Chapter 21
Chapter Twenty-One
The Gulf breeze ruffled Paige’s hair as she and Randi walked Barkley along the beach, the sand already warming. Morning sun shimmered across the gentle waves, slow and lazy as they washed onto shore, gulls calling overhead like they had news to share.
It was a good day made even better by the presence of her daughter. If only Randi didn’t have to head home today, but Paige was grateful for the time they’d spent together this weekend.
Randi held her flipflops in her hand and dug her toes into the sand as they walked. “We should do this more,” she said. “The world turns a little slower here and I can’t tell you how much I love that. I still miss Liam and Sean, but after being here, I feel like I’ve had a total reset.”
Paige smiled. “The Gulf’s good for that. Something about time on the beach just gives you perspective.”
Barkley trotted along, stopping to sniff the occasional shell. They walked in silence for a bit, the waves sweeping up to flirt with their ankles. Barkley nipped at the foam, making them laugh.
Paige waited, knowing that when Randi was quiet, something was brewing behind those observant eyes.
Finally, her daughter nudged Paige with her elbow. “So…dinner last night.”
Paige tried for casual but was already preparing for anything. “What about it?”
“You and Graham,” Randi said, a mischievous lilt in her voice. “He’s nice. And funny. And when he looks at you, it’s easy to see that he’s already smitten.”
Heat crept up Paige’s neck. “Randi, I don’t think—”
“No, it’s okay,” Randi said, halting to face her. Barkley sat by Randi’s feet. “I think he’s good for you, Mom. I think he might be just what you need. Maybe what you’ve always needed.”
Paige wasn’t used to that kind of support coming so bluntly. “I’m…glad you think so.”
Randi rolled her eyes. “Mom, come on. I know you. You’re cautious and right to be, especially after everything with Dad.
I know how much that hurt you. It hurt both of us.
But you’ve got to be lonely, even if you pretend you’re not.
Who wouldn’t be? We’re not meant to be alone.
I don’t think so anyway. And try as you might to show the world how strong and independent you are, sometimes it seems like… like you’re hiding some serious pain.”
The words stung only because they were true.
“What I’m saying is I think Graham might be the antidote for that pain.”
“Maybe.” Paige dropped her gaze to the shore, watching a tiny sandpiper race after a receding wave. “I just don’t want to make a fool of myself,” she said quietly.
“Sure, I get that.” Randi’s voice softened. “But why would it be foolish to pursue happiness?”
Paige blinked, surprised by the wisdom wrapped inside her daughter’s sincerity. How had she gained that much insight into life?
“You deserve someone who smiles at you the way he does,” Randi continued. “Someone who sees more than the perfect social media version you put out there. Someone who sees you. The real you. Who doesn’t care if you come with a little baggage. He’s got baggage of his own, right?”
Paige’s chest tightened in a mix of gratitude, fear, and hope all tangled together. “I’m sure he does. We all do.”
“My point exactly. Look, I like Graham,” Randi said. “Which is saying something, considering he used to be a spy and could probably kill someone with a butter knife.”
Paige snorted. “He’d never—”
“I’m just saying,” Randi cut in with a smirk. “It’s pretty cool. He’s cool. He’s kind of a catch, really. Handsome, sharp dresser, James Bond accent—what’s not to like?”
Paige couldn’t help but smile. She looped her arm through her daughter’s, and they started walking again. Barkley darted ahead as far as the leash would allow. “So you’re giving me your blessing?”
“Yes, and I’m giving you a shove.” Randi squeezed Paige’s arm lightly. “You’re being given a chance. Take it. Don’t let fear decide for you. I think you’d regret it for the rest of your life.”
The ocean breathed in and out beside them, constant and sure. A reminder that time was going to move on no matter what anyone did.
Paige inhaled the salt-sweet air and let herself imagine allowing someone in, letting her guard down, letting herself want more. Letting herself want Graham.
“Okay,” she said, voice soft but determined. “I’ll try.”
Randi smiled and it wasn’t mischievous this time, but proud. “That’s all I wanted to hear.”
They continued down the shoreline together, footprints trailing behind them, as the day unfurled bright and hopeful before them.
By the time they got back to the house, both their stomachs were growling.
Paige whipped up scrambled eggs while Randi sliced strawberries, the comfortable rhythm of normal life settling around them.
They talked about Liam’s next tee ball game, about which color dress Randi should wear to an upcoming work event, keeping it light and easy.
But the conversation on the beach lingered inside Paige like a warm spark.
When the plates were empty and the dishes rinsed, Randi slung her weekender bag over her shoulder and pressed a kiss to Paige’s cheek, Barkley’s leash firmly in one hand.
“Call him,” she whispered. “Today.”
Paige hugged her tightly, absorbing the confidence her daughter seemed determined to lend her. “I will, I promise. Drive safe, sweetheart.”
Randi winked. “Always. Come on, Barkley. I’m sure your boy is missing you. Bye, Mom.”
“Bye, you two.” Paige stood on the porch, watching until Randi’s car disappeared around the curve of the Colony’s main road.
She went back inside and fixed another cup of coffee. The house felt oddly quiet. Paige stood there a moment, hands wrapped around her coffee mug, absorbing the stillness. She could hear Randi’s words echoing…
Why would it be foolish to pursue happiness?
It wouldn’t be. It might be scary, but happiness was worth a shot. She set her coffee cup down and reached for her phone.
It only rang twice before Graham answered. “Paige,” he said—and just the sound of her name in that low British cadence caused a flutter beneath her ribs. “What a lovely surprise.”
“Hi,” she said, and suddenly her heart was too big for her chest. She opened her mouth to get more air, feeling like she was sixteen and not sixty-four. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
“Only a very dull crossword,” he replied. “I seem to be stuck on a nine-letter word for joyful state. I thought of Florida but that’s only seven. You may have saved me having to erase again.”
She laughed, nerves untangling slightly. “I wish I had an answer for you. I just called to thank you again for joining us last night. And let you know that Randi really liked you.”
“That’s a relief,” he said lightly. “I was rather hoping she wouldn’t tell you to toss me into the Gulf.”
“Never.” Paige smiled, then went quiet for a beat.
“I like you,” she said. “I just…I want to be honest about something. I’m not the person people see online.
I mean, yes, that’s me. But it’s not…all of me.
And I’ve been a little scared that if you saw the real version, the one who worries too much and sometimes gets lonely and doesn’t always know what she’s doing, you might change your mind. ”
There was a soft inhale on the other end.
“Paige,” he said gently, “I am very interested in the real you. The imperfect, spectacularly human you. Who is, remarkably, more beautiful inside than she is out. Quite the accomplishment, if you ask me.” He paused again, then said, “And I’d consider myself lucky if you’d let me in.”
Her throat tightened but it was from a flood of joy. “I’d really like that.”
“Well, then,” he said, voice brightening just a touch. “If you’re interested, I propose we don’t see anyone else. Really focus on getting to know each other. Exclusively, as the Americans say.”
A grin spread across her face before she could control it. “I’d like that very much.”
“Good,” he said. “Because I was going to suggest it anyway. But now I can pretend I had to talk you into it.”
She laughed and the thing that had been clenched inside her loosened up considerably. This was good. Randi had been right.
“When can I see you again?” she asked.
“Let me work something out and I’ll text you,” he promised. “But soon. Very soon.”
“That sounds good.” If this was what happiness felt like, she was all in. She gasped as something occurred to her.
“What is it?” Graham asked.
“I know the answer to your crossword puzzle,” she said.
“Do tell, I beg you.”
She smiled. “It’s happiness.”
There was a pause. Then Graham chuckled. “By Jove, you’re right. I say, that bodes well, don’t you think?”
She nodded. “I think it does.”