Tears gathered in his eyes. “I’m not sure that I can.”
“You can. You just need to take that first step. And believe in yourself.”
Mark stared at his half-eaten sandwich, his appetite gone. Savannah’s words struck a chord he’d been trying to ignore. The apartment had become exactly what she’d said—a shrine to Sarah, preserving every detail of their life together as if freezing it could somehow keep her memory alive.
His gaze swept across the kitchen, noting all the places where Sarah’s presence still dominated. Her collection of pottery bowls lined the open shelves, gathering dust. The drawer of her favorite cooking utensils remained untouched, just as she’d left them.
“I know you’re right,” he said quietly. “But every time I think about boxing up her things or changing anything, it feels like I’m erasing her.”
“Sarah would want you to live, Mark. Really live, not just exist in this museum of memories.”
He thought of Darlene and how alive he’d felt on Magnolia Key. How the weight of his grief had lifted for a while, allowing him to breathe again, to write again. To feel again.
Savannah stood, gathering her purse. “Just think about it. That’s all I’m asking.” She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “The speech isn’t for another few weeks. Take some time to consider what you really want.”
“I will.” He nodded, unable to meet her eyes.
“And Mark?” She paused at the door. “Sarah loved you enough to want you to be happy. Remember that.”
After she left, Mark sat in the quiet kitchen, surrounded by the remnants of his life with Sarah. For the first time, he allowed himself to imagine what it might be like to live differently, to create a space that honored Sarah’s memory without being consumed by it.
He walked over to the counter and picked up Sarah’s mug. He held it in his hands and felt its weight. He slowly opened the cabinet and put her mug away.
He walked into the living and spotted Sarah’s reading glasses. He picked them up, staring at them for a moment, then tugged open the drawer on the side table and slipped the glasses inside.
Small steps. He could do small steps.
Chapter27
Darlene and Mrs. Clifton fell into a routine at the B&B. Mrs. Clifton was a great help and Darlene was grateful she had found her. As the days went on, she started to adjust to the fact that Felicity and Mark were gone. Or, at the very least, convinced herself she’d gotten used to it.
She pushed into the kitchen with a tray of dishes. “Only one table left and they’re just finishing up.”
“Why don’t you let me handle them and clean up this mess? You go out for a bit. Maybe visit with some friends. I’m supposed to be giving you a break sometimes, remember?” The woman smiled at her.
“You know. I think I will,” she said, surprising herself. She hung up her apron. “I won’t be too long.”
“Take as long as you want. I’ll be fine.”
She headed out into the morning sunshine, feeling it wash over her. Warm her.
Darlene walked down the sidewalk toward Coastal Coffee, her feet carrying her along the familiar path without much thought. The morning breeze caught her hair, and she tucked a loose strand behind her ear.
The bell chimed as she opened the door. She spotted Eleanor at her regular table and waved, threading her way through the tables to join her.
“Well, look who finally came up for air,” Eleanor said as Darlene slid into the seat across from her.
“Mrs. Clifton practically pushed me out the door.” She settled into the chair. “Said I needed a break.”
“I told you it was a good idea to hire some help.” Eleanor gave her a self-satisfied smile.
Beverly appeared at their table, coffeepot in hand. She poured a steaming cup and set it in front of Darlene. “Glad to see you. It’s been a while.”
“Thanks.” Darlene wrapped her hands around the warm mug, breathing in the familiar aroma. “I’ve been busy with the B&B.”
Eleanor folded her newspaper and set it aside. “How are you holding up? Really?”
“I’m fine.” She took a sip of her coffee. At Eleanor’s raised eyebrow, she added, “Or I will be. The B&B keeps me busy enough not to think too much. And Felicity will be here for a visit at the end of the month.”
