“You know, something unusual happened while we were sitting on one of the benches. A seagull landed on a rock right in front of us and just... stared at us for the longest time,” Betty said.
Susan grinned, “Maybe it wanted some of the coffee we had brought along!”
Betty shook her head, her face turning somewhat introspective. “No, it felt different—special even. I couldn’t help but think it might be a sign from my sister.”
The smile that stretched across Betty’s face was serene, as though she’d come to some unspoken agreement with the universe about her sister’s passing.
The room went quiet for a moment, allowing everyone to take in the weight of Betty’s words. Even Cooper seemed to sense the change in mood, resting his head gently on Jane’s lap.
Carol was the first to jump in, eagerly unzipping her shopping bag. “All right, ladies, get ready to see the ultimate gift for my grandson, Jack. Ta-da!” She pulled out a quirky, colorful beach towel featuring a lighthouse scene complete with little cartoon seagulls and starfish and matching swim trunks.
“Imagine how cool he’ll look at his swimming lessons with this. It’s like giving him a piece of the ocean!”
Betty was next. “That’s adorable, Carol, but wait until you see what I found for Emily.” She carefully unwrapped a hand-carved wooden model of a lighthouse, her charm bracelet jangling. “She loves lighthouses. Just look at the craftsmanship!”
Susan chuckled as she reached into her bag. “You guys are so sentimental. I went for fun! Look at this for Lily!” She presented a quirky, oversized sun hat, complete with fake flowers and a band that read “Beach Please!”
“Her Instagram photos are going to be epic!”
Margie took the final turn. “Prepare yourselves, because I found a treasure for Ben.” With a flourish, she unveiled a pirate-themed puzzle. “It’s a 3D puzzle of a pirate ship, and the pieces are made from recycled materials! Ben’s into that eco-friendly stuff, so this is perfect!”
Each lady reveled in the playful banter and gentle ribbing that followed, arguing lightheartedly about whose gift would make the biggest splash. Even Cooper seemed to join in, wagging his tail happily as if he, too, had an opinion on the best gift.
“So whose is best?” Carol turned to Jane.
“Ummm… well…”
“Yoo-hoo! I’m here!” a voice called from the foyer, saving Jane from having to answer.
“In here!” Jane called.
Sally stepped into the room, her tool belt slung casually around her waist and her long silver braid pulled over one shoulder. The moment she appeared, Carol, Betty, Margie, and Susan practically leapt from their seats. “Sally!”
With a hearty laugh, Sally opened her arms wide, enveloped in hugs from the women. Their chatter all blended together as Sally made the rounds. Betty broke into laughter, her eyestwinkling. “Oh my gosh, Sally! No one has called me that in ages!”
Jane had watched the heartwarming exchange, a glass of wine in one hand and Cooper by her side. Apparently, the women all knew Sally, though Jane shouldn’t have been surprised. They were the same age, and Sally had grown up in Lobster Bay too.
The room was filled with a tangible sense of community, one that extended through generations and connections, and it added a layer of warmth.
Sally finally looked at Jane, “All right, where’s the window trim that needs attention?”
Jane smiled, pointing to the foyer. “It’s in the foyer. I’ll show you.”
“I can find it.” Sally rolled up her sleeves. “I’ll have it fixed in a jiffy. Though I must admit, it’s hard to focus on work with such good company and a view like this.”
“Well, hurry up, then, and when you’re done, you can join us!” Jane said.
“Oh, we have one more thing. Look at this, ladies!” Margie said.
She carefully unwrapped a small porcelain figure, a charming Victorian house situated on the beach. It bore a striking resemblance to Tides, the very inn they were in. “We got this for Addie. We always loved how welcoming she was whenever we stayed here. Thought it might brighten her day in the assisted-living facility.”
Jane was touched, her eyes misty. “Oh, Margie, this is beautiful. Mom will love it. Really, she will. Cooper and I are going to visit her tomorrow morning, and this will be such a lovely surprise for her.”
As she spoke, Cooper wagged his tail in agreement, as if he, too, knew the sentimental value of the porcelain house.
“Well, then, it’s settled. This little house will have a new home, and it’s the perfect way to keep Tides always near to Addie,” Carol chimed in, her glass raised in a toast.
CHAPTER NINE
