling woman. “Hey, let me help you with that. Boy, it takes a ton of stuff to keep the kids over here, doesn’t it?”
The woman gave her a blank stare at first, then let out a sigh. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”
Amanda helped her stack the things inside one another to make it easier to carry, and then the family toddled off. By the time they reached the top of the dune, the woman had caught her breath.
“Thank you. I’ve got it from here. That was really kind of you.”
“No problem. You’d have done the same for me. I’m sure of it.” She wished there was something reassuring she could say to her. “Have a great rest of the day.” But she doubted the woman was in for much of a treat when she got back. Why were some guys like that?
Amanda walked back over to her little spot, where Jesse was yammering to Maeve, who looked intent on pretending to comprehend what he was going on and on about.
“Thanks. Sorry. I just know how much of a hassle that can be by yourself.” She looked at her children’s sweet little faces. “I’ve been so blessed. These two are so easy.”
Yes, it’s been a season of unwanted change, but things could be worse.
Before she sat down, Amanda hung the ornaments from one of the spindles of the umbrella. “That was so thoughtful. These are adorable.”
Maeve bent down and sat on the sheet with Amanda. “It also kept me sane the past few days. I have to cut my walks shorter when it’s a downpour like that. It gave me something to do.”
“So you still walk on the beach in the rain?”
“Every day. No matter how hot or cold or wet. I love how the weather and time of day change the landscape of things, and the crazier the weather, the better the treasures. Of course, I have to plan around the weather if it’s lightning, but there’s always a little window of opportunity every day, if you’re flexible.”
“I don’t mean this to sound disrespectful, but I hope I have your energy when I’m your age.” Actually, I’d like to have it now!
“Ah, but I don’t have two babies to tend to. That seems like it would be exhausting. And no disrespect taken. I do love staying active. It’s part of what gives me purpose.”
“Purpose.” Amanda hung her head. She hadn’t been able to get the lie of omission from the other day out of her mind. What kind of friend would she ever be if they started this friendship on an untruth?
Amanda pushed her hair back over her shoulder. “Maeve, I owe you an apology. I wasn’t completely honest with you about something. I don’t even know why.”
“Oh, goodness. Well, I’m sure you had your reasons.”
“No, not good ones.” She rubbed her hands together. She’d tucked her wedding band in her jewelry box, thinking it would be easier if no one knew her situation. All part of the charade. “I…I moved here thinking I could leave something behind. That by being here where no one knew what I’d been through that it would be easier.”
Maeve didn’t say a word.
Amanda took a breath in trying to find the words. “It’s not easier. It’s different, but…” She pressed her lips together. “You’ve been so nice. The kids really like you, and I enjoy talking to you too. I don’t know why I didn’t tell you—” She swallowed hard. This was so much harder to explain than she’d thought it would be.
“Whoa. Slow down. Honey, you don’t owe me anything. You tell me whatever you need to as you feel you are ready. Some things are personal. You never have to apologize for that.”
“I wanted you, well not just you, but everyone…” She was babbling. For a moment, she closed her eyes and looked for strength. “I even told the real estate agent that I was in the middle of a divorce. I’m not.”
“Are you married?”
“Yes.” She glanced down at her empty ring finger. “No. Not anymore. Well, yes, forever. My husband passed away two years ago.” She looked at Hailey and Jesse playing in the sand. “We don’t talk about it much. I was so tired of being introduced as Amanda, followed by the stage-whispered ‘She’s widowed’ as if that were my last name. It tore at me over and over. I’m sorry I wasn’t up front with you about it, but I can’t stand people looking at me like I’m going to break down into tears.” Her own body defied her at times, like now. Her eyes tingled. “And yes, I might some days.”
“It’s okay.”
“No, it’s not. I should’ve been honest when Hailey mentioned Jack at the library, and I’m sorry.” Amanda reached for Maeve’s hand. “I want us to be friends.”
“We are.”
“I mean real friends. Like you call me and let me know if we can do something for you. Anytime. I mean it.”
“Thank you.”
“Like when I make a big pan of spaghetti but it’s too much for us, it’s okay because you can join us or I can drop
