with You, to learn and grow and work according to Your will. Today has been a special day for our family.” He squeezed Amanda’s hand. “We are so blessed to know You, to walk with You, and we are so grateful for all the things and people You’ve put before us. Tonight we’re here together thinking of our dear friend Maeve. Please hear us and be with her in this time of transition. Amen.”
Paul then shifted his tone and seemed to be speaking directly to Maeve. “Maeve, you stood up for me, for my dreams, and helped me gain the support of this town. For that I thank you, but most of all I thank you for letting me use your beach access, where I was reunited with the most important person in my life. I’m forever indebted to you. You are most definitely an angel here on earth. I bet the Big Guy has extra-special plans for you.”
Jesse followed Paul’s lead and in his little-boy voice said, “I love you, Miss Maeve. Will you ask Jesus if we can make drip sandcastles in heaven? Tell Him I can dig Him a moat too. See you soon.”
“Miss Maeve, it’s me, Hailey. Thank you for being my friend and teaching me so many things. We’re in your house, and I’m taking very good care of our secret shell room for you. I think of you every time I look at the shells and beautiful sparkly sea glass because those sparkles remind me of you.” Hailey lifted her head. “Is that good, Mom?”
“It’s perfect.”
“I bet her ears are tickling,” said Hailey. “We said very nice things.” Hailey clapped her hands. “We love you, Maeve.”
Paul and Amanda exchanged a glance. The kids were so precious and kindhearted.
Amanda looked at her phone. “Oh goodness! I need you two to go brush your teeth and get into your pajamas. It’s way past bedtime. It’s ten after nine.”
They didn’t argue, just ran straight up the stairs to their rooms.
* * *
—
The next morning as they got ready for church, Amanda couldn’t resist any longer. She sat at the desk in the shell room, waiting for Maeve to answer her cell phone. When she didn’t, Amanda left a message, letting her know they were thinking of her and wanted to see how she was doing.
Amanda gathered Hailey and Jesse and went to church. Paul met them there, and for the first time, both of the kids went to children’s church, having fun meeting new friends. It was good they were getting some socializing in. Not only at school, but here too. She’d kept them close for so long, and she was glad to see them adjusting.
As they pulled out of the parking lot, Amanda waved to Matthew, Nikki, and Matt. No one asked any questions about Paul. They were accepted just as they were.
When they all got back to the beach house, the kids went upstairs to change clothes. Amanda picked up her phone and saw that she’d missed three calls from Judy.
But before Amanda could call her back, Hailey came in dressed in her purple bathing suit, next to Jesse, who was wearing American-flag trunks. “We’re ready to go to the beach.”
“I just have to return this call first.”
“I’ll take them on down,” Paul said.
“Okay, I’ll be there in a hurry.”
“Awesome.” They took off down the stairs, and Amanda watched all three of them run through the sand toward the water.
She stared at her phone, almost a little nervous to dial, but then she punched in the number.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Judy, this is Amanda Whittier. I’m sorry to bother you, but I was hoping I could speak to Maeve.”
“I’m sorry…” Judy’s voice dropped. “She passed in her sleep last night a little after nine o’clock. I was going to call you.”
Amanda’s throat tightened, making it hard to breathe. “Oh no.”
“She was so peaceful, Amanda. You gave her such a gift by making that special drive here. She went on and on about the moss in those trees.”
“It was beautiful.” Amanda thought of how gorgeous the live oak looked as they turned on the lights for the kids…just about that same time last night.
“She was holding the moss you had given her, clutching it, reaching out. Then she closed her eyes and smiled. She had her hand curled—”
“Like someone was holding it?”
“Yes. How did you know?”
“She said that’s what she missed most about Jarvis. The way he held her hand.” Amanda struggled to swallow. Maeve would