Tides of Hope Page 19

  “Daddy, can I go with Lauren to their beach house?”

  “I’ll take good care of her, Uncle Craig,” Lauren promised.

  “We all will.” Steve joined the group. “It would be a nice chance for the cousins to get reacquainted. Why don’t you come, too? I know we’re all getting together for dinner tomorrow night, but we could extend the party for a while today. It’s still early.”

  The last thing Craig wanted to do was socialize. While he was happy for his mother, the wedding had left him feeling melancholy rather than upbeat.

  Searching for an excuse that wouldn’t sound contrived, he said the first thing that came to mind. “I need to stop by the station and see what’s going on.”

  “Maybe after that?”

  “Depending on what I find, sure.”

  “In the meantime, are you okay with us taking Vicki?” Steve bent down and tugged one of the little girl’s pixie locks, making her giggle. “An uncle deserves some time with his only niece.”

  Craig smiled. “That’s fine with me. I’ll stop by later to pick her up, if nothing else.”

  “Goody!” Vicki declared.

  As the party broke up and the newlyweds headed next door in a shower of birdseed to Edith’s cottage—Honeymoon Central, Craig reminded himself, stifling a grin—he made the short, solitary drive home after a quick stop at the station. Ditching his uniform, he opted for jeans and a cotton shirt, rolling the sleeves to the elbows as he glanced at the photo of him and Kate and Vicki and Maddie.

  They looked like a family.

  Except that was an illusion.

  But it could be real someday. If he could find the courage to put his fears to rest, as Kate had. And if he could make the leap of faith and put his trust in God, confident that whatever lay ahead the Lord would give him the strength to carry on.

  And if he couldn’t?

  The shadows that had returned in the ten days since he’d broken things off with Kate would forever dim his world.

  Pacing the small room, Craig felt as if the walls were closing in on him. He needed fresh air. Open space. Wide vistas.

  Grabbing his keys off the dresser, he strode toward the garage. Only one place could give him what he craved. The place where his thoughts were always clearer. Where he most often felt the presence of God.

  He needed the sea.

  Ten minutes later, Craig stepped onto Dionis Beach and scanned the deserted expanse of sand.

  No, not quite deserted, he amended, noting the lone figure in the distance, seated close to the water. The lone red-haired figure.

  It was Kate.

  Jolted, Craig stood motionless. What an odd coincidence that she’d chosen this time, and this place, for contemplation, as he had.

  Or perhaps it was more than coincidence, he conceded.

  From the beginning, it seemed God had been pushing them together. Kate had made her peace with that. He was still fighting it.

  Yet as he stood there in the ebbing daylight, watching the shadows lengthen, restraining the powerful urge to stride down the beach and take her in his arms, he had a difficult time remembering why.

  Fear. That was it. He was afraid to give his heart, only to have it broken again.

  As he traced her slim profile and watched the wind toss her flyaway hair, the words she’d said the night of the accident replayed in his mind.

  Even though relationships don’t come with guarantees, I’m willing to explore ours. Because I don’t want to spend the rest of my life alone. And lonely. Do you?

  No, he didn’t. The last ten days had shown him how dim and dreary his life was without Kate to chase away the shadows. She’d flipped on the light for him, just as Harold had done for his mother.

  And the simple truth was, he might think he could control how he felt about her. He might believe he could back off and not let himself love her. And perhaps, weeks ago, that would have been possible. But not anymore. Like it or not, she’d already staked a claim on his heart. Even if he walked away for good, Kate MacDonald would be part of him. And he’d feel her loss as keenly as if death, rather than fear, had robbed him of her presence.

  His mother had been right, Craig acknowledged. If he let it, fear would deny him the future that beckoned. A future filled with joy and light and hope.

  All at once, Craig felt as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders. Although his fears hadn’t evaporated, they’d lost the power to control his life. The Lord had at last granted him what he’d been seeking for three long years, Craig realized: the gentle, sustaining peace of true rest. Plus a renewed belief that, as Reverend Kaizer had noted during today’s ceremony, all things are possible with God.

  His heart lighter than it had been in years, Craig strode across the sand toward the woman who was fast laying claim to his heart, the noise of the surf masking his approach.

  “Hello, Kate.”

  She swung around abruptly. “Craig! What are you doing here?”

  He dropped down beside her, drawing up his legs and clasping his hands between his knees. She looked as weary as he felt, Craig thought. “Thinking about us. How about you?”

  “The same. Where’s Vicki?”

  “With my brother. Where’s Maddie?”

  “With Edith. I heard the wedding was very nice.”

  “It was perfect. Edith is quite the organizer.”

  Kate’s lips curved into a rueful smile. “Yeah.” Then her smile faded, and she gripped her arms around her knees. “I was going to call you after the wedding excitement died down. I’ve done a lot of thinking and praying over the past ten days, and I have a proposition for you. I can’t promise never to set foot on a boat again, Craig. The sea is in my blood, and it will always be part of my life. But if my job is a deal breaker for us, I can sell the Lucy Sue and teach full-time. Because if I have to choose between making a living on the sea and giving our relationship a chance, I choose us.”

  As he gazed into Kate’s clear green eyes, Craig felt the pressure of tears building in his throat. Knowing how much she loved the sea, knowing how much the Lucy Sue meant to her, he couldn’t imagine what that decision had cost her. But it demonstrated the depth of her feelings better than any words she could have said.

  Turning toward her, he took her hand in his. “I would never ask you to do that, Kate. I wouldn’t want to change one aspect of who you are, and that—” he swept his hand over the expanse of sea “—is as much a part of you as it is a part of me.”

  “You didn’t ask. I offered.”

  “I know. And I can’t even put into words how much that means to me. But I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and praying, too. And I’ve come to accept that I can’t secure the things that matter most. I can only thank God for the blessings in my life and enjoy them today. Because no one is promised tomorrow.

  “I’ve also found the answer to that question you asked me the night of the accident. No, I don’t want to spend the rest of my life alone and lonely. I’m not suggesting we rush things. Or make any assumptions. But I do think we need to move forward and see where God leads us. And maybe, if everything goes the way I hope it does, you might find yourself with a new first mate. In life, and on the Lucy Sue—after a certain Coast Guard lieutenant retires. What do you think?”

  Kate closed her eyes, drew in a long, unsteady breath, opened them. And at the tenderness and hope in their depths, at the smile that suddenly illuminated her face, Craig’s heart soared.

  “That sounds like a plan, Lieutenant. Count me in.”

  Epilogue

  Five Months Later

  Kate couldn’t ever remember such a glorious October day.

  Rolling down the window of her car, she inhaled the unusually balmy air as she followed Polpis Road past the Lifesaving Museum and through the moors and bogs. Life was good. And getting better every day, thanks to the extraordinary man who’d stolen her heart, filling her life with joy and adding sparkle to her days.

  Like today.

  A tingle of
anticipation raced through her. Thanks to Craig, she was going to get a rare inside look at Sankaty Light, the iconic tower that had been moved hundreds of feet from its perch on the edge of a steep and eroding cliff a few years before—a feat that remained a subject of discussion among Nantucketers.

  When he’d called earlier, shortly after she’d arrived home from subbing, to ask if she could meet him, she’d dropped everything. Edith, bless her heart, had been happy to keep Maddie for an extra hour.

  Stopping beside the chained-off gravel maintenance road that led to the lighthouse, Kate noted Craig’s car parked near the stately column. She didn’t know what had prompted his trip out here, but she assumed it was some sort of official business, since the Coast Guard managed all of the island’s lighthouses.

  A handwritten note attached to the door at the base of the tower caught her attention when she drew close, and she stopped to read it.

  “I’m at the top, Kate. Come on up. Craig.”

  Stepping into the murky space, Kate looked around. The outside of the tower was painted white with a broad red horizontal stripe around the middle, but the interior featured exposed brick. A wire-mesh spiral staircase wound upward. Gripping the handrail, Kate began the long ascent.

  As she approached the lantern room at the top, puffing a little after her dizzying vertical climb, she tipped her head back. The floor of the landing below the lantern room was visible now. “Craig?”

  “I’m here, Kate.” His deep voice echoed through the cavernous tower, but he remained out of sight.

  She continued to ascend. The spiral stairs deposited her on the landing, near the metal ladder that provided access to the lantern room. Good thing she’d worn an old pair of jeans, Kate reflected, gripping the rungs.

  As her head emerged through the opening in the floor, a blue-coated arm reached down. Taking her hand in a firm, strong grip, Craig helped her up the final rungs.

  “Welcome to the top of the world.”

  Any other time, Kate would have been overwhelmed by the breathtaking view from the eight-sided glass enclosure housing the huge lens that flashed every seven and a half seconds. But at that moment, she only had eyes for the man whose warm, intimate smile set her pulse racing. Attired in full dress uniform, he looked as if he’d stepped off the cover of a romance novel.

  “Wow.” She gave him an appreciative scan. “Big meeting today?”

  “Huge.”

  Turning away from her, he reached down to the floor behind him. As he flicked a switch, strains of Vivaldi filled the small room. And when he stood, he was holding a spray of red roses.

  “For you.” He presented them to her with a flourish.

  “Wow again.” Her heart did a flip-flop as she lifted the velvet petals toward her face and inhaled the heady scent. Music, flowers, a spectacular setting—it could mean only one thing. She hoped.

  He gave her a nervous, oh-so-endearing smile. “After hearing about the fabulous birthdays Mac planned for you, I figured I better do this right. Because I want you to remember this moment for the rest of your life. So here goes.”

  Taking a deep breath, he wove his fingers through hers. “Three years ago, I thought my world had ended. I lost touch with my daughter, my faith and my love of the sea. But then I met you, and like this light that guides lost souls home—” he nodded toward the lens “—you illuminated my life and helped me start down a new path. One I’d like to travel with you for all the days the Lord grants me. Katherine MacDonald, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  The warmth and love and devotion in the depths of Craig’s vivid blue eyes took her breath away as joy, radiant and transforming, filled her heart. Blinking back tears, she smiled up at him. “You sure know how to stage a proposal.”

  “Is that a yes?”

  “Yes, Lieutenant Craig Cole. That is most definitely a yes.”

  Setting the flowers aside, Craig cupped her face with his hands, overwhelmed by a happiness so sweet it tightened his throat. Kate was always gorgeous. But today, backlit by the dipping sun, her hair lent a luminous glow to her countenance that put the powerful beacon beside him to shame.

  “I love you, Kate,” he whispered.

  “I love you, too.” The words came out a bit wobbly as she put her hands around his neck, lifted her chin and gave him an expectant look.

  A smile teased his lips. “Why do I think communication will never be a problem in our relationship?”

  She grinned. “You know what the Bible says. Ask and you shall receive.”

  “Then let’s try out some nonverbal communication.”

  As Craig lowered his head to claim her lips, he watched Kate’s eyelids drift closed. Heard her soft sigh. Felt a tremor of anticipation run through her. Inhaled her fresh, salty scent. And sent a silent thank-you heavenward.

  For though it hadn’t seemed so at the time, God had smiled on him the day He’d sent Katherine MacDonald storming into his office. She’d rocked his world, shaken his resolutions, forced him to face the tough questions.

  But she’d also given him the courage to move on. To reconnect with his daughter. To accept the Bible verse Reverend Kaizer had quoted at his mother’s wedding: “For with God all things are possible.”

  Most of all, she’d given him a beacon of hope that was as steady and sure as the tides. For with her strength, her candor, her deep capacity to love, she’d turned on the light in his life.

  And because of her, he knew that all his tomorrows would be lived in sunlight rather than shadows.

  Dear Reader,

  Welcome to Lighthouse Lane!

  Although the tiny Nantucket byway in my new Steeple Hill series exists only in my imagination, the characters who call this special place home—either temporarily or permanently—are dealing with very real challenges. The kind all of us face. Loss, guilt, betrayal, forgiveness, trust, learning to let go of the past…the list goes on. But as they all learn in the course of their stories, faith and love can sustain us through the dark times, lift us up when we’re down and offer us the hope of a bright tomorrow. I hope you enjoy watching Craig and Kate make this discovery in Tides of Hope.

  To learn more about my books, I invite you to visit my Web site at www.irenehannon.com. And please watch for Book 2 in my Lighthouse Lane series, The Hero Next Door, which will be released in August 2009.

  In the meantime, I wish all of you a wonderful summer!

  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  In Tides of Hope, Kate and Craig’s relationship gets off to a rocky start when she storms into his office. How might she have better handled her complaint? Has anger ever caused you to act in ways you later regretted? What were the consequences? What are some techniques for controlling anger?

  Kate’s life on Nantucket is threatened by financial problems. Has money—or the lack of it—ever been an issue in your life? In what way? How did it make you feel? How did you deal with it?

  Chronic illnesses such as asthma can put a great strain on victims and caregivers. Have you had to deal with this sort of challenge in your life? Describe the situation and how you coped. What role did your faith play?

  When Kate discovers Craig swimming off Great Point, she asks him if he has a death wish. Later, he acknowledges he may have subconsciously been seeking to end his pain and guilt forever. Have you ever felt so overwhelmed that you lost hope? What circumstances brought you to that point? Did your faith help you cope? What scripture passages were especially meaningful to you?

  In his grief, Craig shut out his daughter. What are some of the destructive aspects of grief? How can our faith help us overcome them? How can we help people who are dealing with grief?

  Early in the book Craig acknowledges that his faith has become nothing more than a Sunday routine—a rote behavior, driven by habit rather than compelling belief. Have you ever found yourself thinking of your faith this way? Does this apply to other relationships, too? How can falling into rote, routine behavior damage a marriage?

  Whe
n Craig tells Kate his story, how does this deepen their relationship? Talk about the reasons openness and communication are vital to a relationship. Why is it important to share what’s in our heart with the people we love? What can hold us back from expressing our deepest feelings?

  Craig has decided he doesn’t deserve another chance at love, nor does he want to get involved with a woman who makes her living on the sea. Have guilt or fear ever affected your choices? How? What was the result? What guidance does your faith provide in overcoming these issues?

  Kate tells Craig that love is a great healer. Do you think this is true? Why? Think of some examples of this in your life. What characteristics of love make it so powerful? How are those characteristics revealed in the love the Lord has for us?

  The near-drowning incident on the Lucy Sue is a turning point for Kate. She finally realizes that worrying about tomorrow doesn’t change the future; it only robs today of its joy. Have you ever had a “turning point” moment in your life? Describe it, and talk about the reasons it had such a powerful impact on you. What changes did you make as a result of it?

  At first, Vicki is cautious around Craig, uncertain he’ll stick around and follow through on his promise to be a real father. What does he do to rebuild her trust? Why is trust so important in a relationship? What happens when trust is violated? What are some techniques for repairing it?

  Why is the scene where Vicki cuts her hair a turning point for Craig? Why is it important to value each person as an individual and not compare them to someone else? Why is this especially important with children?

  When Kate begins to fall in love with Craig, memories of her first husband hold her back. Why? What insights does she have that finally allow her to move on? Have you ever faced a similar decision? How did you work through it? How did your faith help?