Chapter 18
18
G inger felt the familiar burn in her calves as she and Jack ascended the winding trail to the ridgetop above Summer Beach. Unzipping her windbreaker, she paused to allow Jack to catch up.
“Not much farther now,” she said, gesturing ahead.
“I know, we’ve done this before,” Jack said, slightly out of breath. “Lead the way.”
In her opinion, the view was worth every step. She felt on top of the world here, where anything seemed possible. This spot had been her refuge and source of strength and inspiration for years.
It wasn’t a long hike, but it was steep in places. She skirted those areas for Jack and her knees. She could make the climb, take a short break to meditate, give thanks, or sort out problems, and be back at the cottage by breakfast.
However, Jack was not an early riser, so they were later today.
As they continued their climb, Ginger’s mind wandered to the conversation she knew was coming. Jack had been persistent in his questioning about Sandi and Dennis, and she had a feeling today would be no different.
Finally, they crested the ridge. The village of Summer Beach sprawled out below them, a patchwork of neat streets and palm trees leading to the beach. Beyond, the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean stretched to the horizon, its surface glittering like jewels in the morning sun.
“What a wonderful place to call home,” she said, stretching her arms overhead.
To one side, a long row of estates lined the ridgetop. Clustered beneath them were Ginger’s favorite spots in town: the Seabreeze Inn, Hidden Garden, Page’s Bookshop, Beach Waves salon, and Nailed It hardware.
Gazing out, she saw brisk business at City Hall, the Seal Cove Inn, First Summer Beach Bank, and Louise’s Laundry Basket.
Jack stood next to her, looking out. “Best day of my life when I found this town.”
“Bertrand and I spent many exciting years away, but I was always happy to return.”
Summer Beach was already busy. She saw the coffee crowd at Java Beach, and staff and diners entering the Starfish Cafe, Beaches, Rosa’s Tacos, Spirits she had dreaded recalling this part of the story. When she’d received the tragic news, she’d nearly broken down. But as she opened her mouth to speak, something held her back.
Some memories are only for me , she thought.
When she didn’t respond, Jack asked, “What about Dennis’s family?”
Ginger shook her head. “Sandi’s husband was orphaned and raised in foster care. I was proud of the young man he turned out to be. Always seizing opportunities, studying hard to become an accountant, a certified public accountant, and then a corporate accountant. They married the summer after their first year at university. Too young, I thought, but then, I married at the same age, didn’t I? Marina was born soon afterward.”
“I’ve been thinking,” she continued. “I don’t believe we should include my recollections about Sandi and Dennis in the book.”
Jack raised his eyebrows. “May I ask why?”
Ginger gazed out at the ocean, choosing her words carefully. “Let the past rest. My granddaughters wouldn’t want the accident, or its aftermath, included.”
“I can appreciate that it’s a sensitive topic.” He hesitated, scrubbing his face. “I hate to ask, but I have to. You and Bertrand were privy to classified information. Off the record and only between us, was it truly an accident? Or were there extenuating circumstances?”
Closing her eyes, Ginger recalled the detectives’ gut-wrenching questions. “It was thoroughly investigated and proven strictly an accident. The roads were rain slicked, and conditions were treacherous.” She shook her head. “It could have happened to anyone.”
Jack picked up a small rock and turned it over in his hands. “Marina has shared a lot with me. What if I write that chapter based on what I know? You’ll have full editorial approval. That goes for the entire manuscript as well.”
Clasping her legs, she considered this option. “Do you think that would help others who might be having similarly difficult times?”
“With all due respect, I believe it would. That was a critical juncture in your life. You led the family through it, which likely required more mental toughness than breaking any code.”
“You’re right about that.” She lifted her face to the sun, relieved at his proposal. “Now, I prefer to enjoy my moments and look to the future.”
Perhaps Oliver would be part of that future. They’d been speaking by phone almost every evening. She enjoyed having someone with a shared background and of a similar age to talk to again. Oliver wasn’t Bertrand, but he was also intelligent and unique.
Jack picked up another smooth pebble. “It’s what people do when faced with challenges that hone their character and inspire others. I promise I’ll do this justice.”
“Alright.” She drew another deep breath with resolve. “Now that that’s settled, shall we head back down?”
As they began their descent, coastal wildflowers nodded in the breeze as they passed, as if approving her decision. Consumed with thoughts, she didn’t speak on the hike down. Jack, to his credit, respected her silence.
Reflecting, Ginger thought about the first heart-wrenching year after Sandi and Dennis passed away. She moved into the family home in Claremont, and Marina returned to university. The days passed in a blur.
After Brooke and Kai finished their school year, Ginger brought them to Summer Beach. By then, Marina had met Stan, a wonderful young man who eased her heartache. They married, and Ginger was happy they were starting a life together. Stan was a young officer in the military, while Marina studied and worked at a cafe.
However, their happiness was short-lived. Marina was pregnant with twins, and Stan lost his life in Afghanistan. She also returned to Summer Beach.
Soon, the cottage rang with the voices of Ginger’s three granddaughters and Marina’s newborns.
Jack knew all that. He would do fine, she decided.
Just then, his heel slid on the dirt path, and she caught his arm. “Be careful,” she said. “One can fall quickly.”
“So it seems,” Jack said, looking sheepish. “What did you do when everything fell around you?”
“After the accident, I suddenly had to care for a growing family. I reached out to my former contacts and took on contract work in my fields of expertise. Many people I worked with before provided work.”
That included Kurt, Grace, and Silas, among others. Even dear Oliver had referred her to people. She named them all for Jack.
“Are those some of the so-called vacation trips you still take?”
She smiled and nodded. “You figured that out, did you?”
“Marina wondered why she never met those friends or saw photos.”
“I didn’t want to worry anyone, and I can’t share many details.” She went on. “As you’ve heard, I also taught at the local high school.”
“How could you do that without teaching credentials?”
She kicked a branch in the path to one side. “When the Summer Beach school board learned of my availability, they created a special visiting lecturer status for me so I could teach math. It worked for everyone.”
By the time they reached the end of their hike, Ginger decided that Jack was right to include that part of her history.
If her story could serve others, that was all that mattered.
And that was the entire point of this manuscript.
Now, she thought of those chaotic days with tenderness. In Summer Beach, her family had healed together, finally finding sunshine on the other side of the storm.
Ginger stood at the kitchen counter of her cottage. She had just returned from a vigorous swim in the ocean with her middle granddaughter. Brooke excelled on the swim team in high school. After their ocean swim, Brooke quickly showered and left on a date with Chip, a newly minted firefighter in a community south of Summer Beach.
Ginger liked Chip, even though he was still a boy at heart. Brooke had an earth mother presence, and the two were good together.
With all the girls busy, the soothing sound of waves crashing on the shore was her only company. The setting sun cast a warm pink glow through the windows. She looked out, enjoying the moment. They’d come so far in the last year.
Tonight, she was making a light supper of salad, French onion soup, and sandwiches from a roasted chicken she’d prepared the day before—just as her friend in Cambridge had taught her so many years ago. These days, she loved watching Julia’s cooking show on television.
This dinner was only for herself and Marina, who had just put the twins down to sleep. Kai had her first theater rehearsal at school in a lead role she’d been thrilled to land. A neighbor would bring her home later.
Marina entered the kitchen with excitement etched on her face. “I have some news,” she began, her voice tinged with nervous energy.
“What is it, dear?”
“I’ve been offered a job in San Francisco,” Marina blurted out, her eyes shining. “It’s with a television station. I also found an au pair to help with the twins.”
Ginger’s heart swelled with pride and a touch of concern. Marina had been working toward finding a job for months. “That’s wonderful news,” she said, pulling her into a warm embrace. “You’ve earned this.”
As they sat down at the small kitchen table, Ginger studied Marina’s face. “I’m happy for you, but I want to make sure you’re ready for this. It’s been quite a year for you, adjusting to motherhood—and everything else.”
Determination was evident in Marina’s eyes. “It’s time for me to figure out my life. This job has upward mobility, and it pays well. I can’t rely on you forever.”
Ginger reached across the table, squeezing Marina’s hand. “You know I don’t mind, sweetheart. I’m happy to help for as long as you need.”
“I know, and I’m so grateful,” Marina replied. “But you’ve done so much already. You’ve been supporting all of us—me with the twins, Kai with her acting and dance, even helping Brooke and Chip get settled in San Diego.”
Ginger nodded, thinking of Brooke, who was planning her wedding. They were already talking about starting a family. “Brooke and Chip will be fine. And Kai has found a new passion. Are you sure you won’t stay?”
“It’s time for me to find my path, too. The twins are a year old, and I’m ready for this next step. San Francisco will be new and exciting. Someday, I could be a morning news anchor and still have time to pick up the kids from school.”
Clearly, Marina had thought this out. Ginger was proud of her for taking a chance. Her granddaughters were growing up and finding their way in the world despite tragedy. That was the mark of character.
With Marina leaving, Brooke could look after Kai if Ginger had to travel for an engagement, as she would in the summer after school let out. Those assignments paid well, allowing her to do all she wanted for her granddaughters and the little twins. Bertrand’s retirement was adequate for her, but she needed to help the girls. And she enjoyed doing it.
“This calls for a celebration,” Ginger said. “I’m so proud of you, darling.”
As they chatted about the details of Marina’s new job and the upcoming move, Ginger felt a sense of deep satisfaction. She had stepped in to support her granddaughters through the most difficult time of their lives.
Each young woman was finding her way to a bright future. Marina and Brooke were following their paths, and young Kai’s goal was to audition for summer stock and commercials next year. She was so naturally talented that Ginger immediately gave her approval.
As her family moved forward, Ginger vowed to support them however she could.
Finishing the dinner preparations, she glanced around her kitchen. This home had seen many changes since Bertrand had surprised her with it on their wedding day.
Someday, the girls would all gather here with their children to play on the beach, just as she had as a child. She smiled at the thought as she and Marina carried their dishes to the patio to eat and relax.