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 amveryinterested 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.”
