But Sarah must have been over the ‘spin the bottle’ game, for she grabbed the bottle, rose from her chair, and placed it beyond their reach. “I’m a healer, and I don’t believe spinning glass is the best way to assist or help my friends.”
“Okay,” Caroline said, sighing, expressing her irritation, “do you have something better in mind?”
Sarah pulled a rose heart from her pocket. “Yes, I do. Rose quartz restores trust and harmony in relationships.”
“Hogwash,” Burt stated, taking another sip of beer. “I like a commonsense approach, myself.”
“Whatever you believe doesn’t matter. This gift is used to open the heart; to promote love, friendship, and feelings of peace.”
Caroline sighed. “I liked my bottle concept, thinking you’d enjoy the spin, but how would we manage your quartz heart in this circle.”
“We’d use the same concept, but each person would hold the heart in their hand, associating it with the couple, or joined heart, the idea of two becoming one, meant to protect and heal. That’s what we’re here to do, right? We’re trying to help heal Peter and Claire’s relationship wounds, instead of passing on our judgment.”
“Okay, pass the heart to Claire.”
Sarah did as asked and then sat.
Claire shifted away from Peter and sat near the round table. She massaged the stone in her hands. “It’s nice to touch.”
“What do you want from the future?” Caroline asked.
Claire stared at Peter, studying his face, his five o’clock shadow and hazel eyes that seemed warm and welcoming. “I want to grow old with this man.”
“What does the circle say to that?”
“I’ll speak up.” Sarah went behind Claire’s chair. She felt her friend’s hands on her shoulders. “This is what I want for you. When you’re old and gray, sitting in your rocking chair and rocking your grandbabies in your arms, I want to be there with you.”
“Fudge and Jiminy Cricket.” Anne stood. “Such a lovely picture you’ve painted, Sarah. I’ll be the first to admit when I’m wrong.” She placed her hands on her waist. “I’ll bring the booze. I’m sorry, Peter. It’s just that…”
“He knows,” Caroline replied. “No more regrets. No more name calling. Henceforth, this family of friends goes forward, putting the past in the past and working toward the future.”
It went this way until friends and family grew tired of passing the heart. They moved the round table onto the lawn and retreated to the fire pit. Soon, a large fire burned in its impression, sparks drifted into the night. Conversation about the past shifted to happier memories, inspiring laughter and long-forgotten stories.
Much healing had been done on this evening and Claire appreciated everyone who had come into the circle, bridging the past with the future. Exhaustion overwhelmed her. All this work made her wonder. What comes next?
Chapter Fifteen
Peter stood beside Claire, watching the motorboat take her friends and parents back to the main camp on the other side of the bay. The boat motored into the night, leaving a frothy path in its wake. Peter pulled her into his arms.
“Are you cold?”
“A little.”
“Come. I’ll escort you to your cabin.”
Peter grasped her hand and she appreciated the simple contact as they left the dock and made their way, both of them quiet. Sensual need, shaped by love, stimulated a natural bridge between them. She didn’t know how to broach the subject of intimacy, but as Peter glanced at her, an unmistakable look brightened his eyes. Was that need? Did he want her? When they reached her cabin door, he urged her to face him and held both of her hands.
“I feel like a portrait of my younger self, a nervous young man, standing on the porch of your parents’ home, hoping you’ll invite me inside.”
Claire licked her lips. “Why don’t you ask me? See what I have to say.”
“I was worried you’d say no, that you might not be ready to resume a more sensual relationship.”
Claire released Peter’s hand and cupped his cheek. “Nothing has changed. I still want you. I’ll always want you. You’re my husband. You’re not a young, frightened boy anymore.”
He grinned. Laughter resounded from his chest, giving off a musical sound. “I was never afraid.”
“Nervousness then? I distinctly remember,” Claire said, trying to muster up her sexiest voice, “sweaty palms and sloppy kisses.”
“My kisses were never sloppy.” His forehead pressed against her own and the contact warmed her heart.
“I miss your kisses.”
He pressed closer, raising her chin, perhaps to see her eyes better. “What else do you miss?”
“My husband lying beside me, holding me in his arms.”
“I could fix that, but are you ready?”
She nodded.
He studied her earnestly, as if afraid she’d change her mind, but this man who stood beside her meant everything, her beating heart, her reason for living. It was time to live as one instead of two. “Come inside with your wife, Peter. Stay the night. My arms have been empty far too long.”
She grasped the door handle and opened the door. Peter followed her inside the cabin. He cupped her neck, his fingers slid into her hair. When he urged her toward his lips, she surrendered to temptation, kissing him, heating from his kisses.
The boy had grown into a man. His kisses were passionate, earnest in his need as if his heart and soul had been starved of affection. Need fired between them. Tender emotion given through physical touch, a stroke, a caress, tingled and hugged her skin, hastening her desire. She wanted him and welcomed the embrace; never wanting to leave the love they’d rekindled.
“I love you, Peter.”
He swung her into his arms. “Oh, my darling, I love you, too.” His breath whispered against her throat and she longed for so much more.
Chapter Sixteen
When Claire awoke the next morning, Peter had left the bed. An indentation in the sheets laid bare the place where he had been. She touched it, finding the hollow cold. Had he left without saying goodbye?
“Did you think I’d leave so soon?” Peter asked mischievously. He wore boxer shorts and carried a steaming cup of coffee in his hands.
“Well…” Where were these fears coming from?
“Be honest with me.”
She patted the barren spot in the sheets. “Okay, I admit it, I thought you had left.”
He passed her the mug of coffee and then sat on the edge of the bed. “I woke early,” he said studying her face. “I watched you while you were sleeping.”
Claire took a sip. “What did you see? Wrinkles, extra weight, a few gray hairs?”
He licked his lips. “I saw an angel. There’s been changes. Your hair color is changing and you’re carrying extra weight around the middle.” He patted his stomach. “I have a few extra pounds in the middle in case you haven’t noticed.”
Claire took a second sip of coffee while studying the slack skin beneath his eyes, salt and pepper hair and the odd wrinkle, but his hazel eyes held the same expression of intrigue that had fascinated her when they were young and foolish, and deeply in love. From the deepest reaches of her soul, she’d love this man until she left this earth.
“You seem so serious. I have to know what you’re thinking.”
Claire rose upward and braced herself against the bed. “I love you, Peter Douglas, with all my heart.”
He reached forward and drew a strand of hair away from her eyes, then tucked the length behind her ears. “I love you, too, Claire. So much.”
And then he kissed her.
Chapter Seventeen
When Claire and Peter reached their daily meeting spot in the garden, Caroline was waiting for them. The camp director held a cheerful disposition. She rose from her chair. “Good morning. How are my guests? Did you have a good night’s sleep?”
Claire glanced at Peter, hoping nothing would happen to destroy the happiness they had
built together. “Yes, we did.”
Caroline pointed at the table and urged them to take a seat. Peter pulled out a chair for Claire and she sat. The server brought coffee, orange juice, and a fresh assortment of pastries. All three of them were soon enjoying breakfast.
“It’s our last day together,” Caroline said, sitting again. “I thought we’d have a casual morning, talking about strategies you can use after you leave Daydream Island.”
Claire didn’t want to leave. “I’m not sure I’m ready to leave the island.” She glanced at the love of her life, her soulmate, grateful for their renewed bond. Losing him again would destroy her. As if Peter recognized her anxiety, he grasped her hand and squeezed her fingers. “Prior to this retreat, I thought our marriage was over, but now it feels like we have a real chance at happiness.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Now for a few more pieces of advice.”
Claire looked at Peter for support. “We’ve got this, don’t worry.”
“Peter, do you set financial goals for your company?”
“The business wouldn’t be successful if I didn’t have long-term planning.”
“And what about you, Claire, do you make pie charts, sales strategies, or other plans for the bakery?”
“Yes, I do. Mom and I carefully manage the financials to ensure the business makes a profit and is sustainable in the long term.”
“That’s great. You should manage your relationship in a similar way. After the work we’ve done together, your marriage will feel brand new, and while you’ve given yourselves a great start, plans should be made to enjoy your future. This question might come as a surprise, but what relationship goals do you have for your marriage?”
“Well…” Claire stammered, pondering the question. She glanced at Peter, hoping he’d have a brilliant response to Caroline’s question, but he shrugged, which disappointed her. After twenty-five years of marriage, why was it so difficult to state their couple goals?
Peter sighed. “After all the lessons, it seems neither of us knows what to say.”
“That’s okay. When you’re too close to any subject, sometimes emotion sits between a couple like a wedge. Let me help,” Caroline said. “There are two people in your relationship. Each of you must put the other first. Do you think that’s possible?”
Some habits were difficult to break. Instead of focusing on their relationship, Claire thought of the bakery and the continuous work required to grow the business. She glanced at Peter, wondering if he was crunching numbers in his mind, even though he sat beside her eating a scone. His expression became serious.
Peter grabbed her hand and squeezed her fingers. “I know it won’t be easy. Nothing worth having ever comes easy. Effort is required to achieve meaningful change and I’m willing to do my part. Whatever it takes.” Peter looked at her, his heart in his hands. “I love you, Claire. You come first in my life, and to make this happen, I’ll spend less time at the office.” Her heart beat a little easier and her worries lessened, after hearing his plea.
Caroline tapped her pen on a journal. “It’s great to voice the plan, but if you’re to sustain a realistic approach, how will you balance your workload with your personal life?”
“I’ve been considering my business responsibilities over the past few days. I’m contemplating taking on a partner to lessen the workload. I’ll bring less income home, but I’ll have more time with my wife.”
The news surprised her. Claire hadn’t expected that he would make such a change in his business affairs.
“What about you, Claire?”
“I need to think about this,” she said, glancing at her fingers. “The bakery has a smaller profit margin than Peter’s accounting firm. But my mother and I have considered hiring Nora. She’s shown interest in the bakery, though I’m not sure about some of her ideas.”
“You’ll have to accept some changes to make progress at the bakery, but you’ll have the support from the original owners…your parents.”
“Of course, it’s their business.”
“You’re on the right track with goal number one,” Caroline said. “Can you both agree that you’ll find a way to lessen your workloads so you can spend more time together?”
“Yes,” Claire and Peter said at the same time. He had a huge smile on his face and that look gave her hope, brightened her outlook on their life together, and made her feel as if anything was possible. Doable.
“Now that you’ll have more time to strengthen the work that began here, what do you think you’ll do with your time?”
It had been so long since they’d shared meaningful activities, Claire didn’t know how to respond. Peter squeezed her fingers, giving her support through the action. “I’d like to go for walks on the beach. Maybe take the kayak out and sail to Daydream Island once in awhile.”
“We could date again,” Claire suggested, smiling. “Go for coffee; the occasional lunch.”
“What about a romantic dinner for two?” Peter said enthusiastically, throwing her a kiss. “You know what they say, romance never goes out of style.”
“Life is an adventure,” Caroline said. “It’s better as a shared experience. When was the last time the two of you took a vacation?”
Claire couldn’t recall. “It’s been years. We used to take the kids to places like Disneyland and Hawaii.”
“We could again.” Peter said.
“Do you think they’d want to experience a family vacation?” Claire asked. “Steph and Chris never expressed an interest to join us when they became adults. Besides that, we’re stuffy old parents.”
“Let’s ask them the next time we talk.”
Caroline closed her journal and placed it on the table. “You should start with the two of you before you invite the kids. Now, I don’t want to cause embarrassment, but you should plan for intimate experiences as well.”
Claire blushed, thinking about the previous night. “Are you talking about physical pleasure?”
“Intimate interactions are not always engaged through touch. True intimacy connects partners. It’s marked by affection and love, which could include physical touching.”
“How can you tell the difference?” Peter asked.
“Isn’t it obvious? You can’t stop staring at your wife, neither can your wife stop staring at you, or holding your hand. Frankly, the intimacy you’re engaging in, right now, gives me joy. I hope it does the same for you.”
No truer sentiment had ever been expressed. The courtyard and the ocean beyond might have been the perfect backdrop for this moment, but Claire only had eyes for Peter. He seemed relaxed. His cotton shirt, untucked, open at the neck. His hand on his leg. Handsome. After all the passing years, he still took her breath away.
“I’m bursting with happiness. It’s as if I’ve rediscovered something rare and precious. These meetings have helped me to dust off the cobwebs of sorrow. It feels like our love is shiny and new.”
“That’s fantastic. If the retreat experience has made a difference, then I’m delighted. I want you to think of personal ways to show intimacy.”
“What do you think we should do?” Peter asked.
“You could write love letters to each other, or lines of poetry.”
Claire giggled, wondering how she would start. “I’ve never done that before, but it might be more interesting than writing a recipe card.”
Caroline smiled. “You could massage Peter until your fingers cramp. Show him how much you love him, not just tell him.”
Peter winked at her. “It’s not all about me. I could rub your feet.”
“Really? I don’t see that happening.”
“It’s happening. Later…if you’re willing.”
Caroline chuckled, then took a sip of her coffee. “I want to end our discussion on a happy note. I want the two of you to always remind yourselves why you fell in love in the first place.”
“This will sound scandalous, but Peter has a nice butt.”
“And your legs�
�shapely, all the way to your feet.”
“Let’s face it, you’re not looking at my feet.”
“You’re right.” Peter leaned forward and touched her nose. “I was attracted to this pretty face with a few freckles, right on the bridge of your nose.”
“Your parents will be pleased to see the work you have done to come together as a couple.”
“Thank you, Caroline, for everything you have given us.”
“You’re welcome. Before I leave you, I want to share some advice about reminding yourself why you fell in love in the first place.”
“You have our full attention,” Peter said.
“You probably have years of pictures. Pull out the albums and look at the images. Remember and share the stories of your lives, your lived experiences together.”
“The sad times, too?” Claire asked. She didn’t want to remember the sad times. Never wanted to cry again.
“Especially the sad. Wisdom should come from happy and difficult memories. Just engage in all discussions with sensitivity.”
“We’ll do our best,” Peter promised.
“I want you to remember, always, the chemistry that drew a couple together while not forsaking the work you still need to do.”
“We’ll remember, won’t we Claire.”
She nodded, agreeing.
“Now, I must leave you. Please enjoy your last evening on Daydream Island. You’ll return here at 6:00 p.m. to share an intimate dinner for two.”
Claire placed her palm on her cheek. “Sounds dreamy and romantic.”
“I can’t wait,” Peter said, smiling.
Caroline stood. “I must be off. I’m returning to the main camp, but may I make a suggestion before I leave?”
“Of course,” Claire replied.
“Take a walk on the beach. It’s a beautiful day for a stroll.”
“Maybe a swim, too.” Peter said.
Claire suddenly felt impulsive. “Maybe we could jump off the dock like we used to.”
Peter laughed. “Hand in hand? You’re on!”
A Sea for Summer Page 9
