And just like that Wes carried her back to her room for another evening of pure bliss.If she was with him she didn’t have to think about what a hard day tomorrow would be, and she didn’t have to be all alone yet.
*
The row ofdozens of cars along Sandy Point’s Lighthouse Lane was the only color where snow still covered the usually lush green grass like a blanket that encircled the lighthouse.Fifty feet to the left of the lighthouse was a cliff where the original settlers of Sandy Point were buried.Established as a small fishing town with one lighthouse that helped direct the ships into the port over a hundred years ago.The Shepherds were one of the original families that settled the area, and there was a family plot where her grandfather would be laid to rest next to his wife, parents, and siblings who had all died before him.
As Shelby sat in one of the few chairs, she realized Pops had gotten one thing wrong in his will and preparations.He’d miscalculated how many people in Sandy Point would want to pay their respects.Her father and uncle weren’t among them, but just about everyone else in town was.Of course Declan was there, but so was every shop owner, city council member, Mrs.Hart and all the town matriarchs.Teachers, the librarians, and many of the Sheriff and Fire Department officers.As was every member of the Hart family—even Levi had returned with his fiancée.Which made it more obvious that Shelby was the only Shepherd there, but it warmed her heart to see how much the town had loved and respected her kind and brilliant grandfather.
Her eyes landed on Wesley, who stood across from her with all the other uniformed officers.He’d left in the early morning hours, but promised he’d be here, and he was.He gave her a nod and met her gaze, unbothered if anyone saw them staring at each other.But then an unexpected hand fell on her shoulder, and she looked up to find her mother, with big black sunglasses on.She was dressed in a fur coat, and leaned down to whisper in her ear.
“Your father was too upset to attend.”
Shelby had to fight the laugh that bubbled up inside.Her mother meant her father was too upset at what Pops had done, cutting him out of his will.And it begged the question of why her mother had bothered to show, but that would have to wait until after the funeral.The priest arrived and gave a nice sermon about what it meant to live a full and good life, and how the display of people at Pops’s grave spoke of how kind, and well loved he was.But how in death it was most important that we feel we’d been true to God and ourselves.He spoke about his last conversation with Pops, again the week he died, and how at peace he was with his life and ready to join his wife in heaven.Shelby couldn’t have stopped the tears from flowing if she’d tried, and Declan was prepared with a handkerchief, so she didn’t make a complete mess of herself.
Then it was time for them to lower Pops’s coffin into the ground and she watched with a little less of an ache knowing Pops didn’t want her to be sad.Afterwards the townsfolk filed out of the small cemetery and soon it was just Shelby and her mom.
“Your father is so upset and embarrassed.He didn’t think I should come, but how would that have looked?”
Shelby squeezed her eyes closed before she faced her mom.
“You attended Pops’s funeral because you’re worried about how it would look if you didn’t?Not because you cared about him or mourned him.It’s just your image in town?”
“Shelby, your grandfather never cared for me, and he cruelly cut both his sons out of his will.He was spiteful.”
“No, he wasn’t, he was loving and thoughtful and he gave them exactly what they deserved.”
Her mother reared back as if Shelby had struck her.
“Did you have some part in this?”
“In what, Mother?Stealing Dad and Uncle Mike’s inheritance?How could you even ask me that?I had no idea what Pops planned, twelve years ago!”
It was clear her mother didn’t believe her.
“Don’t make a scene.We’re already giving the town enough to gossip about.And don’t think people haven’t noticed you and Sheriff Hart have some sort of connection.”
Shelby rolled her eyes.“I’m done trying to be something I’m not for you.You don’t even care about me, only how my presence here impacts your reputation at the beach club.Your wayward daughter, with tattoos and books reminds everyone you’re not perfect.And Pops not leaving Dad anything shows all the cracks in our family facade.”
“But we are a family, Shelby, and you need to make amends with your father.If you were to hand over their inheritance, I’m sure it would improve your relationship with your father, your uncle, and Samuel.”
And that was why she was here, the real ugly reason.
“I won’t be giving any of Pops’s money to Dad, Sam or anyone.That’s not what Pops wanted to do.And I’m old enough to realize not even that would make Dad care about me.”
“You just need some time to think things through.”
“No, Mom, I don’t.And if all you’re going to do is lecture me or use me for your ridiculous image then I don’t see the point.”
“Shelby, I am your mother.You can’t just cut me off.”
“You mean like you did to me all these years?The only thing I don’t understand is why you even had kids.”
“Your father wanted two sons, to carry on the family name and tradition.”
“I’m so sorry to have disappointed you both.”
Her mother just turned on her heel and stomped back to her waiting car.Shelby’s heart ached.It was so strange to crave something from her parents that they were just never going to be capable of giving her.Did that make her broken too?She knew the best thing for her was to get out of town.Maybe she could come back and visit Pops’s house, but she could never stay in Sandy Point.There was always going to be too much pain here for her.
When she finally walked away from Pops’s grave, she wasn’t surprised to see Wesley’s truck behind hers.He waited for her with open arms and she dove in, needing his strength and warmth.He didn’t say anything, just kissed her brow and slowly rocked as he held her.And she realized the biggest heartbreak for her in Sandy Point was going to be leaving him behind.
