By the time Lily got downstairs Saturday morning, Izzy had already left to pick up the food for her party. Mac was still sleeping, which was unusual. He was always up early and started work at the clinic at seven, to make it convenient for pet parents who worked. Lily brewed a cup of tea and made herself comfortable in Izzy’s oversized chaise chair. The four dogs surrounded her and after they all received pets and ear scratches, settled in at her side.
The kiss dominated her thoughts. She blamed it on the wine, but knew it was more than that. She liked Mac. More than liked him. What was the proper label? He was a kind-hearted man, one she admired, and although it surprised her, she found herself reliving the kiss, like a schoolgirl with a crush.
As she sipped, she smiled when she thought of the Winey Widows. Their steadiness and the surefooted way they navigated their lives, gave Lily hope. A tear rolled down her cheek as she thought of her mom and dad and knew they would love Mac. As Margot and Jean had told her, she shouldn’t squander a chance at finding love again.
Last night, Izzy had said she wasn’t sure what she and Colin had, but watching them it was apparent there was a romantic connection between them. They were good together and made each other laugh and smile. She and Mac were the same. It was so easy to see in others, but she struggled to admit her own feelings. This trip had cemented her affection for him. He checked all the boxes and stirred something inside her she didn’t expect. She suspected her heart was already his, but her mind kept holding her back, making her feel guilty. Deep down she knew Gary would like Mac and there was no reason to be ashamed of finding happiness again. Alerted to Mac’s footsteps on the stairs, the dogs rushed to greet him and cut short Lily’s musings.
He bent over to greet each of the dogs. “Wow, I can’t believe I slept so late. I was hoping to take the dogs for a walk before we head off to golf.”
“I’m sure they’ll get in lots of exercise today. Izzy said Sam and her husband, Jeff have a large property and the dogs will have a ball.”
“Well, we won’t forget his name,” said Mac. “Our Jeff and Izzy’s Jeff.”
“We can call our Jeff ‘Chief’ while we’re here,” said Lily and smiled. “He’s the Chief of Police in Driftwood Bay.”
Mac chuckled. “Good plan.”
She pointed at her cup. “Coffee’s brewed and the kettle is full.”
He poured a cup of coffee. “How’d you sleep?” The dogs surrounded him as he slid into a chair at the counter.
“Like a baby. I think I overdid the wine.” She chuckled as she petted the top of Sunny’s head, who had returned to her after greeting Mac.
“I know. I never sleep in this late. It’s been nice not having to worry about work or messages from patients or anything. I guess I needed a break.”
“I’m sure you did. I tend to use work as an escape, maybe a substitute for…life, I guess. I’m worried I’m not going to know what to do with myself over these next few months with the cottages closed down for the season.”
His brows rose over the rim of his cup. “Maybe we’ll have to squeeze in a few more trips and do some exploring. I’ve been wanting to cut back at work, but never had a good reason.” His eyes twinkled with mischief.
Lily smiled and rose, carrying her empty cup into the kitchen. She stopped in front of Mac and bent down, pressing her lips to his. “I like the sound of that.”
The dogs scurried to the garage door, alerted to the sound of Izzy’s arrival. Soon after Mac helped her cart in the food, Max arrived. The two of them left, immersed in a conversation of medicine and golf, promising to be back in plenty of time for brunch. Minutes later, Colin arrived to transport the dogs to Jeff and Sam’s house. Lily couldn’t help but worry about Bodie and Fritz, but relaxed when she saw how happy they were running around with Jethro and Sunny. Izzy assured her Jeff and Sam would take excellent care of the dogs and they would have a great time. Between the three of them, they bundled the dogs and their supplies into Colin’s SUV. With five fluffy tails wagging in the back window, Lily and Izzy watched as he drove out of sight.
Izzy tucked an arm through Lily’s. “They’ll be fine. Come help me get the rest of the brunch ready.”
Lily vacuumed and helped organize the buffet area. Once Izzy was happy with everything, she suggested they take a cup of tea and split one of the yummy pastries she had picked up. On the patio, the weather was gorgeous and they chatted as they nibbled and watched the golfers.
“Mac and I were saying this morning how lovely it is here. You’ve found the perfect place.”
Izzy smiled. “I fell in love with the island, the people, just all of it. I had intended to go back to Richland at the end of summer, but there was something tugging at me to stay and for once, I decided to be spontaneous.”
“I’ve been trying to think of how to keep busy over the next few months. I’ve closed the cabins for the season. We don’t get many tourists during the winter months.”
“Feel free to come back and visit. I’ve decided I’m spending Christmas right here. After that I don’t have any plans, but things are up in the air with my daughter, so who knows how that will work out. The only plan I have is to go back to Richland in February for the big anniversary celebration at the winery. I’d love to have you if you’re able to make another trip.”
“That’s so kind of you.” She glanced across the greens. “It’s very tempting. We had such fun checking out the spots you told us about, but need more time to see all the things on the island, not to mention the other islands.”
“I haven’t seen all of what I want to see either, especially the other islands. That would be a fun trip. Maybe we can plan a getaway over to Orcas Island before you reopen for the season. The guys could golf or fish while we pamper ourselves at the spa. Would that work?”
“That sounds fantastic.”
“You’ll get to meet everyone today. You’re going to love them as much as I do, I’m sure. I hate January, so that might be something fun to look forward to in an otherwise dreary month. I’ll see what we can organize with everyone. Most, even the ones that still work, can manage a few days off.”
“That sounds perfect. I’ll most likely open again in mid-March. I’m sort of feeling my way as I go this first year, but taking cues from how my uncle ran the business and following in his footsteps.”
They finished the pastry and Izzy collected the plate. “I’m going to get changed. Feel free to relax out here as long as you like.”
Lily took another sip. “I’ll finish my tea and then go and get changed. See you in a few.” She settled back into her chair and closed her eyes. Moments later, she heard her name and saw Mac and Max, along with their golfing partners waving at her from the fairway.
She watched them take their swings, listening to them laugh and joke, and smiled. It felt good to be happy.
Max delivered Mac in time for him to shower and change clothes. Lily offered to handle the door duties and welcomed Izzy’s friends as they arrived. Kate hugged her and after introducing her to Spence, he set off to find Max, who was visiting with Mac and would make sure Spence got to know him. All of the couples greeted Lily with smiles and warmth, like she was an old friend.
She held Mac’s hand as they watched Linda, the local florist and Max’s wife, lead Izzy to the front porch. Huge pots of mums in stunning fall colors decorated the space and Linda pointed out the mini solar lights in each of the pots. Linda let Izzy admire them for a few minutes before tugging on her arm and motioning her to the back of the house.
Mac and Lily followed and watched as Izzy gasped when she saw a new glider bench. Jeff explained it had been taking up space at the hardware store and everyone had chipped in to treat Izzy to it and the pretty stone fountain they had placed in the shrubbery. They wanted her to have a special place to relax and enjoy her new view.
Mac and Lily presented Izzy with a custom house number plaque, complete with her surname. She gushed over it and Jeff offered to install it for her. The group enjoyed the delicious food as they visited and laughed. Lily used all her old tricks from her years at work to keep the couples straight. Kate and Spence were easy, because she had already met her and he definitely gave off the vibe of a police detective. Sam, who owned the coffee shop and Jeff, her husband who ran the hardware store, were always smiling and holding hands every chance they got. Max, the doctor and golfer, was the perfect match for soft-spoken and creative Linda. Nate and Regi, doted on sweet little Emma, who Lily learned they had adopted. Izzy’s brother, Blake was funny and loud, full of life, and made his sweet wife Ellie laugh. Feeling the obvious love the group of friends had for each other, it was easy to see what drew Izzy to make this her new home.
At one point, Mac winked at her and reached for her hand. He leaned close and whispered, “I feel like I’ve known them forever, don’t you? Max is already talking about me coming again to play more golf and maybe do a bit of fishing.”
She chuckled. “Izzy and I were plotting along the same lines, thinking it would be fun to visit Orcas Island next time and have a spa day while you guys golf and fish. Great minds, huh?”
In answer, he grazed her cheek with his lips. She smiled, his touch reminding her how much she missed being part of a couple. Having someone close, someone to make plans with, someone to share joys with—she had missed that.
Daylight woke Lily on Sunday. She had slept far longer than usual, but after all the dancing and fun at the Halloween party, she had fallen into bed exhausted. Dressed as Ginger and Skipper from Gilligan’s Island, she and Mac had enjoyed themselves. Izzy had gathered the perfect items of clothing from the thrift shop, including a feather boa, to outfit both of them.
Colin’s staff had done a superb job with the entertainment and the buffet. Mac even convinced her to join him in karaoke and they had danced for what seemed like hours. There was a scavenger hunt and both she and Mac won some prizes, including a free round of golf and a meal at a local restaurant. They insisted the others take their gifts and put them to good use and finally convinced Blake and Ellie to accept them.
After enjoying coffee with Izzy, they offered to take Sunny with them, so she could play with the other dogs and romp along the beach later in the day. Once they had the dogs loaded, Mac and Lily set off for more exploring. Their first stop was for breakfast along the harbor. They were able to park right in front and Mac got the dogs to settle down in the back of his SUV, while Lily secured an outdoor table where they could keep an eye on them.
There were some quaint boutiques lining the blocks surrounding the waterfront, but with it being Sunday, most of the shops were closed and the sidewalks were quiet. As soon as they finished breakfast, Mac winked at Lily. “I have a surprise for you.”
“What kind of surprise? Should I be worried?”
He chuckled. “It’s a bit of an adventure.” He glanced at his watch. “Come on, we don’t want to be late.”
Mac drove along the scenic route on the eastern side of the island and turned at the sign for Harbor Resort, situated on the northwest point. Lily frowned, having not been able to get him to divulge his secret adventure. “Well, this is certainly gorgeous. What are we doing here?”
Mac grinned and as he opened his door, Jeff walked up to greet them. “You’re all set and I can take charge of the hooligans while you’re out there.” He pointed to the water.
Mac shook his hand in thanks and turned back to Lily. “We’re going kayaking. This is Jeff’s family’s place and he helped me arrange a kayak excursion.”
Sweat began to form at the back of her neck. “I can’t remember the last time I kayaked.” It had to have been decades ago and she didn’t remember much about how to do it. She had always been athletic, but hadn’t put herself to the test in the last year.
“Ah, not to worry. It’s been years for me. Jeff hooked us up with a guide, Tim. He’ll be taking us out and helping us learn the ropes.”
Jeff went on to explain his brother lived at the resort and between the two of them, they’d keep the dogs occupied. He pointed across the parking area. “Here’s Tim now.” Lily’s fears eased as a young man with a Harbor Resort cap rushed to greet them.
Jeff made the introductions before gathering the dogs. “We’ll see you two when you get back.”
Tim offered each of them a dry jacket to wear and some gloves, then led them over to the dock where two kayaks waited. He went over all the safety instructions and showed them how to get into the kayak, suggesting Mac take the rear seat of the two-seater. Once Lily was seated, he helped her attach the spray skirt to keep any water from entering the compartment.
“It’s a calm day, so it’ll be an easy trip. We’ll just hug the coastline and most likely run into some seals and otters and keep watch for any whales.” Once he had them situated, he jumped in his kayak and led them out of the sheltered harbor, pointing out different landmarks as they made their way along the shore.
The tiny splash as their oars slipped into the glassy water was the only sound on the pristine bay. The view was nothing less than majestic. Lily was amazed at the mansions that hugged the rugged coastline, tucked into the trees, visible only from the water. She concentrated on rowing in unison with Mac, who was tasked with steering the kayak.
Every so often, Tim stopped rowing and they sat atop the water, motionless as he scanned the shoreline. He pointed out wildlife along the shore, including a bald eagle sitting in a tree. They remained stationary, waiting and hoping for a glimpse of the imposing bird in flight. It only took a few minutes for him to leave his perch in pursuit of a fish. Lily gasped as the bird flew overhead and scooped up his lunch.
She hadn’t seen a bald eagle in the wild and never in flight. As he rose in the air again, she turned to Tim. “I can’t get over the wingspan. That had to be at least six feet.”
He grinned and started rowing again. “That’s about the average, but there are some larger ones than that guy.”
They continued to the area Tim had in mind for viewing seals and otters, among the kelp beds. As they rowed, he talked about the island, where he’d lived all of his life, and his love of nature. He had worked for Jeff’s family his entire career, starting out working summers in high school. “The Coopers have been here forever and are beloved by the community. Working here is like a dream come true.” During their high season Tim often led up to three excursions each day and enjoyed doing the all-day tours as well as overnight camping and kayaking trips.
He led them a bit further from shore and Lily noticed the ribbons of kelp as she dipped her oar into the water. She and Mac snapped photos of the playful otters and seals that were congregated together. Tim reached into the water and pulled on one of the thick tubes of bull kelp. He cut off a couple of chunks, took a bite from one and offered the other to them to try.
Mac didn’t need much persuasion and bit off a piece, raising his brows and nodding. “Not bad. Have a bite, Lily.”
She wasn’t too sure, but took a small bite and was surprised that it wasn’t slimy, like she expected. It was a bit briny and quite crunchy. Tim explained the kelp forests around the islands provided a habitat for the marine life in the area and that many marine biology students come to the island to do research on it. She and Mac were amazed to learn that the kelp can grow up to ten inches in a day.
They continued watching the cute otters, who seemed content to float on their backs amid the kelp. Tim explained that otters eat sea urchins, which help the kelp forests to flourish, since too many urchins can decimate the kelp. Lily loved the otters, their cute faces and cuddly personalities making them seem like pets.
As they turned to go back to the harbor, Tim continued to educate them about the marine life when they came across some seals. Lily still favored the otters and asked more about them. She learned that they rely on their dense fur, which is sixteen times as dense as the fur of a dog, for warmth and don’t have a layer of blubber to help keep them warm. Tim pointed at one chewing on something. “They have to eat a ton of calories, like seven thousand, each day and spend most of their time doing just that or lounging in the water.” No wonder she liked them.
Not used to the exertion, Lily’s arms were tired and she was glad to see the dock come into view. They disembarked and after sitting for so long, her legs were shaky and she felt every bit her age. At Tim’s suggestion, they sat on the dock, letting their bodies adjust before they walked back toward the cabins at the resort.
As they rested, they chatted about how they’d worked up an appetite and were looking forward to treating Izzy and Colin to dinner. Feeling less shaky, she took Mac’s offer of a hand up, they thanked Tim for the tour, and set out to find Jeff. Mac slipped his arm around Lily’s shoulders. “Did you have fun?”
She smiled and leaned into him. “It was wonderful.” Despite feeling a bit worn out, it had been a glorious day and the highlight of the trip. “I wasn’t sure about the idea at first, but am so glad we did this.”
“We’ll have to add a kayak trip to our calendar when we get home. I know they rent them out, but only during the summer. Luckily, Jeff was able to arrange an off-season tour for us. I’m hooked, I enjoyed it.”
She loved the idea that he was making plans for next year. Plans with her. This trip had helped her understand she didn’t need to relegate herself to a life alone. For the first time since losing Gary, she imagined a future, a full one with another chance at love.