A Sea for Summer

by Shelley Kassian

  Claire nodded, feeling supported.

  “I tell you what, why don’t I crunch some numbers for you. For your parents. Evaluate the company’s net worth and consider what an expansion might cost.”

  “What does that mean? Do you support the idea?”

  His thumb massaged her cheek. She loved the sensation.

  “I’m supporting my wife,” Peter said, nodding. “Don’t worry, Claire. If you want to pursue a business relationship with Nora, if you’re excited about Nora’s concept, then let’s see if it’s doable. I’m on your side. I want to see you smile.”

  “Do you mean it?”

  “Yes, I do. I trust your instincts. You’re right. Maybe it is a good idea to have someone else who cares about the bakery as much as you.”

  “Why are you agreeing to this?”

  “A man shouldn’t hold his wife back. A man should believe in his wife.”

  “Will you kiss me, Peter?”

  “I thought you’d never ask.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  A husband must bear the responsibility in protecting his wife and his marriage. Other couples might see their obligations differently, but Peter’s opinion seemed stronger than ever on the subject given recent tribulations. He’d failed Claire by retreating from their relationship, and he wasn’t about to build barriers that might compromise their relationship a second time.

  He had an idea. A meaningful concept, and his father-in-law was the best person to share potential goals.

  They’d agreed to meet at the local bar. A country honky-tonk with wood-plank floors, a massive oval bar top, and a juke box machine. Father and son-in-law had chosen to sit at stools at the bar rather than a table. Peter listened to Garth Brooks singing about rolling thunder while a server placed two beers in front of them. “Thanks for meeting me, Burt.”

  His father-in-law massaged the beer bottle with his fingers, looking at him in a knowing way. “I suspect this visit isn’t simply to shoot the breeze. Claire must have told you about the business offer.”

  “Yes, she did,” Peter said with a frown. “The news surprised me.”

  Burt took a slug of his beer. “If you think we jumped on the bandwagon and went to town with the idea, that’s not the way it played out. Mary and I were as surprised as you. Peter, old folks like us, it’s difficult to accept change at the best of times and taking on a partner, well…that’s a big change.”

  “I didn’t mean to imply that you rushed into the decision. You’re one of the smartest men I know.”

  “Aw heck, I’m not offended. I appreciate the gesture, but Mary and I have been living our life in a simple way for many years, which makes us hesitant to accept such an offer, but the more we consider Nora’s offer, the more excited we get. How do you feel about it?” Burt asked, taking a sip of his beer.

  How did he feel? If Peter were honest, the business offer concerned him. Restaurants failed, and the family business wasn’t a money-making enterprise in its current form, however, he must come to terms with his doubt. Guilt consumed him for not supporting Claire. They needed to rectify the situation. “I didn’t respond in the way Claire hoped. I might have sunk her excitement.”

  Burt shook his head, chuckling. “I bet the numbers guy went straight to his calculator and punched buttons.”

  “Something like that,” Peter said, shaking his head. “I apologize if I’ve offended you.”

  “Hey, you’re an accountant, I wouldn’t expect anything less from you. One of the members of this family has to consider the potential for profit and loss.”

  “Burt, that’s not it at all. I don’t want you to get the wrong idea that I’m not supportive.”

  “Peter, it’s not like you to be down in the dumps. Whatever’s bothering you, let it out. I know we’re not at this honky-tonk to have a beer. Tell me what’s on your mind. I can’t help if you don’t tell me what’s wrong.”

  Peter took a sip of his beer, then studied Burt’s concerned expression. “You’re right, I do feel burdened, but my worries have nothing to do with the bakery. I’ve been mulling over an idea myself, which has nothing to do with the business, but I have not spoken about it to Claire.”

  Claire would never agree to the idea. Keeping secrets was wrong. Peter knew this. But sacrifices on his part must be made to better their future together.

  “I’ve been told a time or two that I’m good at giving advice. After all the years we’ve known each other, you should know by now you can confide anything to me.”

  Peter took a second sip of his beer. He listened to country music playing, the buzz of conversation stirring in the air around him. It didn’t matter how old one became, the decisions in one’s life didn’t get easier. Change was difficult for young and old alike. “Burt, I’m considering selling the accounting firm.”

  The revelation seemed to surprise Burt. His face wrinkled with concern. “Why would you do that?”

  “After I explain, I think you’ll understand. The way I see it, two businesses plus two partners equals too many complications, such as Claire and me working too much. I’m worried we’ll lose focus in our marriage and end up right back where we started. In trouble. I don’t see another path forward.”

  “Peter, you don’t have to give up your business.”

  Peter raised his hand. “Just listen…I can’t ask Claire to walk away from a family business. It’s too important to her.”

  “Why would she have to? Help me understand.”

  “We’re trying to make changes in our marriage.”

  “I know. You’ve been working hard. Claire certainly seems happier. Peter, there hasn’t been enough time to think things through.”

  “I’ve thought about it, every day and every night. Selling the accounting firm seems like the best option.”

  “Claire wouldn’t expect you to make such a sacrifice.”

  “No, of course not,” Peter said, pausing. He stared at other people in the bar, happy people, some couples dancing; he never wanted to lose that joy. “We’re two people pursuing two businesses, the work is complicating our life. It might be better if there was only one business.”

  Burt’s eyes rose with interest. “Peter Douglas, what are you suggesting?”

  “I trust you, Burt. If you’ll have me, I want to be a partner in the Old Thyme Bakery and Café. I’d sell my business, invest in the new concept, and ensure my marriage remains healthy.”

  Burt took a swig of his beer, then placed his bottle on the bar top with a resounding thwack. “Well, I’ll be damned,” he said, shaking his head. “If someone had told me my son-in-law would be making pies at the bakery, I’d have told them they were crazy.” His father-in-law had the audacity to roar with laughter.

  Peter snickered, remembering his training session. “Claire showed me how to roll pastry dough. I’ll do it if it makes her happy.” Peter paused. Was he willing to go to such lengths? “Burt, am I crazy for having this idea, for making this proposal?”

  Burt grasped his shoulder. “Son, I’d be proud to have you in the business, but you must consider the difficulties in a working relationship. Spending too much time with the one you love, day after day, well…that can cause complications, too.”

  “Is that why you retired?”

  “All I’m saying is a couple needs space to balance the relationship.”

  “You’re a smart man.” Peter took a slug of his beer, thinking about Burt’s point of view on the subject. “Claire and I have had too much space. She’s excited about the expansion and I want to support the concept.”

  “Regardless of what I say, I see you’re set on selling.”

  “Damn straight.”

  Burt’s face lit up like he’d won the lotto. “I can’t believe it. You’ve made an old man happy. Mary will be pleased, too. There’s probably a greater chance of the bakery café concept being successful with you involved.”

  “I’m just a numbers guy. I’ll have a lot to learn about the family business, but t
here will be six of us now. And no more complications with Claire. We can even travel back and forth from work together.”

  “When will you tell Claire?”

  “When the time is right. She’ll try and talk me out of the sale, and I want to do something meaningful for her.”

  “Something more than selling your business? That’s a pretty significant step on its own.”

  Peter nodded, smiling, imagining how Claire would respond to his gift. He had a good idea that their twenty-sixth anniversary would be an amazing experience, if he could pull this off. Their anniversary was in two weeks. “You have no idea.”

  “Burt, there’s one more idea I’d like to propose to you.”

  “Peter, you’re grinning from ear to ear. What is it?”

  “Just you wait.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Claire stood on her front doorstep, watching the FedEx truck leaving her home after delivering a parcel. While holding the small box in her hands, she scanned the address label, reading her name. Who had sent the package? She didn’t recall placing an order. She shook the box, curious about the contents.

  Reentering the house, she walked along the hallway toward the kitchen, where Peter sat at the table, drinking coffee, and reading news on his phone. “What do you have there?” he asked, gauging her expression.

  “A package, but I don’t recall placing an order.”

  “That’s interesting. I wonder who sent it. You should open it, find out what’s inside.”

  “All right.”

  Claire didn’t concern herself with the intrigue surrounding the sender while retrieving a kitchen knife. Her curiosity focused on the contents of the package and the desire to identify the object inside. She took the package and the knife to the kitchen table, where she sat. The knife slid through edges of thick banded tape. She placed the knife on the tabletop and opened the lid.

  “This box holds something beautiful. I can tell by the sticker and the extravagant wrapping.” A gold Parisian sticker affixed to ivory tissue paper caught her attention. Claire glanced at Peter, who was grinning. After nearly twenty-six years of marriage, she recognized that look.

  “Did you order this for me?”

  “I may have.” His grin spread wider. “Open it, Claire.”

  “What did you do?” she asked, holding the bulk in her hands. After retrieving the bundle from the box, she passed the cardboard to Peter. She carefully peeled away the sticker and folded back delicate layers. A yellow bathing suit…A bikini. “Peter, what is this?”

  He dropped the box on the floor and got up from his chair. “What does it look like? A new memory to fit your womanly curves.”

  Claire held the bra top, fingering the fabric. The V-neck design had a band of ruffles beneath the bustline. “From Paris of all places? What a surprise. It’s beautiful.”

  “The bottoms are high waisted,” Peter said, coming closer, “and suitable for a curvy figure. I hope you’ll be comfortable wearing them. Do you want to try the suit on; would you try it on, for your husband?”

  “Oh…I don’t know. I mean, I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but do you think it’s appropriate for a forty-something wife to wear a skimpy bathing suit? People will look at my belly.”

  “I’ll look at your belly,” Peter said, winking. “Furthermore, that suit is not skimpy. Honey, you might not be a size four anymore, but there’s nothing wrong with your shape, or a healthy size twelve.”

  Claire was aghast that Peter knew her size. Every woman knew that weight and sizing were deeply held secrets. “How did you learn this piece of information?”

  “It was more difficult than I thought it would be. I’m sorry to confess this, honey, but I searched through your drawers. A difficult pursuit, many of the clothing labels were unreadable. I should have bought you two suits instead of one.”

  Claire fingered the garment, appreciating the gesture. “This means a lot to me, Peter.”

  “I want to see you in that suit.” He reached for her hand. “Will you try it on?”

  Claire felt as timid as she had the day in the locker room. Peter’s gift had taken her emotions to a delicate place. “I’ll try it on,” Claire said, grasping his hand. She permitted him to escort her to their bedroom, holding the bathing suit in her hands, then retreated to the ensuite to try on the bathing suit.

  It molded to her figure, fitting her perfectly. She fingered the fabric, staring at herself in the mirror. Am I beautiful? She didn’t look terrible wearing the suit. The band of ruffles beneath the bustline flattered the style. The yellow color was significant. It reminded her of the beginning of their relationship. Maybe this new suit represented their renewal.

  Claire left the ensuite. Peter was sitting on their bed, waiting for her. His eyes lit up. He whistled. “Oh, honey, you look amazing. Do you like it? Are you happy with it? If you don’t love it, if it doesn’t bring you joy, I’ll buy you another.”

  Claire grasped her face, completely blindsided. “Peter, it’s beautiful.”

  “Then why are you sad?”

  Claire shifted her hands to her sides, standing in front of him, feeling old and awkward, and emotional. “You’ve caught me by surprise. And I…”

  “And you what? Lay your burdens down.”

  “I don’t know what to say. I mean, thank you. You’ve made me feel like the girl you married years ago. Somehow, you’ve reconnected me to my teenage heart.”

  “I suppose this means I should have spoiled you sooner,” Peter said, rising from the bed. “But let me tell you, you are the woman I married years ago. And to look at you now, in your beautiful yellow bikini, I want you to overcome your itsy-bitsy worries and come over here and kiss me.”

  Claire took a deep breath, then released her nervous energy in a tentative giggle, but was soon held in his arms, grateful for his kisses, which only served to make her feel more loved than ever.

  “I have another surprise. How would you like to go away for the weekend? Maybe take a drive up to Honeymoon Bay? Our anniversary is coming up, so considering that, I’ve taken the liberty of renting us a house on the bay. One of those Airbnb places.”

  “Will I get the chance to wear my suit?” Claire chuckled, a huge smile on her face.

  “The house has a hot tub, and an amazing view of the ocean, even a private beach.”

  “It’s sounds perfect. I can’t wait.” She’d go today if he asked her.

  Peter laughed. He seemed happy as well. He walked to his closet and retrieved a shopping bag. “I want to share new memories with you.”

  “What do you have in your hands?” Claire asked, expressing her surprise.

  “You’ll need more than one bathing suit for what I have planned. You’ll need a new dress in your wardrobe. On our anniversary, I want to take you to a restaurant in the hills, overlooking the ocean.”

  “Can we afford it, given the bakery expansion?”

  “It’s our anniversary. It only comes around once a year, and this year is special.”

  “You’ve thought of everything,” Claire said. “I’m surprised, and grateful.”

  He came toward her and passed her the bag. “Let’s have some more fun. I can’t wait for the fashion show.”

  “I love you, Peter Douglas.”

  It was great fun, unwrapping his gifts. Claire appreciated the fact that not every item was yellow. After all, pinks and sexy reds were her favorite colors, and good for her complexion, too.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Claire had difficulty focusing on her work the next day. Thoughts of Peter spurred on by the gifts he had given her, plus the excitement of an anniversary weekend, had her in a state of wonder. In all the years a husband and wife had been married, Peter had never shown her such attentiveness. He overflowed with courtesy, compassion, attending to her every need.

  What had motivated the new focus in her life? The simple question, asking if she was okay. Her heart filled with joy. Life seemed different. Everything brighter, cle
arer. Even Peter had taken on new meaning. A fresh haircut, clean shaven and smelling like aftershave; he was more handsome than ever.

  “Someone’s happy,” Nora said, creaming butter and sugar together.

  Claire paused in her breadmaking to ponder her colleague’s work, a woman who had quickly become a close friend and confidant. “You’re a great addition to the team,” Claire said, glancing at Nora. “I don’t know which aspect of your experience I appreciate more, your skill as a baker or your ideas. We’ve made some exciting changes.”

  Nora reached for the flour and added several cups to a stainless steel bowl in a no-nonsense kind of way. “I’m grateful you accepted me as part of the team, not everyone adapts to change as well as you and your parents. Not everyone would permit an outsider as a partner in their business.”

  “You’re not an outsider,” Claire stated. “We were impressed by your approach, your ideas. And honestly, the company needed energy, a new focus and direction. We couldn’t embrace the future without you.”

  “I thought Burt and Mary would say no. It occurred to me that seniors with an established business wouldn’t accept a couple who were different. Never mind my outspokenness; I’m bold at times, a bit stern, too.”

  Claire turned on the bread machine and let the paddles work. “If it’s acceptable, I’ll put you in charge of the complaints department,” Claire said with a giggle, “but seriously, while I love pies, expanding our assortment and putting the breakfast items and pastries out at different times of the day, varying days sometimes, that’s a win for the bakery.”

  Nora added eggs, and then dry ingredients to the bowl. “In your view, have the changes been positive, have they increased customer traffic or contributed to the bottom line—the register?”

  “Yes, to both. Word gets around quickly in a small town. I mean, who wants to eat pie at 8:00 a.m.? Personally, there’s nothing better than raspberry chocolate scones with Devonshire cream. And testing the various new items has given us a good indication if our customers will accept further change as well.”