Her eyes softened, and Jack saw the reflection of the sea shimmering in them. “I like that,” she said, resting her head briefly against his shoulder.
They sat quietly, watching Chloe and Gabe dig trenches near the water’s edge, their laughter rising and falling in rhythm with the waves.
“You know,” Jack began, “I’ve been thinking about what comes next. Not just the clinic or the projects, but… all of it. You, me, the kids. What we’re building.”
Claire lifted her gaze. “I think about that too. Every day.”
Jack reached into the pocket of his jacket once more, this time with a steadier hand and a glint of anticipation in his eyes, this time producing a small leather-bound notebook. He flipped it open to a page near the center—a sketch of a long wooden deck, overlooking the water, with outlines of a house surrounded by garden beds and a crooked old oak tree just like the one Gabe loved to climb.
“I’ve been sketching ideas. Not just houses. Dreams," he said, the words coming out slower than usual.
Jack hesitated, thumb brushing the edge of the notebook. Sharing this part of himself—the planner, the dreamer—felt strangely vulnerable, like peeling back armor he hadn't realized he'd put on. "A life. One with room for our chaos, our Sunday pancakes, beach days, even for the quiet.”
Claire’s breath caught. “This looks like the clearing behind our lots.”
He nodded. “Because I want to build it there. With you.”
She didn’t say anything at first, but her hand tightened in his.
Jack glanced at her. “And I don’t mean someday. I mean soon. Let’s start mapping out a forever.”
Claire turned, her eyes glistening with emotion. “I thought you already had.”
A beat passed, filled only with the surf and the cry of gulls.
Then Chloe’s shout cut through the hush. “Come see! The kite’s flying so high!”
They turned to watch the children, side by side, the kite soaring like a ribbon of sunlight across the sky. Gabe held the spool now, and Chloe danced beside him, both faces tipped toward the sky.
“Looks like they’ve already built their forever,” Jack whispered.
Claire leaned into him again. “Then let’s catch up.”
As the sun dipped toward the sea, casting everything in hues of honey and fire, Jack stood and helped Claire to her feet. They walked slowly back toward their family, the tide brushing close to their toes.
At the edge of the dune, he stopped, pulled her close, and kissed her brow.
“Claire, let’s expand this life together." he said, his voice husky with emotion. The wind carried the scent of salt and sun-warmed grass, the same scent that had lingered on her when she first handed him the message in a bottle. That simple gesture had cracked something open in him—now, he was handing her something back: not just a promise, but a home they would build together. "Let’s dream wider. Love deeper. Let’s build everything—on this very shore.”
She didn’t speak, just nodded, her voice caught somewhere in her throat.
And in the fading light, hand in hand, Jack felt the world tilt in all the right ways—anchored by love, lifted by possibility, sealed by the promise of tomorrow.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Claire
Envelopedbysoft,goldenlight, Claire stood motionless, the gentle currents swirling around her feet as a quiet ache stirred in her chest—an ache born of overwhelming gratitude, joy, and disbelief that this moment was truly hers. The water a cool, comforting presence, her chest fluttered with a rush of emotion, a fragile mixture of awe, gratitude, and quiet disbelief.
Just one year ago, she’d stood in this same sea feeling uncertain about her future. Now, the same water kissed her feet like a blessing, grounding her in a joy she’d once thought impossible as she stood beside Jack.
The sun dipped toward the horizon, bathing the ocean waves in a shimmering veil of amber and rose. Her heart fluttered with anticipation, the scent of saltwater mingling with the sweet fragrance of gardenias and lilies lining the sandy aisle, creating an enchanting harmony.
Claire wore an elegant ivory dress, its delicate lace overlay cascading gently down to the sand, moving gracefully with each step. Tiny pearls, catching the bright sunlight, adorned her hair in intricate patterns that sparkled like scattered starlight. A sheer veil drifted gently in the ocean breeze, its soft whisper offering reassurance to her racing heart. Beneath her bare feet, the sand felt warm and comforting, grounding her in this perfect moment.
Gabe stood tall and proud in his crisp navy suit, his chin lifted slightly as he scanned the guests, a quiet steadiness in his steps that mirrored the young man he was becoming. As he walked Claire down the aisle, each step was a poignant reminder of how far they both had come. Claire’s heart ached with love and pride as she leaned into her son’s strength, this quiet role reversal underscoring the depth of their bond. What once had been her role as protector now transformed, momentarily, into Gabe’s—a symbol of healing, of letting go, and of the beautiful life they were both stepping into along the pink rose petal-lined path to the alter.
His expression was solemn yet proud, capturing the seriousness of the occasion along with a quiet joy. Chloe, radiant and angelic in her pale blue gown, carried a delicate bouquet of seaside blooms—soft blues, whites, and creams—matching the tranquil setting perfectly. As Claire reached Chloe, her smile beamed brighter than the fading sun.
