“MJ, this is beautiful,” I said, spinning the beads and making her giggle. “Thank you.”
“It’s my version of kintsugi,” she said, putting her own on before doing the same for Miles. They had to tug a bit to get it over his larger knuckles but finally succeeded.
“These are awesome, kiddo. Thanks,” he said, kissing the top of her head. “What made you think of this?”
“Hmm, well, the book I read said it came about when an artist didn’t want to throw away a broken bowl from the emperor.” She shrugged. “I guess we’re all a little broken in our own ways, you know? But God can make something beautiful from the pieces.”
Miles and I were both too stunned to speak right away. Finally, he pulled her into his arms, hugging her tightly.
“You’re so unbelievably amazing. You know that?” he asked, his voice cracking at the end.
“You too, Daddy.” Peeking under his arms, she said, “And you.” When she held one arm open, I stepped in.
This moment would stay with me forever. In their warm embrace, the only word that came to mind was “home.” Before I could process it, Miles’ lips brushed softly over my forehead. MJ had pulled away, her attention focused on a seagull pecking at her open bag of chips.
His look was all I needed to know he felt the same way. I was so caught up in the emotion that I didn’t see the huge wave that pushedhigher onto the shore, wetting my beach bag and nearly pulling it back out with it.
“Oh no,” I yelped, running after it, only to find that my clothes were sopping wet on the inside. Knowing my phone was safe on the blanket where we had taken pictures, making silly faces earlier, I started laughing.
Miles was a step behind me and joined in on the joke as I pulled out my jeans, which were now heavy with sand and water. When the icy waters of the Pacific touched my bare feet a moment later, I yelped again. Jumping out of the way, I nearly knocked over Miles, who held me by the waist to keep me upright.
“Swooning again, Ms. Lazzara?” he teased, his fingers tensing around me.
“Guess I am, Mr. Austin,” I answered, my smile wide.
“Daddy, come see the hermit crab I just found. Can I keep it?” MJ called excitedly.
“Absolutely not. No way,” he called back, not taking his eyes off me, neither of us hurrying from the moment.
“Aw, come on. I promise not to let it loose in the house again like last time. Who knew Princess Peach could climb that high?” she groused, making me laugh.
“Mario Kart?” I asked as he slid his arm away and moved toward her.
“Yup. Once she figured out she could beat us all at it last year, she named it after her favorite character. We didn’t find it for a week. Took forever to get that smell out of the bathroom. I think he tried to make a getaway through the tub.”
While MJ was chasing after the seagulls, Miles sat next to me on the now sandy blanket.
“So, tell me something about yourself I don’t know yet,” he said, looking at me expectantly.
“Hmm, well, my friend Ren and I have been writing out a plan to open our own design business since we met in college,” I answered, squinting as I looked at him.
“That’s a great idea.” Making swirls in the sand, he asked, “Are you planning to do that in Rome?” I knew what he was asking, and it made me measure my words carefully.
“That was the original plan, yes. But I think getting away from there and her moving to Tuscany for work has us considering our options.”
His finger stopped as he looked at me. “Options, huh?”
I shrugged and answered, “Yeah, I mean, we both have loved seeing more of the world outside of Rome, so nothing is set in stone anymore.”
“Options are good,” he said with a smile.
“Yeah, they are. I have a question for you, too. Tell me about your tattoo. The lines, the music notes, and a book. Interesting combo,” I said, pointing to what I could now see clearly since he was wearing a tank top over his board shorts.
Miles twisted his arm to see it and teased, “Like it, huh? Tattoos make your heart go boom?”
I pushed him, and he nearly toppled over.
“Hey, watch the goods there,” he said with a chuckle.
