Prologue
FAITH SEASON
“Don’t run too far ahead, girls,” I call out, though it may be too late. Or they’re pretending not to hear me.
They’re old enough to roam on their own, but I didn’t stop being a mom when my youngest turned ten.
Though my worries lessened knowing how strong-minded they’ve become.
From oldest to youngest, Summer leads her three sisters to the docks to feed the ducks.
I remember my mama bringing me down here on lazy summer days when we were bored of being home.
Some things, we never outgrow.
It’s also good for the girls to feel out their independence while in the safety of this close-knit community. Just like I did and my mom before me.
My gaze flows up to the blue sky above. There’s not a cloud in sight. I tilt my head back, closing my eyes, and soak in the sunshine. The wind picks up just enough to keep the temperatures bearable, sending the sound of my girls’ laughter to my ears. It’s a melody that always makes my heart sing.
I open my eyes to see my second oldest waiting for me.
When I reach Autumn at the edge of the docks, I wrap my arm around her shoulders, and we keep pace together.
I kiss her head, though I’m sure at fourteen she hates it.
She’s patient enough with my sentimental side not to pull away.
“Why aren’t you with your sisters? You know Spring is going to throw the bread in chunks, and there won’t be any left for you if you don’t hurry. ”
“It’s okay,” she says with the casualness of a shrug. “I wanted to wait for you.”
I lower my arm, but she takes hold of my hand.
I don’t know what I was thinking earlier.
My dearest Autumn would never hate a kiss or a hug from me.
For good or bad, she’s inherited my altruism.
She always sees the good in everyone and wears her heart on her sleeve.
She’s a caretaker by nature, and the first one my youngest will run to score a Band-Aid from.
I still get to kiss the boo-boo, though.
We stop at the head of the longest pier, and I face her, feeling the need to steal a minute just for the two of us.
Brushing strands of her red hair away from her face, her bright green eyes match her father’s coloring perfectly.
Handsome on my Charlie, and so beautiful on my girl.
I didn’t expect the opportunity, but I take it since it’s been presented.
“Real quick, I want to give you something, honey.”
“What is it?” Her voice is so sweet, a built-in layer of comfort that makes everyone feel right at home in her presence.
I reach into my pocket and pull out my coin purse. Digging inside, I find the token that’s been through more than its fair share of life’s ups and downs alongside me. “I’d like you to have this.” I turn her hand over and place it in her palm.
When her eyes widen, her gaze dashes from the round and worn metal to me. “You can’t. It’s your lucky bluebird.”
“I don’t need luck, sweet girl. I’ve been blessed with more than I could ever wish for. I have the four of you, your dad, and my mom.” Stretching my arms, I add, “I get to live in the most perfect place on earth. Mountain Laurel Cove.” I tap her nose. “And raise you.”
Closing her fingers around the lucky token, I hold my hand over hers and say, “It’s not to give you luck.
It gives you whatever you need when you need it most. Just hold it tight in your palm, close your eyes, and whisper against your hand.
” Leaning in, I whisper, “You give so much of yourself to everyone else. It’s okay to have your own needs met. Remember that, okay, Autumn?”
“I will.” She reaches up and hugs me so tight, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. “Thank you, Mama. I love it.”
“I love you.”
She kisses my cheek and whispers, “I love you, too.”
When we part, I caress her cheek, so proud of this amazing girl and who she’s become. “You go on and feed the ducks before the girls run out of bread. I’m going to wait for your dad to join us.”
Taking a step down onto the pier, she says, “I can wait.”
“Go have fun. We’ll be right there.” She nods, an understanding between us.
I watch as she takes off running—big smile on her perfectly freckled face, hair blowing behind her, and almost as tall as me these days.
She’s growing so fast. They all are. It’s amazing to watch your love, heart, and soul bloom into four other humans.
The warmth of a hand on my lower back eases the heavier emotions threatening to overwhelm me. A gentle kiss is placed on my neck. “I missed you, Mrs. Season.”
Turning in his arms, I’m greeted by my husband’s knee-weakening smile and those eyes that still look at me like he’s the fortunate one. Though I know I’m the one who lucked out. I wrap my arms around his neck and grin like the woman in love I’ve always been for him. “How much?”
“To the moon and back.” He kisses me, and just like the first time so long ago, I melt into his embrace, relishing the electricity between us that reaches my toes. Still holding me close, he asks, “Are you ready to go on our date?”
We rarely get away but decided to make the time tonight. “Let’s say goodbye to the girls, okay?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Charlie takes my hand, and we start down the pier. “Did I tell you they have birria tacos on their menu?”
“You did.” I laugh at how excited he is to try the new restaurant in Ocean’s Bay. “But tell me again.” If heaven exists, this must be it because I can’t think of a better life than the one I’ve been given.