Luna had taken up the nasty habit of biting her nails again, and for the fourth time that day, she’d injured her finger. “I can’t yet. It’s been almost seventeen years. What am I going to say? You took off. I couldn't find you, so I gave up even though I continued to search for my sister. You obviously didn't want to be found or be a part of my life and your son’s life.”
“Something like that. He’s responsible for that, too. He left and went back to Ireland. It was a good eight years before he came back here. He had other plans. For whatever reason, they didn't include going back to the Caribbean to be with you. It’s partly his fault. But he still needs to know.”
This gnawed away at Luna’s insides for the next few days as people started arranging boat charters for the days ahead. Luna had set up the office for her and Ronan to share, and she was reminded of how good it felt to be back in Enchanted Cove and her family's home.
“Things are really shaping up, Jonah!” She looked around the office and smiled.
“Yeah, thanks to Ronan and Shaun. I mean, we're doing our part, too. Ronan was showing me how to fix leaks in the boat today. He also wants to show me how to repair the boat dock when it needs it.”
“Well, that’s impressive, and I have much to be thankful for.” Luna smiled, watched her son trot off to hang out with the boys, and felt a twinge of pain because he preferred them at this point.
“He’ll be back. I know it must be hard to watch, Luna, but men are men, and he’s growing up fast. It was hard for Shaun, too. Bonnie and he were like two peas in a pod for a long time. She was forever daddy's little girl. Then one day, she turned into a young woman, and things changed. Suddenly, all the things that made us alike, makeup, boys, and dresses were her thing. He was heartbroken, but eventually, everything balanced out. It's a part of growing up.” Emma said.
“I know. It’s just he’s all I’ve had for so long, and I’ve been all his, too. It's hard letting go. I don’t know what to do with myself.”
Emma smiled as she continued to rearrange the chairs Luna purchased from the consignment shop in the office. “Maybe that’s why you're here. Maybe it's time for you to live your life a bit, too. We are always mothers first, but maybe love, happiness, and some fun are on the horizon if you let it happen.”
Peering sideways at her, Luna couldn’t help but laugh. “You know, you sound a lot like Shaun sometimes. It’s kind of annoying.”
Her merry laughter proved her true nature. “I know I’m annoying. I’m hoping a little of that annoyance will be a kick in the pants for you. That man over there has never married or had a family. He’s waited his whole life to see you again and be near you. If that’s not eternal love, I don’t know what is.”
“Do you really think all that's true?”
“I do.”
Luna continued to watch Ronan with his son, proud to see them getting along so well. “Maybe you're right. I don’t know. I feel like I’m too old for all that. I came home to prepare my son for life and a career after college. I came home to clean up the house and find out what I’m doing, not for romance.”
“Love strikes at the oddest times, Luna.” The kiss she shared on the cheek, sisterly and loving, put a smile on Luna’s face. “Tomorrow is the movie at the community center. They put up an enormous screen like at the movies, and Shaun and I cater the snacks. It’s a pleasant night out with the family and for socializing. I hope you're going to come. I think Ronan is going, and Jonah is going to meet some of Donnie’s friends. It will be fun.”
Luna didn’t know what to say. “Maybe. Maybe I’ll just stay here. I have to clean up some of my sister's things. There are bits and pieces of her everywhere, and it's making me a little sad. I’ve been avoiding looking at most of it, but this bracelet I found the other day made me quite upset.”
She held out her wrist to show Emma the charming kid’s bracelet she’d made for Phoebe. “I still miss her so much. I feel like a piece of me died with her, and I’ll never get it back.” Luna studied the tiny blue star on it that sparkled with glitter.
“You will when you're ready. Maybe cleaning up the house will make you feel better. Sometimes old things keep us stuck in the negative and prevent letting go.”
By the time they were done, Ronan was in the office, sitting in his chair. “This is great, although I will not be spending much time here. Other than a few hours a week, most of my time will be spent on the water.”
Luna smiled, sitting at her desk across from him. “I know, but it will be nice to have a place to sit and do business.” She glanced around and admired all their handiwork. “I can’t believe I agreed to do this with you, and you agreed to do it with me.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t know. We haven’t seen each other in forever, and here we are, working on my family's business. Thank you. Is there any way I can repay you? I know you’re my partner in this project, but still.”
Ronan smiled. “You're welcome.”
Luna knew something was coming and held her breath.
“Go with me to the movie night tomorrow at the community center. We can bring Olive. She’s been pretty miserable since there is not much for her to do here, and the boat makes her seasick.”
Luna petted the small dog in her cute little handmade bed beside the desk. “She’s fine. I think she’s really taking a liking to me. I hope you don’t mind.” She avoided the question, hoping he’d ask for something other than a date.
“I don’t mind. So what do you say?”
Ronan had no trouble getting comfortable in the office as his feet were kicked up atop the desk. Luna thought he looked adorably cute. “You remind me of my dad. Minus the gray hair, of course, but he always did that.”
“I know.” His eyes intent, he stared at her silently, waiting for her to answer.
Sighing heavily, Luna tore her eyes away. “Fine, I will go with you, but it’s not a date. We are going as business partners and friends, nothing more.”
