Bailey laughed and reached out, brushing a hand over Sienna’s hair before looking back at Charley. “We’re all going to miss you like crazy, you know that?” Her voice was soft, and sincerity filled every word. “You’ve been such a huge part of our lives. Of her life.” She touched Sienna’s back lightly. “And no matter where you go, that doesn’t change. You’ll always be part of this family, Charley. Always.”
That did it. Emotion swelled so fast that Charley had to look down for a second, trying to blink as fast as she could to keep the tears from gushing out of her eyes. Her throat tightened, thick with gratitude and heartbreak and the ache of leaving people who had become so much more than friends. She carefully passed Sienna into Bailey’s arms, her fingers lingering for a second on the little girl’s shoulder.
“Thanks,” she said softly, her voice rougher than she wanted. “That means more than you know.”
Bailey’s expression turned tender. “We love you. Don’t forget that.”
Charley pressed her lips together and nodded. “I won’t.” She forced a small smile, hoping it looked steadier than she felt. “I’m just gonna go grab a little air.”
Before either of them could stop her, Charley slipped away through the patio doors and out onto the deck. The frigid evening air hit her flushed skin, and she drew in deep breath after deep breath, gripping the railing as the sounds of laughter and music carried faintly from inside. Her chest ached with the effort of holding everything in. For a moment, she tipped her face toward the dark sky and let the fresh air steady her, willing the sting in her eyes and the tightness in her chest back under control before she went back in there and said goodbye all over again.
Opening her eyes, she looked out at the dark ocean that stretched beyond the beach. The moonlight reflected off the water as the sound of the waves gently lapped at the shoreline.
Soon her mind began to wander. She thought about how her role had evolved over the last few years. She had started out as a volunteer helping with fundraising. But when Alex learned a bit about her past, she asked her if she wanted to take on a larger role in managing the administration office. Now she was the Executive Director of the West Coast office and clinic.
Going back to the San Diego area felt right on paper. She believed in Alex’s charity foundation and the work it did for veterans, military service members, and their families. She knew she could make a difference in even more lives. But San Diego wasn’t just a city. It was a minefield of memories.
She felt a tear slip from her eye as memories of her dad and brother surfaced.
“Charley?” A voice called from behind her.
When she turned, Alex was standing there, looking concerned.
“Sweetie. What’s wrong?” Alex asked as she rushed to Charley’s side. Alex had a heart of gold and always put herself before others.
Charley shook her head as she wiped the tears from her face. “I think everything is just finally hitting me now. I’m nervous, scared, and just wondering if I’m doing the right thing.”
Alex joined her at the railing and nodded as if knowing what Charley was struggling with.
“It’s okay to feel those emotions. In fact, it’s natural. You’re making a big move. But you are also going back to a place that you saw yourself never going back to.”
Alex had definitely hit the nail on the head with the last part of her statement.
“I’m afraid that I’ll get too far into my own head and forget my purpose for being there. I don’t want to fail you.”
“Charley, you won’t fail. For the last two years, you’ve dedicated your life to this Foundation. Even if things become difficult, you’ll figure it out. Because that is who you are.” Alex pointed toward the room full of people. “Turn around and look inside. All those people in that room came to see you. And you want to know why? Because you made an impact in their lives, whether it was big or small.” Alex paused for a moment, letting Charley think about what she was saying. “That, to me, doesn’t look like failure. In fact, I don’t even think you have an ounce of failure in you. I know you’re going to thrive out there and do amazing things, not just for the Foundation but for yourself as well. If I didn’t have confidence in you, I wouldn’t have offered you this opportunity. And I think this move will help you heal and hopefully give you some closure. I know your aunt and uncle are itching to see you and have their niece back. And if you still feel like you need someone to talk to, my phone is always on. And I’ll only be a five-hour plane ride away.”
“She’s right, Charley,” Ace, Alex’s husband, said as he stepped up beside his wife, wrapping his arm around her waist. “You’ve done wonders in advancing the Foundation. Not to mention, because of you, I’ve been able to spend more timewith my wife.” Alex looked up and smiled at him. “I have some buddies out there. So, if any issues arise and you need something, just call Alex, and I’ll reach out to them.”
Charley looked up at Ace. He was a Navy SEAL and an amazing husband. Alex was lucky to have a man like him in her corner.
“Thank you, Ace. I appreciate that.”
“Okay, now get your butt back inside because more people showed up,” Alex jokingly scolded, making Charley laugh.
“Yes, ma’am.” She gave Alex a mock salute. Before she rejoined the party, she hugged Alex. “Thank you, Alex,” she whispered.
“You’re welcome.”
???
Alex watched Charley as she walked inside. She was going to miss Charley, but Alex knew this was the best thing that could have happened to her.
Ace slipped his strong arms around Alex’s waist and rested his chin on top of her head.
“She’ll be okay,” he reassured her.
She turned in his arms and wrapped her arms around his waist. She looked up and grinned.
