After they hung up, Meg sat in the quiet Beach Shack for a long moment, letting the news settle. Six months to prove herself. New clients to win over. The validation that her work could thrive here—if she could make it stick.
"That sounded like good news," Margo said, emerging from the kitchen.
"The best news," Meg said, still a little breathless. "Brad just offered me a formal remote work arrangement. Multi-year contract with San Clemente, plus new clients who want the same approach."
Margo's face lit up. "Oh, Meg. That's wonderful."
"I was just going to call Luke and tell him," Meg said, pulling out her phone. She glanced toward the window. "I wonder what he's doing here?"
Margo followed her gaze to see Luke approaching the Beach Shack steps, carrying a coffee cup. "Everyone can see how he feels about you, dear," she said quietly to Meg. "Everyone except you."
Heat rose to Meg's cheeks, but before she could respond, Luke appeared at the door.
"Hope I'm not interrupting," Luke said as he entered, holding up his cup with a grin. "I would've brought coffee, but let's be honest—Margo's is better."
Meg laughed, feeling giddy withpossibility. "Actually, you have perfect timing. I just got incredible news."
Luke's eyes immediately focused on her face, reading her expression. "Tell me."
"Why don't you two go celebrate properly," Margo interrupted, reaching for her cleaning supplies. "I can finish up here. I'll see you tonight at the circle, Meg."
Luke raised an eyebrow at Meg. "Sounds like we've been dismissed. Your place?"
"Tyler's place," Meg corrected. "But yes."
Twenty minutes later, they sat on Tyler's small porch, the ocean stretching endlessly before them. Meg curled her legs under her on the weathered Adirondack chair, feeling the day's tensions finally ease from her shoulders.
"So," Luke said, settling into the chair beside her. "Tell me everything."
"Brad called. The San Clemente presentation went even better than I thought. They want a multi-year contract, and they've specifically requested that I continue working from here." Meg felt her excitement bubbling over. "Turns out being in Laguna hasn't hurt my career—it's transformed it."
"Meg, that's amazing," Luke said, his smile lighting up his entire face. "I'm so proud of you."
"There's more. I want to stay, Luke. Not just for the contract, but... really stay. Help with the Beach Shack, be part of what Margo's built here."
Luke leaned forward slightly, elbows on his knees, voice quiet but steady.
“Look, I know you’re still figuring things out—your work, the Shack, your life here. But I meant what I said. I want to be part of it. Not to rush anything. Just to... be here. However you’ll let me.”
Meg looked at him—this man who saw her clearly, who never asked her to be anyone but herself.
“That sounds perfect,” she said softly.
Luke reached for her hand, his touch warm and steady. They sat like that for a moment, the silence between them full but easy.
Meg exhaled slowly, then gave a small smile.
"There's something else," Meg said, needing to share the full story. "About what Margo's really been doing all these years. About the reconciliation with Uncle Rick."
She told him about the scholarship fund, about Richard's original promise, about the dozens of young people Margo had quietly helped over the decades. Luke listened without interruption, his expression growing more amazed with each detail.
“Wow,” he said slowly when she finished. "She's been running a scholarship fund this whole time?"
"For decades. Kids who needed help with college, trade school, anything that would give them a chance." Meg studied his face. "That's exactly why she does it. Not for gratitude, but because she believes in the ripple effects. In what happens when you give someone a chance."
Luke was quiet for a long moment, absorbing everything she’d shared. “That’s incredible,” he saidfinally. “What she’s built… what she’s been doing all these years, without needing anyone to know.”
He looked at Meg, eyes steady. Then, gently, he gave her hand a squeeze.
