Rosie
We’re about a half mile past the boardwalk
I yank off my boots and socks when I reach the sandy path that leads to the beach and hook my fingers in the back of them. It’s busier than I’d like, but it’s not surprising. Golden Harbor is becoming a tourist trap, quickly evolving into one of the coast’s top small towns to move to. Now, if it appealed to the only person I care about moving here, then I wouldn’t mind our little town making it in the news.
The boardwalk comes into view. I shove back the memories and focus on the present. Because the past is the past. And Rosie and Charlie are here now. And that’s all that matters.
When I finally spot them off in the distance, my heart gives a squeeze. I take a mental picture because it may be all I have in a few days once they’re gone, and I’m left here alone. The raw, unfairness of that reality claws up my throat.
Charlie sees me first and when she does, it’s like her entire body smiles. I smile back and crouch, opening my arms wide as she runs toward me. When she reaches me, I clutch her againstmy chest and close my eyes tight. Unexpected emotions rattle me and tears prick my eyes.
Damn. I’m not a crier.
I swallow. “Hey, big girl. How’s today?”
“Daddy, I’m so glad you’re here!”
I draw back and stand when I spot Rosie approaching. But Charlie isn’t letting go so easily. She wraps one arm around my leg.
Rosie is dressed in a yellow tank sundress that’s low-cut with pockets. Her hair is down and wavy as the early evening breeze blows through it. A shock of intoxication pulses through my veins upon seeing her like this. Her coloring looks better than it did yesterday.
“You found us,” Rosie says, a small smile slipping. “How was your day?”
The question throws me off. Like she’s trying to be the dutiful wife and I’m the working husband and we are one big happy family spending an evening at the beach. But it’s all a fucking mirage.
“It was fine,” I answer. “The more important question is, how’s the beach today?” I glance down at Charlie and she finally unravels herself from my leg, taking a hold of my hand with her tiny one. “Find any good shells yet?”
Her face lights up, showing off her toothless grin as she digs her free hand deep into her pocket and presents two colorful shells.
“Those are awesome.”
“Mama found a piece of blue sea glass. Show him, Mama.”
Rosie removes the sea glass from the pocket of her sundress and opens her palm. “Pretty, right?”
“Yeah, that’s a good one.”
“It’s the first time I’ve found sea glass.”
“But, Mama, you have a necklace with sea glass in your jewelry box. It’s green and a heart.”
Rosie and I both lift our gazes from the sea glass and meet one another’s eyes. Blush tints her lightly freckled cheeks and I hold my breath.
“You kept it?” My voice is like gravel.
Tilting her chin, she breaks our eye contact. “Of course I did.”
“But…why?” It comes out accusatory.
She runs her fingertips down the front of her neck, turning to face the ocean. “Hey, Charlie. How about you show your dad how fast you are at playing tag with the waves?”
“Okay. Watch me, Daddy.” Charlie runs backward until she sees me looking in her direction and she spins around to run toward the water.
“Why?” I ask again, while I watch Charlie.
“I can’t believe you’re asking why. That piece of sea glass was like a promise. A placeholder for the engagement ring you gave me later. Don’t you remember?”
“Of course I remember,” I mutter, squinting through the breeze.
