Page 37 of Written with Love

Max stopped as his eyes scanned the horizon. “This is why I purchased the place.” He motioned with a nod towards the bright colors of the sky as the sun disappeared behind the Pacific.

“It’s easily my favorite view too. I used to love coming up here when I was a kid.”

“You came up here?”

She chuckled. “What kid that grew up in Pride didn’t sneak onto this property and look for missing diamonds.”

He took her hand in his, and they stood there for a moment, breathing it all in. Then he squeezed her hand and started down the stairs.

“Thank you,” he said halfway down.

“For?”

He stopped a stair below her and turned to gather her in his arms before answering. “For reminding me I have a center. I spent the day worrying about Faye. Consumed by it, really.” He leaned back slightly. “No news is good news. They will call when they get home.”

“Thank you,” she returned.

“For?” She saw a hint of a smile curve his lips.

“For giving me an opportunity.” She motioned back to the house. “I’m really enjoying myself and making more money than I would waiting tables.”

“Without you, we never would have gained such a following.” He took her hand and continued down the stairs.

When they reached the bottom, they headed off to the right instead of the left towards town.

She let the cool evening breeze wash over her as they walked side by side, their feet sinking into the damp sand. Other than the rhythmic crash of the waves, there was silence, but it was a comfortable one. The kind that didn’t need filling.

She glanced over at him, his expression thoughtful as he looked out at the water. The last of the sunset painted the horizon in streaks of deep violet and fiery orange, reflecting off the ocean like a moving painting.

“I know you’re telling yourself no news is good news,” she said gently, giving his hand a squeeze. “But that doesn’t stop you from worrying, does it?”

Max let out a slow breath. “Not even a little.” He chuckled, but there was a tightness to his voice. “Faye’s been through so much already, and I hate feeling helpless. I can’t fix this for her, you know?”

Juliette nodded. “It’s hard watching someone you love go through something like this.”

He looked at her, searching her face. “You get it.”

She smiled softly. “Yeah, I do.”

He squeezed her hand back. “I just keep thinking about how different things must be for her now. She’s been adjusting to the hearing loss for a while, but this last surgery was a big one. Even though she acts tough, I know she’s struggling.”

“She’s lucky to have you,” Juliette said.

Max huffed a small laugh. “Yeah, well, Ally would argue that.”

Juliette tilted her head. “How’s she holding up?”

His jaw clenched slightly before he sighed. “Not great. Her ex, well, it’s messy, and she’s exhausted. Charlotte is the only thing keeping her sane right now. Mom says she’s doing better this week but still.” He shook his head slightly.

At the mention of his niece, his face softened.

Juliette smiled. “You light up when you talk about your niece.”

“She’s a bright spot in all of this,” Max admitted. “Charlotte’s got this way of making everything seem simpler.”

“Sounds like she takes after her uncle.”

“I prefer to think she gets the best of us all,” he said, his voice full of affection.