Charley blinked back tears and gave him a small smile. “Thank you. You always know what to say.”
He reached over and patted her knee. “That’s because I’m old and wise,” he said, leaning back with a dramatic sigh.
She shook her head, smiling for real this time.
They sat there a little longer, listening to the squeak of the swing and the rustle of the wind in the trees.
After a while, her uncle broke the silence.
“I spoke with my buddy, and he said that whenever you want to use his boat, it’s yours. He just had back surgery, so the boat is just sitting there.”
Charley felt her chest tighten, but she nodded. Both her dad’s and her brother’s final wishes were to have their ashes spread in the Pacific Ocean. It was a place where they were always happy. She already had all the special permits to make it happen. All she needed to do was decide when.
“Thank you. Do you think he would mind if I used it the day after tomorrow?”
He tilted his head to the side as he looked at her. “That soon?”
“Yeah. I think it’ll be best for me if I take care of that sooner rather than later.”
“Would you like some company?”
“Would you be upset if I said I wanted to do this alone?”
He smiled. His face was soft with understanding. He placed his hand over hers. “Not at all. I know you need the closure.”
With tears in her eyes, she squeezed his hand. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“Aw, come here, kiddo,” he told her as he pulled her into a comforting hug.
The warmth of his arms reminded her of the kind of strength she hadn’t realized she needed. Tears pricked her eyes as a wave of bittersweet emotion swept over her. It was a mixture of grief for her dad and brother and gratitude for the unwavering support of the family she still had.
When she pulled away, she wiped her eyes before looking at her uncle. His eyes were a bit glassy as well.
“Feel a little better?” he asked, his voice a little gruff with emotion.
She smiled. “Yeah. I actually do.”
“Whatever happens, kiddo, just know that your aunt and I are damn proud of you.”
“Thanks, Uncle Glen.”
“Well, why don’t we head inside and see if your aunt has your favorite dessert ready?”
“You don’t have to ask me twice,” she joked as they both headed inside.
Later that night, after taking a shower and winding down from a hectic and emotional day, Charley climbed into bed. She felt a surprising sense of peace. Her nerves weren’t completely gone, but for the first time in a long time, she felt a little stronger.
As her head hit the pillow, she closed her eyes. Sleep came easily, carrying her into dreams of calm waters and new beginnings.
CHAPTER FOUR
Charley gripped the wheel of her uncle’s friend’s fishing boat. The wind blew in her face as the steady hum of the twin motors thrummed beneath her feet. It had been so long since she was out on the water.
She was a few miles offshore. The beautiful Pacific Ocean stretched endlessly in all directions. Its surface shimmered like liquid glass under the midday sun. Thankfully, the water was on the calm side, and the weather was very favorable for February, with temperatures in the low seventies. The light breeze carried the scent of salt air. It was the making of a perfect day for this deeply personal journey of hers.
Once she reached her spot, she eased the boat to a stop, her hands trembling slightly as she shifted it into neutral before powering it down. This was it. Her father and brother’s final resting place. The ocean had always been their haven, the place where they both seemed happiest. She looked out at the horizon, the endless blue merging with the sky. She prayed that they’d found peace.
She bent down and picked up the two urns. She ran her fingers over their smooth surfaces. Her chest tightened with the weight of unspoken words.
