As I made my way down Main Street, I saw my sister’s boutique, Coastal Chic, as well as my folks’ restaurant, Seaside Grill.
“Man, I’ve really missed it here,” I said aloud.
The local newspaper was across the street and a few blocks down from Seaside Grill. Next to that was the firehouse, more little boutiques, and a few stores that carried all kinds of touristy stuff. Seaside’s Main Street was thriving, and I loved seeing all the growth. It was nice that it still had that small-town feel, though. I hoped it would never lose that.
I passed the street that led down to the pier. I was positive my brother Braxton would be down there right now since he ran a fishing charter business. He had started with one boat and was now up to three. I was proud of him for following his dreams, and I knew my folks were, as well, even though Dad had always dreamed of Braxton taking over the grill.
The moment I pulled into the driveway of my childhood home, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. I stared up at the three-story historical house with its bell-shaped gable and smiled. My parents’ house was probably my favorite place on the planet. My eyes drifted up to the widow’s walk and I felt giddy inside as a rush of memories hit. Specifically of all the times my sisters and I had played up there. Braxton too. We’d had a blast growing up here.
The house was stunning with its clapboards painted beige and the trim a seafoam green—which happened to be my mother’s favorite color.
When the house went up for sale after my parents got married, my father had secretly borrowed money from his parents in order to buy it. It had been a wedding gift from him for Mom.
“Oh,” I sighed. “The memories in this house.”
The front door opened and my parents stepped out. My mother had a huge smile on her face while my father looked confused.
I quickly got out of the car and rushed over to them.
“Why in the hell are you sitting in your car staring up at the house?” Dad asked while Mom engulfed me in a hug.
Laughing, I replied, “I wanted a moment to reflect, that’s all. I missed it here, and I’m wondering why it took me so long to come home.”
“Oh, thank goodness,” my mother said as she placed her hand over her heart. “I was hoping you weren’t regretting your decision to move back to Seaside.”
“No!” I moved to my father and let him pull me into his arms. His hug was a bit tighter and slightly longer than normal. My heart dropped ever so slightly as I thought about how close we’d come to losing him.
When I drew back, I flashed them both a wide grin. “I’m happy to be home. I’ve missed Seaside, and as much as I love nursing, I want to be here for you both.”
“I’m fine, Adelaide,” my dad said. “You didn’t have to give up your life and your career to come take care of me. I’m eating right, and I’m exercising. And the doctor has given me the all-clear to return to the restaurant full time.”
My mother huffed. “Only because I’m constantly hounding you to eat healthy and exercise.”
A feeling of warmth surrounded me as I watched my parents bicker. It was truly good to be back home.
“What about the cook you hired to work while Dad recouped? Did you keep him on?” I asked.
Dad rolled his eyes. “Yes, we kept him on. I will admit, he’s been a huge stress reliever.”
“I’m glad,” I said, squeezing my father’s arm.
“I’ll get your luggage,” my dad started to say right as I heard my brother Braxton come up behind me.
“I’ve already got it, Dad.”
I spun around and saw my brother walking toward the porch. I rushed down the steps and nearly knocked him over with my hug.
“I’ve missed you,” I said softly.
He set my luggage down and wrapped his arms around me. “I’ve missed you too. Don’t cry, Addie. He’s fine, and you’re home now. Everything’s going to be okay.”
With my face buried in my brother’s chest, I sniffled and quickly regained my composure. I looked up at my handsome brother and smiled. His brown hair had streaks of gold in it from being out in the sun, and those hazel eyes of his sparkled with joy. I leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. Braxton had somehow gotten all of our father’s height, standing at six-one. Whereas my sisters and I all took after our mother and were exactly five-feet, three-inches tall.
“Thank you for taking care of so much here, Brax.”
He winked. “Sutton and Palmer were a huge help to Mom as well. I don’t think we would have made it if it wasn’t for Palmer taking care of things at the restaurant.”