“Wow, that is very cool!” Amanda stood, reaching for Paul’s hands.
He took her hands in his. “Welcome home.”
“I’m so happy to be back. Thank you. Please tell me the kids behaved for you.”
“They were great. I was horrible. Hailey had to put me in time-out.”
Hailey laughed hysterically. “He was good. Plus, he made us the best pancakes in the whole world.”
The thought of Paul, in her apron, cooking for Hailey and Jesse filled her heart. He never looked happier. “You really had fun with them, didn’t you?”
“I did, but I’ve been counting the minutes until I’d see you again.”
“Oh my gosh. I’m the luckiest girl in the world.”
“I hope you feel that way every day.” Paul took the handle of her suitcase. “We’re parked just across the way. Line up, kids.” He took Jesse’s hand, and Jesse took Amanda’s. Hailey ran to Paul’s other side, holding his hand that was on the suitcase. “We’ve got a system.”
“Very nice.”
When they got to the parking garage, they all piled into Paul’s truck. Amanda loved that he had moved the car seats to his truck. “Wait. Did you buy new car seats?”
“Yeah. We should both be ready to transport whenever necessary, don’t you think?”
“Sure, I guess so.” She hadn’t meant for it to sound so hesitant.
“Is it okay? Did I overstep?”
“No. No, you didn’t. Thank you, Paul.”
“Mine has a cupholder,” Jesse said.
“I bet you like that.” Amanda looked over her shoulder at her two sweet children. We’re all going to be fine.
Paul started his truck and set the navigation system for home. He took his eyes off the road for a quick second and smiled in her direction.
Her mood, which had been reflective just a little while ago, seemed lighter now.
“I almost forgot. I told Kimmy and Nate that I’d watch the twins for a couple hours tomorrow morning,” Paul said. “They are going on a surfing date. Do you want to come along? I mean, no pressure. If you can’t, I understand.”
“I’d love to help.”
“And those meetings that you saw on my calendar—”
“I know you’re busy.” She dreaded his being gone so much, afraid that she’d find herself filled with fear that he might not return, as silly as it sounded even in her own head.
He reached for her hand. “It’s not as busy as it was. I’ve delegated some duties. My focus is still on achieving the goals I set for Paws Town Square, but I’ve promoted a few people to take on more responsibility. I should’ve done it a long time ago, but it was all I had to focus on.” He looked into her eyes. “That’s no longer the case. I have more in my life now: you.” He glanced in the rearview mirror. “And them. I’ll be here for all three of you. No matter what.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Amanda stared at him. Thank you didn’t begin to explain the feelings of being loved and protected. Grateful for that, she said, “We’ll find a balance together. What you’re doing is very important. I want to be part of that too.”
“Then you will.” He grinned, his arms flexing as he gripped the steering wheel. “You have no idea how happy I am.”
“I feel it too.”
30
Over the course of two weeks, Amanda had packed a few boxes each day to move to Maeve’s. She’d decided how she would set up her little bungalow for her business. Even dreamed of a pretty sign out front by the gate. No one would ever see it but the mailman and her, but it would give it even more of a cottagey feel.
She was finally going to start her herbal-salts business after all. But with so many things changing, she’d decided to still teach this year and take the time to make a strong business plan. Plus, she still wanted to refine her product line and processes.
They spent most days at Maeve’s already, and there was joy when she and the kids spoke of her. It was therapeutic to be among her things and strive to live like she had: joyful, hopeful, and in balance with the ocean. The air-conditioning was a great relief, and the kids loved running up and down the stairs. It was just the motivation she needed to hurry up and finish moving out of the cottage.
Paul came in the back door as she was packing up all her herbal salts. She already had a few boxes filled. It was as if the stuff in the cabinet was never ending.
“Good morning,” Paul said. “Starting in here now, huh?”
“Yep.”
“What’s all this?” He looked inside the top of the full box, then lifted out one of the containers. “Inventory?”
“Sure is.”
He opened the jar and inhaled. “This smells great. I’m so happy that you’re able to chase this dream. Without any help.”
“Well, technically Maeve helped, but I do feel more independent about it. I’m sorry. I hope you appreciate why I can’t let you give me a space.”
He returned the jar to the box and raised his hands. “Not another word. I like you being strong enough to do your own things. I completely understand.”
She was so much busier these days, but she didn’t mind one bit. “I am, but I need to also keep my priorities straight.”
“Kids first.”
“I want to put God first. And you and the kids first. Everything else second.”
“We need to work on your math,” he teased. “But seriously, I have people who can help you set up a website and everything. I hope you’ll let me make that connection for you. They’re amazing, and it wouldn’t cost much. You have plenty of room for inventory here, so why move all this to Maeve’s? Which, by the way, we need to quit calling it Maeve’s house.”
“What should we call it?”
“The Shell Collector?”
She laughed, but it wasn’t a half-bad idea. “I kind of like that. Yeah, I really like that. A nod
