Page 79 of Fire and Rain
She tilted her head back and smiled up at him. “Does that mean you’re well rested and full of energy?”
“Sofull of energy.” He gave a little thrust of his hips. “You’re all I can think about.”
She smiled. “I like that. Can I get you something to drink—tea, water, soda?”
“I’ll get it.” He took a glass from the cupboard and filled it with ice and water. “How was your day?”
“It was hard—and good.” She sat at the dining room table. “My sisters came over yesterday and helped me sort through Justin’s things. I saved some stuff for you, me, and Maverick, and the rest went to St. Mary’s.”
Sean hadn’t expected this. He sat next to her, took her hand. “Are you okay?”
She nodded, a sad smile on her face. “It wasn’t easy, but it was time. I found something he intended to give you.” She stood, walked to the bedroom, and returned with an envelope. “I found it in his helicopter survival kit. He must have forgotten it was there or misplaced it.”
Sean took it from her and was surprised to find it unopened. “You didn’t read it?”
Her answer was simple. “It’s not for me to open. It’s yours.”
He turned it over, the sight of Justin’s handwriting a punch to the gut. Then he opened it, the first words another blow.
If you’re reading this, it means I’m dead. I hope I was strong and true to my oath in the end and made you, my fellow Coasties, and Eden proud.
Sean’s throat grew tight, Justin’s words reopening a pit of unresolved grief inside him. He read on, his vision blurring. He blinked his tears away, determined not to lose it in front of Eden, whose grief was deeper. When he came to the end, it hit him hard—and made him smile.
He looked up, saw Eden watching him from the kitchen. How like hernotto stand over his shoulder or demand that he read it aloud. She gave him space, and he liked that. “Justin really did think of everything. I’d like to read part of it to you.”
“Okay.” She drew a breath as if steeling herself.
Sean skimmed to the bottom, swallowed hard.
Hold it together, man.
He read aloud. “One day, I hope Eden will start dating again. I hope she’ll meet a man who cares deeply for her and Maverick and any other children we might have had in the meantime. Whoever this guy is, please don’t beat the shit out of him. Eden is a good judge of character. She married me, right? I hope you find someone, too, my friend. Don’t live your life alone. You’ll miss out on so much happiness if you do. Semper Paratus. Stay cool, brother.”
Heart aching for the friend he’d lost, Sean read the letter silently once more, some part of him clinging to every word. He heard asniffand looked up to find Eden smiling, tears running down her cheeks.
“See?” She came to stand behind him and wrapped her arms around him. “He wants us both to be happy.Pleasedon’t beat the shit out of yourself.”
* * *
Eden had thawedout some halibut and made fish tacos for supper. Sean insisted on doing the dishes. When he was done, she asked him if he would mind taking a walk with her and Mavie on Jewel Beach. “I’ve been stuck inside since getting those messages. The tide is coming in, but we’ll have a good couple of hours.”
“I suppose that’s safe enough. It’s technically on base.” He turned away from her, drew something from inside his jeans, and she heard what sounded like the racking of a slide.
“Are you carrying?”
“Of course.” He slipped the pistol back into its hidden holster. “I’m not taking any chances with your safety.”
A light rain had begun to fall. While Sean moved his vehicle out of the driveway, Eden dressed herself and Maverick in rain gear, complete with fisherman’s hats, and grabbed their buckets. Then she secured Maverick in his car seat. “We’re going to the beach, Mavie. Here’s your bucket.”
He took his little pail from her. “Sheshell!”
“Yes, we’re going to find seashells.”
Sean climbed into the passenger seat. “What’s with the buckets? Clams?”
She smiled. “Not today. Treasure.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Treasure. Huh.”
