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Closing my journal with a soft sigh, I tucked it back into my bag and gazed at the ocean again. The vast expanse of blue stretched before me, both mesmerizing and intimidating.
“It’s so beautiful, isn’t it?” A gentle voice pulled me from my thoughts. An elderly woman with silver hair tied in a neat bun stood nearby, her warm smile as inviting as the sun above us. She wore a faded floral dress and sensible shoes, and in her hands was a sturdy cane.
“Definitely,” I agreed, returning her smile. “I’m Mia, by the way.”
“Nice to meet you, Mia. I’m Maggie Harper.” She extended her hand, and we exchanged a friendly shake. “I’ve lived in Pebble Point for most of my life, and these beaches have seen their fair share of love stories, heartaches, and dreams come true.”
“Really?” I asked, intrigued. The thought of countless tales unfolding on this very shore filled me with a sense of wonder.
“Absolutely,” Maggie nodded. “Something about the sea draws people to it, like an irresistible force. I believe it has the power to heal, to inspire, and even to bring people together.”
Her words resonated within me, echoing the emotions swirling inside since I arrived in Pebble Point. It comforted me that I wasn’t the only one who felt such a deep connection to this place.
“That’s lovely, Maggie,” I said sincerely. “I’ve just moved here and already feel like I truly belong. Does that sound absurd?”
“Not at all, dear! That’s exactly what I mean.” Maggie glanced at her watch and sighed. “Well, I better get going. I have some errands to run, but I hope we’ll see each other again, Mia. Take care, dear.”
“Same to you, Maggie,” I waved as she walked away. Once again, I marveled at the warmth and kindness of the people in Pebble Point. They radiated a light that made everything seem brighter and more beautiful.
“Hey, Miss Mia!” I heard Lucy’s cheerful voice call out from behind me. Turning around, I spotted Max, Lucy, and Logan approaching with a picnic basket. Their faces were bright with excitement and anticipation for our beachside lunch together.
“Hi, guys!” I waved enthusiastically, feeling rejuvenated by my small act of defiance against the family superstitions. “How was your trip to the supermarket?”
“Amazing! We got some yummy sandwiches from the deli,” Lucy chimed in, her eyes sparkling with delight.
“Plus, we picked up some special Pebble Point iced tea,” Max added, his warm smile making my heart skip a beat.
“Thank you so much, that sounds perfect,” I replied, my cheeks flushing pink under the sun’s glow. As they reached me, Logan handed me a towel to dry my feet, and I gratefully accepted it.
“Looks like you’ve been enjoying the water,” he observed, his tone curious but not judgmental.
“Indeed,” I admitted, looking back at the ocean with a newfound sense of freedom. “I thought it was about time I experienced it for myself.”
“Good for you, Mia,” Max said encouragingly. “I’m glad you’re embracing your own path.”
“Thanks, Max,” I smiled up at him, feeling a warmth in my chest that had nothing to do with the sun shining down on us.
“Let’s find a nice spot to set up our picnic,” Lucy suggested, her excitement contagious as she bounced on her toes.
I eagerly agreed, and we scoured the shoreline together for the perfect spot. We eventually found a sandy area with a postcard-worthy ocean view, but far enough away to keep us dry from the waves’ spray.
Max laid down a large, colorful blanket while Lucy and Logan excitedly unpacked the sandwiches and iced tea. The rich aroma of the deli sandwiches filled the air, making my stomach rumble in anticipation.
“Alright, everyone,” Max announced, handing us a sandwich wrapped in brown paper. “Let’s dig in!”
While eating, we heard about Lucy and Logan’s sandcastle masterpiece and Max’s surfing experiences.
As the sun set on our picnic, the warm glow of its golden rays enveloped us, filling the salty air with laughter and conversation. I listened intently to the stories Max, Lucy, and Logan shared, feeling a deep sense of belonging that had been missing in my life for far too long.
We packed up our things as the sky darkened, and I said a silent goodbye to the sea. Taking one last longing glance at the horizon, I smiled and promised myself that I would return every day I could.
The walk back home was much shorter than expected as we chatted animatedly about our day. Even though it had been a simple afternoon out on the beach, it felt like an adventure that we had shared.
Chapter 6
Thesundippedbelowthe horizon as we stepped into Thornton’s kitchen, still feeling the warmth of the sand between my toes. My mind raced with memories of laughter and waves shared with Max and the children, and again, I felt those sparks I couldn’t deny.
“Today was so much fun!” Lucy exclaimed, her curls bouncing with excitement.
