Approximately twenty minutes later she pulled into the pebbled driveway, driving under the stone archway with the bronze-and-green sign welcoming her to Holly Hill Lighthouse. After parking her car, Stella walked up the small hill toward the lighthouse. The chatter of voices carried on the breeze let her know she wasn’t alone. Luke and Miles were tossing a football and running in all directions.
As soon as Luke saw her he called out to her. “Hey, Stella.”
“Miss Marshall. Catch!” Before Stella knew it, Miles was lobbing the football in her direction. Stella’s quick reflexes saved the day as she expertly caught the toss. Luke and Miles ran over.
“Nice catch,” Luke said, his voice full of praise. “You think fast on your feet.”
“I’m a second-grade teacher. We’re ready for anything.” She looked down at Miles. “Isn’t that right?”
“Yep. That’s why you’re my favorite teacher I’ve ever had.” Miles beamed at her.
She reached out and ruffled the top of his head with her hand. Miles hadn’t had many teachers in his young lifetime, but Stella still appreciated the sentiment. It always made her feel good to know she was making an impact on her students. “I love hearing that.”
“Can we go to the top of the lighthouse, Uncle Luke? I really want to look out of the telescope and see all of Mistletoe from the parapet.”
Luke chuckled. “I’m not sure you can see the entire town, but it’ll give you a fantastic view.” He turned toward Stella. “Is it okay with you?”
“Of course,” Stella agreed. “Climbing those stairs will be my exercise for the day.” She couldn’t remember the last time she’d climbed to the top and looked out across the shores of Blackberry Beach.
“Let’s do it!” Luke said. Miles threw his fist in the air in celebration and raced ahead.
Once Miles was gone, Luke made a face. “Sorry about Miles tagging along. Nick asked me to watch him for a bit while he dealt with a work emergency.”
“No need to apologize. Miles is awesome. And it looks like he’s found some friends.” Stella jerked her chin toward the base of the lighthouse where Miles was chatting with a few kids. Stella didn’t mind climbing to the top of the lighthouse, but she was burning up with curiosity about why Luke had wanted to meet. “I’m wondering what’s going on. Your text was pretty cryptic.”
Luke stuffed his hands in his pockets as they walked toward the lighthouse. “I’ve been a bit MIA since we saw each other at the Coffee Bean.”
“So I wasn’t imagining it?” Stella asked, keeping her tone light.
He quirked his mouth. “No, you weren’t. I’ve been staying away from you on purpose.”
They were now within a few feet of Miles. Stella felt a little jolt at hearing Luke admit that he’d been avoiding her on purpose. It was silly to feel hurt, but the familiar emotion pricked at her. She needed to take a deep breath and suck it up. She’d been through way worse than this.
“Let’s continue this conversation later,” Stella suggested. She didn’t want to risk Miles hearing anything about their arrangement. As soon as they reached his side, Miles and his friends couldn’t wait to head to the top. Stella took up the rear, preferring to climb the steep, spiral staircase at a more leisurely pace. Once they reached the top, she and Luke headed toward the gallery. Stepping into the outer viewing area left Stella breathless…and not just from climbing the steps. The view was awe-inspiring.
The lighthouse was a magnificent structure built back in the late 1800s by a beloved sea captain, Jarvis Whitten. After ending his seafaring career, Jarvis built the lighthouse and dedicated his life to steering other vessels safely to their destinations. According to town lore, Jarvis loved his lighthouse but he hated being lonely. After seeking out a bride in Mistletoe and striking out, he ordered a bride through a catalog. Much to the town’s surprise, Jarvis and Sophia were a love match who produced five children. The lighthouse stood as a testament to their love story. Although minor repairs had been made over the years, it still had its original design and structure.
Miles and his pals took turns looking out through the periscope and marveling at what they could see of their town. After a short period of time, Miles asked if he could go back downstairs with his friends and their father. Luke agreed but told Miles to stay close to the base of the lighthouse and not wander off.
“That kid never stops moving. It’s like he can’t sit still for a moment,” Luke said, shaking his head as Miles raced off.
“Tell me about it. I have a classroom full of kids with that type of energy.” Stella leaned over the edge and flung her arms wide open. “There’s something so freeing about being up here. It’s like we’re on top of the world.”
“I’ve always loved the view from here,” Luke said as they gazed out over the town of Mistletoe. “When I was a kid I used to look out over the ocean and imagine myself traveling all over the world.”
“And you did it,” Stella said. “Good for you. Dreams are important.”
“I did, but not exactly in the way I envisioned. I’m proud of my service, but lately I’ve been thinking about everything I missed out on.”
“That’s probably because you went through some traumatic things that you’re still trying to process. Your mind is working overtime trying to sort things out.”
Luke leaned against the railing. “I did love being a SEAL, but it’s strange knowing I have to start over.”
“I know you went through a life-and-death situation, Luke. I can’t imagine the strength it takes to recover from losing your friends and suffering a serious injury that ended your career.” She held her hands up. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to compare our situations at all, but I’ve struggled with rebuilding my life ever since things fell apart,” Stella admitted. “It’s not easy picking up the pieces. And frankly, some days are harder than others.”
She turned toward him, feeling the heat of his stare.
“From where I’m standing, Stella, your life is pretty wonderful. You have a great family, you’re a beloved teacher…and you’re beautiful.” Luke reached out and stroked Stella’s cheek. Their gazes locked and held. Something flickered between them. It felt like a flame growing hotter and brighter.
