Chapter Thirty-Four
The following weekend, Rosemary stood at the door of her new home. This was a new start, and she felt like she’d been filled with vibrant light. Her smile hadn’t left her face since she found this house and decided to buy it.
Her nerves were a mess about seeing Nina and Kendra, though. She prayed she and Nina would never have a blowup like that again.
Nina’s car pulled into the driveway.
Rosemary ran out to greet them, waving like she was hailing a taxi. “Hello!” She and Nina had their moments, but it never changed her love for her daughter, and she had every intention of making that crystal clear on this visit, along with offering a long-overdue apology.
Kendra bailed out of the car before Nina even got the key out of the ignition.
“Grandma!” She ran over and flung herself into Rosemary’s arms. “This is where you’re going to live?”
Rosemary couldn’t wait to share Whelk’s Island with them. “I sure am. What do you think?”
Kendra danced with excitement, making a slow turn as she took it all in. “This house is like something out of a movie. The beach is right there. It’s blowing my mind. Can you hear the waves? Is that really the ocean?”
“Sure can. That’s the best part.” Rosemary spread her arms wide. “Wait until you see the view from upstairs.”
“I missed you. I took good care of James,” Kendra said. “You didn’t have to bribe me.”
“I’m sure you earned it. Thank you, sweetie.”
“I’m going to go get him out of the car.” Kendra raced back to rescue the fish, passing her mother on the way. “Can we explore? I can’t wait to check this place out.”
“We can,” Nina said. “But first we need to get your grandmother’s stuff unpacked from the car.”
“Fine.” Kendra trudged back to the car.
Rosemary welcomed Nina, opening her arms for a hug.
“Hey, Mom. This is beautiful.” Nina looked at the house. “I love the soft color and all the white accents. It’s really welcoming.”
“It feels right.” Rosemary stepped back. “We’re really okay, right?” She hated to sound desperate, but she felt a little that way. She loved her daughter, rocky relationship and all, and she’d never want to hurt her feelings.
“We are, Mom. I’m sorry I went off the rails like that on you. I don’t know what to say except I love you and I guess I was trying to protect you, like you’ve always done for me.”
“Someday I might need that level of help, but not yet, kiddo.” Rosemary hugged her again. “I’m sorry too. I didn’t help in the situation. I love you—don’t you ever doubt that—and the next time we act like that, let’s have a full stop and step away before it goes ‘off the rails,’ as you put it. Deal?”
“Deal.”
“It’s behind us. Forgotten.” Rosemary pulled her daughter into her arms once more and held her for a long moment. Tears slipped down her cheeks. “I love you, baby girl. You will always be my baby girl.”
“We love you, too, Mom.” Nina swept a tear away and sniffled. “Stop making me cry. We are here to help you and have some fun.”
“Yes, we are. Thank you for bringing my things, for understanding this decision and being so supportive.”
Nina nodded, her eyes moist. “I’m still concerned, but I’ll give you your space. You were right. I overreacted. I don’t know why I equated losing Dad with you suddenly becoming helpless. Maybe I’m just projecting my own emotions from this divorce onto you. I’ve never felt so adrift.”
Nina had definitely been struggling, but adrift? “Honey, I didn’t know you were feeling that way. I’m sure losing your dad didn’t help, but you’ve got this. You’re doing all the right things. You are the smartest, most capable woman I’ve ever known.”
“Mom, that’s only because you raised me to be one. Just like you. If only I ever become the woman you have been.”
“I’m sorry that ex of yours has been making things difficult for you.”
“Me too. It’s exhausting.”
Kendra walked over, carrying two tote bags and balancing the fishbowl in the crook of her arm. “Here’s James!” Kendra presented the bowl to Rosemary.
“He looks great. Hi, James. I’ve missed you.” She took the bowl, and James seemed excited to see her. He immediately started blowing bubbles. “Welcome home, James,” Rosemary said.
“Let’s get this stuff upstairs,” Nina said.
“Up there?” Kendra adjusted the boxes dramatically. “That’s a lot of stairs.”
Nina glanced at the stairs to the front door. “Mom, are you going to be able to do these stairs when you have groceries?”
Rosemary raised a finger. She could barely contain her excitement. “Follow me. There’s a solution to every problem you can think of in this house. Lights even automatically come on under the lower cabinets in the kitchen when you walk in the room at night. It lights the way. Like magic, only it’s all configured from a tablet in the kitchen that I have no plans to touch.”
“Swanky,” Nina remarked.
“A smart home, Grandma. That’s what they call that.”
“What I’m going to show you is even better than that.” She walked toward a glossy white cottage-style door under the carport and swung it open. “I have my own elevator.”
“Holy cow!” Kendra raced toward the door. “It’s like a hotel. Mom? This is epic.”
“Get in there,” Rosemary said. “It’s pretty cool, isn’t it?”
“Like I said, you’re the most capable woman I know.” Nina shook her head. “You’ve thought of everything.”
“Did I mention I negotiated all the staged furniture in my purchase?”
“You didn’t. Is it nice?”
“Much nicer than what I’d have been willing to buy.” Rosemary pressed the button, and the elevator rose to the first floor. “Check it out.”
They walked into the house, and she gave them a quick tour, starting in the kitchen and ending with the best part, the deck overlooking the beach. The outdoor furniture was bright and welcoming. It had a white wood look but was made out of that new PVC stuff that required no maintenance. Ceiling fans turned lazily above them.
“This is like a resort,” Nina said.
Kendra walked out and leaned over the rail. “It’s louder than I thought it would be, but in a good way.”
“She would’ve adored Hawaii,” Rosemary whispered to Nina.
“I was always too busy to make the time to take her. Concessions I made for him. More mistakes.”
“That’s behind you now.” Rosemary knew Nina was referring to her ex-husband. They were both workaholics. How they had time to make a child was still a mystery, because they sure didn’t make time for much else.
“I’m working on a better life balance,” Nina said. “I’m still a work in progress on that.”
“You sure are,” Rosemary said. “You’ll get there.”
“I’m gonna go get more of Grandma’s stuff out of the car,” Kendra announced. “I’ll be right back.” She hopped into the elevator, closed the metal safety grate, and hit the button. “Going down!” The elevator hummed into action.
“I hope you don’t mind,” Rosemary said. “I accepted an invitation for all of us to join Amanda for dinner. Paul and Tug will be there, and I think Kendra will get a kick out of Jesse and Hailey.” She hoped she hadn’t overstepped right out of the gate. “I want you two to get a do-over. She’s really sweet. I think you would get along.”
“I owe her a big fat apology.” Nina visibly swallowed. “Guess I’ll be eating crow.”
“Or don’t even mention it,” Rosemary said. “Trust me, Amanda is not waiting on an apology. She understood where you were coming from more than I did. I think the two of you are going to get along just fine.”
“Hey. I noticed almost all the houses have cool names on them,” Kendra said, returning with some more boxes. “That’s sort of fun. Are you going to name your house?”
“Of course. I was thinking about something with Sanctuary or Tide in it. I haven’t gotten very far with it yet. What do you think we should name my new beach house?”
“Since this is sort of a new beginning for you…” Kendra pressed her finger to her lips. “How about Rosemary’s Thyme ? Like a play on the herb, but, you know, like it’s your time too.”
“Cute!” Rosemary said. “I like that.” It fit Amanda better, but she didn’t mention that, because it was so sweet that Kendra actually seemed engaged at the moment.
“Maybe. Or…” Nina shifted. “I don’t know if you’d want to, but maybe work in Palakiko. Grandma always said it meant ‘spark of existence’ and that it was a blessed name. This place is a blessing for this time in your life, Mom. I know you need to be your own person. What about Palakiko Retreat?”
“Oh, Nina. I love that.” Rosemary’s eyes blurred with tears. “And it pays tribute to Kai. I miss him fiercely. You know that, right?”
“I know, Mom.” Nina hugged her.
Kendra cocked her hip, but Rosemary gave her a stern warning look. Kendra picked up on it and nodded, pressing her lips together like it was killing her not to smart off to her mother.
Rosemary basked in the kind moment. “I love my girls.” She gestured Kendra over into the hug.
“Mom, I hope you’re happy here, and if you’re not, you always have a place with me, or I’ll help you get a cute little condo nearby.” She squeezed her mom’s hand. “Whatever you want.”
“Thank you.” Rosemary took a deep breath. “I think you’ll quickly come to love Whelk’s Island too. The community of it. It’s so balancing.” She let go of Nina’s hand and motioned for them to follow. “Come. Listen to this amazing ocean. It’ll chase the cobwebs right out of your brain. I feel so alive here.”
They walked back out onto the porch.
“I hope you and Kendra enjoy Whelk’s Island. It’s perfect timing.”
“It is. For you and me, and for Kendra and me. We need some no-drama fun. I’ve been working a lot, but I just hired another person for my team. I’m planning to off-load some responsibilities this year. This will be a good start on this balance I’m looking for.”
“It will.”
Kendra made another trip to the car and plopped a suitcase and a tote bag on the floor, then went straight down again.
A minute later, she stepped out of the elevator with the last of the bags. She placed them in the living room and went out on the deck. “Mom! You have to see this.”
Nina rushed to see what the yelling was about.
Kendra stood pointing to the water with excitement. “I think I saw a dolphin!”
“Kendra, I doubt it,” Nina said. “Probably just wishful thinking.”
Rosemary joined them. “No. Look, there are three of them.” It was the first time Rosemary had seen them, but Tug had told her about the frequent visits the dolphins made in these waters. She glanced at her watch, hoping they were on a schedule so she could see them often. “Look at them play.”
Kendra was too busy watching to respond.
Rosemary took delight in Kendra’s interest. “Wouldn’t it be fun to come and spend long weekends here on summer break? I’ve collected some beautiful shells. You’d probably enjoy that.” “Life takes you to unexpected places. Trust the light to lead you home.” Rosemary could hear the message in her mind as clear as if someone were reading it to her.
I am home.
“Can we go explore now?” Kendra spun around, looking to her mother for permission. “I can’t wait to find some shells to take back with me.”
“We don’t have enough time right now,” Rosemary said. “We’re going to my friend Amanda’s for dinner, but we definitely will tomorrow. I promise.”
Rosemary loved how excited Nina and Kendra seemed about the new house. A feeling of strength and independence flooded through her. In helping Tug, she’d rediscovered her own gumption to give the rest of her life the best effort she could.
“I made a dessert. Let me get that and we’ll head over there.”
“Please tell me you made that pound cake you used to always make,” Nina said.
“I did.” Rosemary loved knowing that the simple things that were special in the past were still precious.
They made the short drive to Amanda’s.
“It will be nice that they are so close to you,” Nina remarked.
“I know. It really couldn’t have worked out better. I can walk to the post office and the library from here.”
They all got out of the car, and Hailey and Jesse must’ve been watching for them to arrive because they raced down the stairs to greet them.
Rosemary introduced everyone, and Kendra followed Hailey and Jesse into the backyard, while Rosemary and Nina went up to see Amanda.
“Aloha,” Rosemary called out as they walked inside.
Amanda rounded the corner in a pretty pink apron. “Come in.” She walked straight over to Nina. “I’m so glad to get to meet you again.”
“I owe you a huge apology,” Nina blurted out before she even said hello. “I’m really embarrassed, but I’d love to get another chance to get to know you.”
“You’ve got it. Pretend it never happened. Come on in.” Amanda looked at Rosemary. “Oh, Rosemary, please tell me that’s the Hawaiian pound cake.”
“It is.”
“Mmm.” Amanda took it and looked over her shoulder at Nina. “This stuff is addicting.”
“I know!”
Amanda led them into the living room, where Paul and Tug were watching a golf tournament on the sports channel. “Guys, Rosemary and her family are here.”
Tug stood. “It’s nice to meet you, Nina. I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m Tug.”
“It’s good to meet you. And you must be Paul. Mom has talked about all of you.”
“How do you like Whelk’s Island so far?” Paul asked.
“Well, I haven’t seen much of it, but Mom’s house is great. I love knowing it’s so close to such nice neighbors here in case she ever needs anything.”
“We’re here for her. There’s a great support system in this community,” Tug said.
“That’s comforting.”
Paul switched the television off. “Would y’all like to come sit outside?”
“Sure,” Rosemary said. They followed Paul and Tug outside. From here, they could see the kids tossing a big playground ball around the yard. Kendra looked like she was having a good time.
Amanda walked out and kissed Paul on the cheek. “So, Nina, do you know how long you’re going to stay yet?”
“I’m just going to stay a couple of days this time, but I’ll be planning some extended weekends, for sure.”
“We might even see more of each other if you come to visit than when I was living with you,” Rosemary remarked.
Everyone laughed, thinking the comment referred to the beach location being so inviting.
Nina shrugged. “She’s not kidding. I’ve been in a terrible overwork cycle. I’m recently divorced. I think at first it was a coping mechanism, but you know how that goes. The more you do—”
“The more they let you do it.” Paul finished her sentence.
“Yes! Exactly, and I’ve got to find some life balance.”
“Good luck with that,” Paul said. “It’s not an easy cycle to break. I’m a pretty good life balance coach. If you ever need to talk, give me a shout.”
“That’s really nice of you. I might take you up on that.”
This visit was going better than Rosemary could’ve ever dreamed. Nina’s good side was shining through, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the evening.
After dinner, the kids asked to be excused from the table early. Kendra, although much older than Hailey, had taken to her immediately, and the two of them let Jesse tag along as Hailey took Kendra to show off her treasured beach finds.
Rosemary got up from the table and helped Amanda clean up and prepare dessert and coffee.
“This has been so nice, Amanda. Thank you.”
“You know you are always welcome in my home. How’s the house feel?”
“Well, since it was completely furnished, I feel right at home. I’ve started a list of things I will need, but it’s a short list.”
Nina walked in with a few of the plates and loaded them into the dishwasher.
“Well, let me see the list before you buy anything,” Amanda said. “I have all my stuff, and Maeve left me all of hers, and when Paul moves in, we’ll have even more. I’m sure we can fill in some gaps for you. Believe me, you’d be doing us a favor.”
“Great.”
“And keep me posted,” Nina said. “I’ve got to simplify. I think I have every gadget ever made. I don’t even use half of it. If I ever had to pack and move, it would be a nightmare.”
“Well, I may not be doing any shopping at all,” Rosemary said. “This is new news. Did I tell you, Nina, that Paul and Amanda are getting married here in the backyard next weekend?”
“No. Congratulations. How exciting,” Nina said to Amanda. “He seems great. You two and the children, you make a beautiful family.”
“Thank you.” Amanda blushed. “I’m really excited. It’s just going to be a real simple ceremony.”
“That’s all you need when it’s the right thing,” Nina said.
Amanda leaned in, nodding. “Right? People go crazy on weddings these days. We’re only having like twelve people, including the pastor. If you’re in town, you and Kendra are absolutely invited. We’d love to have you.”
“That’s very generous, but I don’t know that we could swing back that quickly. Thank you, though.”
Amanda’s invitation to them touched Rosemary.
As the night wore on and they moved out to the deck, the sound of the ocean filled the air. What was it about the ocean air that made her sleepy?
Rosemary felt a contentment she hadn’t known in years. She’d made her point, not just to her daughter but to herself. New doors were opening, and she was ready, more than ever, to step through them.
“I think we’re going to head on home, Amanda. All this fresh air has me tired, and I’m sure Nina and Kendra would like to crawl in bed after their long drive today.”
“Not me,” Kendra said. “I’m fine.”
“You can come back and visit with Hailey tomorrow,” Nina said.
“Actually,” Rosemary said, “Amanda, if it’s okay, I wanted to ask if I could pick up Hailey to work on a project with me tomorrow. She and Kendra can spend the day at my house. I’m happy to take Jesse too. They all seem to get along so well.”
“Can we, Mom?” Hailey and Kendra were flashing hopeful glances at each other.
Jesse marched over. “I want to go too.”
“Great. This project is top secret and extra special,” Rosemary said to Hailey, Jesse, and Kendra, twisting an imaginary key into a lock on her lips.
Amanda leaned into Paul’s arms. “Lunch tomorrow? My place?”
Paul grinned. “Anywhere with you. Wouldn’t miss it.”