Moonlight Beach

by Tammy L Grace

  Lily shook her head as she contemplated sending the gifts to her or just returning them. She doubted Wendy would take the time to acknowledge them, which would be worse for Mel than returning them. She might as well get her money back or enjoy some of the items herself.

  “Sounds like it’s perfect for you.” Lily rolled her eyes at Fritz and Bodie. “You do know you left your gifts from me and Mel behind?” She couldn’t resist the jab.

  “Oh, that’s right. I was in such a rush to leave I didn’t even think about it. Tell her I’m sorry. I’ll send you guys something.”

  “There’s no need to send us anything, Wendy. Mel used her own money, which she has very little of, to buy you some things she thought you would like. It’s a shame you can’t be a bit more thoughtful.”

  Wendy groaned. “I don’t need a lecture right now. My life is in shambles if you haven’t noticed. I’m worried about what’s going to happen to me, so pardon me if I don’t have time to coddle the poor little homeless girl you’ve taken in.”

  Lily’s heart pounded in her chest as her temples throbbed and her blood boiled. “Mel is a wonderful young woman who has had to overcome more than you or I will ever know. You belittling her only highlights your own character flaws, not hers. I’m glad you’ve found a solution to your problem, since I was going to let you know you were welcome to stay here as long as you need. Welcome may be too strong of a word, but I would never let you go without a place to stay. I truly hope things work out for you and Chad.”

  Lily took a deep breath. “You know, Wendy, Mom would be so hurt knowing how distant we’ve become. Family was always so important to her and Dad and I hate the fact that we’ve grown apart and no longer have a close connection. We’re lucky to have each other and I don’t want to look back on our relationship with regret. Don’t you think Mom would be sad to know we don’t even talk much?”

  “I just think we’re very different people. I don’t think about Mom that much and I think we just lead such separate lives, I’m not sure we have much in common any more. Maybe we never really did.”

  Lily’s shoulders slumped at her sister’s words.

  Garbled sounds in the background competed with Wendy’s voice. “I’ve got to go. We’re heading out now. Constance is hosting a New Year’s Eve party tomorrow and we need to pick up a few things. I’ll call you later.” She disconnected before Lily could say goodbye.

  She let out a long breath and then took in another, hoping to calm her racing heart. Typical Wendy. More concerned about parties and her luxurious lifestyle than anyone with real problems. She knew one thing—she wouldn’t be sending Wendy any of her gifts.

  Why did it have to be so hard? Lily had never had many close friends, perhaps because it was often too much work, too much drama, and she craved calmness. Wendy was right that they live opposite lives and she couldn’t force her sister to have a relationship. She wished they could have a closer one, one where they could tell each other things and rely on one another, but it took two people to build such a connection. Just because they were related didn’t mean it would happen.

  Her heart felt heavy, knowing someday Wendy would regret her focus on money and extravagance rather than family. It made her sad to know Wendy didn’t think of their mother often. Maybe it was too hard. Although deflated, Lily knew she would never turn her back on Wendy, but she wasn’t going to subject herself to the constant rudeness and rejection. She’d always be there for her, but Wendy had to live her own life and maybe someday she would understand the value of family.

  Lily glanced at the garbage and remembered she needed to take the trash can out to the curb. She started to collect it and then stopped, opened the freezer and took out Wendy’s blasted fish and tossed it into the bag, before gathering it up and taking it outside. She took great delight, maybe a little too much, in heaving that bag with the frozen fish into the green container and shoving it to the curb.

  With that chore done, Lily padded into the kitchen, filled the kettle and set about brewing a cup of tea. The ritual calmed her, centered her, and she understood why all the characters in her favorite British shows sipped tea during a crisis.

  Mel was working the late shift and once Lily heard from Kevin, who had arrived in New Hampshire and was waiting at baggage claim with Brooke and her family, she relaxed and went back to working on the mosaic. She had been at it for more than an hour when Fritz and Bodie dashed up the stairs and moments later the doorbell rang.

  She put the sheet over the table and hurried upstairs, surprised to find Mac and Sherlock at the front door. He held up takeout bags from Noni’s. “I figured you could use a little pick me up tonight.”

  Sherlock darted by her as she rushed into his arms. She swallowed hard, trying to control the sobs that threatened to rise from her throat. “I’m so glad to see you,” she whispered.

  He put an arm around her, still holding the bags in his other hand. “Let’s go inside and we’ll figure out what’s wrong.”

  She leaned against his arm as they walked through the door. The dogs huddled together near the tree, watching them as they passed by to the kitchen. He plopped the bags on the counter and took her in his arms. “Is Kevin okay?”

  She nodded, murmuring into his shoulder. “He’s fine. He got there and is with Brooke and her family.”

  “Oh, that’s good. It’s not easy, letting them go.”

  She cleared her throat. “It’s partly that and then I made the mistake of calling Wendy. She was a beast.” As she talked and told him about their conversation, she pulled out plates from the cupboard.

  He grimaced as he added pasta to his plate and uncovered the garlic bread. “It might be a blessing in disguise, you know? I could tell how much she stressed you out when she was here. I’m not sure it would get any better.”

  “My head agrees with you. I’m just trying to wait for my heart to catch up. I’ve been spending too much time thinking about her, about our parents, what they would think. Having Kevin here helped mask all the sadness I always feel this time of year. Talking to Wendy brought it to the surface and it bubbled over.”

  “It’s going to be okay. I promise.” He reached for her hand and squeezed it.”

  She nodded and made an effort to smile. “I’m just wallowing. I’ll be fine. I just feel like I’ve lost the last bit of my family I had left. After my parents died, it was the three of us for so long and I put all my hope in our tight circle. Gary and Kevin shielded me from the unending sorrow of that time in my life. Then, when Gary was killed, I honestly wasn’t sure I’d make it. If not for Kevin, I would have given up.”

  His caring eyes filled with tears, as he rubbed a thumb across the top of her hand. She licked her lips. “I know I’m not telling you anything you haven’t experienced first-hand. The pain is so powerful, it’s like a paralytic agent. Coming here, meeting you, taking in Bodie and Mel, changed all that. It gave me a glimmer of hope, a possibility of a new future, a purpose, you might say.”

  He nodded and smiled. “I feel the same way about meeting you. I was on the hamster wheel, running and running, focused on work so I didn’t have to think about my life, being alone, Missy, all of it. But then I met a beautiful woman in my exam room, along with her loyal golden, and in a split second, my life changed. I think Fritz and Bodie knew what they were doing when they brought us together.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed each of her knuckles.

  “I’m so lucky to have you in my life.” Lily leaned against his shoulder. “Thank you for making me feel better about everything. Sometimes I spend too much time in my own head.”

  He chuckled. “I know the feeling.” He pushed the container of pasta toward her. “Let’s eat and then maybe we can talk Mel into making us some hot cocoa when she gets home.”

  27

  New Year’s Eve, Mel was working the late shift at the coffee shop and then attending a movie and pizza party with her coworkers. Mac worked, but took off earlier than usual and arrived at Lily’s w
ith Sherlock. He’d be joining his two furry friends to spend the evening together. Mel would be home before ten o’clock and had offered to watch over the three pups.

  Lily wasn’t sure what to wear on the dinner cruise Mac had booked, but had settled for a sparkly top with a velvet jacket over jeans and boots, along with her new earrings. She suspected it would be chilly on the water and wasn’t into skirts or dresses, so opted for warmth with a bit of glitz.

  She and Mac left the dogs with a promise they’d be back soon and headed for the marina. The town was still decked out in her holiday best, with twinkling lights everywhere and the tall tree visible in the town square. People were out and about, ready to ring in the new year at local eateries.

  The cruise company had partnered with a local restaurant, where the evening started with appetizers and drinks along the waterfront. Mac, as always, ran into a few people he knew. In between snacking on delicious nibbles, he introduced Lily to a couple of pet parents he knew from their longstanding relationship at the clinic.

  Soon a crewman addressed the group and announced it was time to board the Moonlight, and directed them to the yacht. Lily knew next to nothing about boats, but thought the name was a sign and liked the look of the sleek white vessel waiting at the dock. It had two enclosed levels with dark windows along both sides and an open deck in the front and back. The top section of the yacht was open and strung with festive lights.

  They followed the other couples and a few families, as they lined up for entry. Mac presented their tickets and they were taken to an intimate table for two on the lower deck. A waitress appeared with a basket of warm bread and dipping oil and took their drink orders.

  Once everyone was aboard, the captain’s voice boomed over the loudspeakers and welcomed them, gave them a run-through of the safety procedures, and explained their route and that they would be positioned to enjoy the best view of the fireworks later in the evening.

  The engines hummed and the yacht glided forward. It was dark, so there wasn’t much to see beyond the festive lights along the harbor, which soon faded as they made their way further out to sea. The scrumptious meal was served at a slow pace, letting the diners enjoy the ambience. A delicious heirloom tomato salad along with filet mignon and lobster, cheesy potatoes, and fresh vegetables left them stuffed. The waiter let them know dessert would be served later, closer to midnight.

  Music from a live band, situated on the second deck near the popular open bar, drifted throughout the yacht. The captain announced the dance floor was open. “Are you a dancer?” Mac asked, gesturing toward the other couples making their way upstairs.

  She laughed. “No, not even a little. High school would have been my last attempt.”

  “Whew,” he wiped his hand across his brow. “I’m a rotten dancer and avoid it at all costs.” The waiter returned with a pot of hot tea. “I like listening to music, but have zero rhythm.”

  “Just one more thing we have in common.” She selected a tea bag and poured water over it. “This has been lovely. Thanks for treating me. I had planned on snuggling with the dogs, binging movies, and stuffing myself with cookies tonight.”

  He grinned. “Yeah, I haven’t been out for New Year’s Eve since Jill.” His smile faded. “I don’t think it’s a great holiday when you’re single.”

  She reached for his hand. “I’m pretty happy not to be single.”

  His eyes brightened. “Just for the record, I’d be content to eat cookies, watch movies, and snuggle with the dogs, and you, of course. Maybe that could be our plan for tomorrow?”

  He waved his hand across the table. “This is not my usual thing, but one of my patients raved about it so much and I thought you deserved something special after Kevin leaving early and everything with Wendy. Plus, the fireworks should be something else from out here on the water.”

  While they chatted, the waiter returned with a platter loaded with desserts. He placed it in the center of the table and let them know the fireworks would be commencing soon.

  They nibbled on the mini desserts, which reminded Lily of Cyndy’s huge spread. She chose a tiny chocolate layered cake and Mac opted for a cheesecake with strawberries. They savored the sweet confections, but agreed Cyndy’s were better and then sampled a couple more bite-sized treats.

  The captain asked the guests to make their way to an outer deck or the top deck for the best viewing options. Mac pointed to the outside deck on their level. “Let’s try that one, away from the crowd.” Lily agreed and took his arm. They were indeed alone and the yacht had made its way back toward the shore, positioning them with a perfect view of the waterfront. The captain helped the cruisers countdown to midnight and as the new year officially arrived, Mac leaned closer to her. “Happy New Year, Lily.” As his lips met hers, she shivered. The spark of electricity moving through her all the way to her toes.

  Her eyes closed, she breathed in his scent, a mixture of sandalwood, leather, and lemons. Engulfed in his arms, she felt safe, needed, cherished. All the things she didn’t think would ever be possible again. When she moved to Driftwood Bay, she never would have dreamed she’d be in the arms of a man she treasured, celebrating a new year. So much had changed over these last months…and all for the good.

  Mac stood behind her, cradling her against him, as the first fireworks launched. They watched with amazement as the sky filled with colorful bursts, sparkling against the dark sky and lighting up the harbor below. Collective gasps sounded from above as the fancy gold lights sizzled and then twinkled as they fell, disappearing, as if glitter had been shaken into the sea. The sky exploded with color, again and again, as did the water below with the stunning reflection. The festive display went on for over twenty minutes before the grand finale.

  Breathtaking was a word that came to Lily’s mind as a canopy of stunning colors bloomed above them. Huge pink explosions that resembled fountains, green starbursts, and twinkling gold light filled the dark blue canvas. It was a gorgeous way to celebrate the last day of the year and welcome the new one.

  As the yacht moved toward the dock, she turned to face Mac. He grinned and met her eyes. “I’m not sure what this year will bring, but I know I want you by my side no matter what. Until I met you, I’d given up hope of ever finding someone I could imagine spending the rest of my life with.”

  Lily gulped, her eyes widening and her mind scrambling, not ready for what she thought he might ask.

  He chuckled. “I can see the fear in your eyes. Don’t worry, I’m not popping the big question.” He winked at her. “Not yet, anyway. I just want you to know how much you mean to me. I daresay, I’ve fallen in love with you. We agreed to take things slowly and I’m still on board with that, but this is serious for me. I want you in my life.”

  She swallowed the lump in her throat, wishing she had taken the wait staff up on the glass of champagne. She squeezed his hand in hers. “I feel the same way. I know whatever joy this year brings will be increased because I’ll be sharing it with you and whatever burdens come my way, will be eased because you’ll be there with me. I’m better with you and grateful because I assumed I’d always be alone. With you, I have a partner again, and while a part of me hopes this is forever, I need to be careful and sure. There’s more than just the two of us involved.”

  Lily smiled to herself. She’d wondered what they had for so long, and now she knew. It might be too soon to know what the future would bring, and she couldn’t help but worry about Mac’s daughter rejecting him even further because of Lily, but she and Mac had love between them. And they had tomorrow. Right now, that was enough.

  The bump of the hull against the dock, shifted them against each other.

  He kissed her again, slowly, purposefully, and when he finally let her go, he looked into her eyes and touched her forehead with his. “We have each other and I’m not planning on going anywhere.”

  The captain announced their arrival and wished them all a good night. As they walked down the dock, Mac squeezed her hand and
pointed at the almost full moon high in the sky, reflecting off the water. “Join me in the first walk of the year on the beach? There’s nothing better than a moonlit beach with a beautiful woman.” His brows wiggled, full of mischief.

  She rested her head against his shoulder. “There’s no place I’d rather be and nobody I’d rather be with.”

  Epilogue

  Lily hopes you enjoyed the second installment of her story in the Glass Beach Cottage Series. If you haven’t yet read BEACH HAVEN, it’s the first book in the series and available at all book retailers in digital formats and print.

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  If you’re a new reader to Tammy’s books, the characters in Moonlight Beach took a trip to the San Juan Islands and met up with the characters from her Hometown Harbor Series. This is a bestselling series and you won’t want to miss reading the six books. Each tells the story of a different heroine and like this book, they all include dogs.

  * * *

  If you’ve missed reading any of the Hometown Harbor Series, here are the links to the all the books. All but the prequel are available in print and eBook formats.

  * * *

  Prequel: Hometown Harbor: The Beginning (prequel novella eBook only)

  Book 1: Finding Home

  Book 2: Home Blooms

  Book 3: A Promise of Home

  Book 4: Pieces of Home

  Book 5: Finally Home

  Book 6: Forever Home

  Acknowledgments

  During 2020, I’ve written more books than any other year I’ve been writing. It was a great escape from the sad and troubling news of the pandemic that dominated everything in 2020. I’ve immersed myself in my writing, which much like reading, offers a wonderful escape. In this second book in the series, I thought it would be fun to do a cross-over and allow readers to meet the characters in my Hometown Harbor Series. If you’re already a reader of mine, I’m sure you noticed, but if you’re a new reader, it will give you a glimpse into the characters I’ve come to think of as friends in that series and I hope you’ll try them.