Page 38 of Love Like Ours

After a second cup of coffee, they stepped outside, the salty air brushing against her cheeks as they made their way towards the beach. The rain had turned to mist, which danced around the waves. The sunlight barely broke through it, casting an ethereal glow over the shoreline. Loki bolted ahead, a blur of energy, digging in the sand and chasing shadows like his life depended on it.

Sophia stuffed her hands into the pockets of Palmer’s sweats, their familiar warmth a strange but comforting sensation. She glanced at him as they strolled, his easy stride and relaxed demeanor making her feel at ease.

“So, does this prescription work for you too?” she asked, tilting her head.

“Every time,” he said, his voice low and soothing against the sound of the waves. “Especially the walk part. It’s hard to be stressed when you’ve got all this. Emotions tend to stick around, even though you feel like you’ve gotten rid of them by letting them out. They’re annoyingly persistent.” He gestured to the ocean, the horizon stretching endlessly ahead of them. “The view is calming.”

They walked in companionable silence for a while, the rhythmic crash of waves filling the silence between them. When they reached a large piece of driftwood, Palmer slowed and gestured towards it.

“Perfect spot to sit for a bit,” he said.

Sophia perched on the log, drawing her knees up and hugging them as Palmer sat beside her. Loki trotted over and nudged her hand with his muzzle, and she scratched behind his ears.

“This is nice,” she said softly, gazing out at the water.

“It is,” Palmer agreed. “Sometimes you just need to slow down, you know? Let the world spin without you for a little while.”

She turned to him, her chest tightening at the sincerity in his expression. “I think I forgot how to do that,” she admitted.

“Well, consider this your refresher course.” He nudged her shoulder lightly with his.

“With my mother gone, I’ve just buried myself in work. I didn’t think there was time for much more. Now, putting things together for the baby shower, I realize life doesn’t stop. It can’t.” She rested her chin on her knees. “My niece or nephew is going to come along no matter what. The crushing weight of my mother’s absence is felt, there’s no doubt about it, but this child will never feel as deep of a loss for her as we do.”

“They will only get the benefit of the wonderful stories you and your brother tell them about her. In their memories, she’ll be an angel, watching over them, loving them from afar.”

More tears rolled down her cheeks. “That’s a beautiful thought.” She used her coat sleeve to dry her face.

They lingered there, watching the waves roll in and out, until Loki decided it was time to move on. He barked impatiently, a stick in his mouth, wagging his tail like it was the best find in the world.

Sophia laughed and stood. “Guess he’s ready for the next part of the prescription.”

Back at Palmer’s place, the warm lights spilling out from the windows made it feel cozier than ever. She followed him inside as Loki darted to his bed, settling down with the treat that he’d gotten for leaving the prized stick outside.

“I have to head to work,” Palmer said, glancing at the clock. He looked almost apologetic as he grabbed his jacket. “Rain check on the ice cream and nap part?”

Sophia smiled. “Definitely.”

He walked her to her car, lingering at the driver’s side door, as if reluctant to see her go. “Drive safe,” he said, his voice soft. Then he kissed her until she felt her entire body heat.

“Later,” she promised before slipping inside.

On her way home, she pulled into the parking lot of the grocery store. Her heart was set on ice cream, and she’d run out at home a few days ago.

She stepped into the store and took in the familiar place. In the past years, things had changed in the building. The old owner of O’Neil’s Grocery had willed the place to Wyatt Auston. The man had modernized the store with a few new self-checkout registers to go along with the two manned ones. They offered a huge selection of pre-made meals and baked goods that were easily better than anything she could cook.

Today, though, she chose a carton of her favorite ice cream and grabbed a boxed frozen pizza for later.

Back at her place, she put the pizza in the freezer for later and scooped out a generous bowl of ice cream, making sure to put a lot of hot fudge and pecans on top. She turned on a movie and enjoyed her treat, covering herself with a blanket while the movie played.

Maybe Palmer was onto something with his prescription after all. If only he and Loki could be there to spend the rest of the day with her, it would have been the perfect day.