“She is,” Erin agreed. “And you’re a great guy, person,” she continued before taking in a deep breath and releasing it. “I just feel like Mom might lose sight of that because…” her words tapered off.
“Because your father is here,” Jamie added for her.
Erin’s pursed lips turned up into a sheepish grin before turning and looking out at the lawn. “Aren’t you annoyed by him being here? Acting like he has a right to just be here like nothing’s changed?”
“Your father is in Oak Harbor because he is trying to make amends for what he did. It takes a lot of courage to face the people you hurt and apologize, and I respect him for that. Also, I’m not threatened by him.” Jamie turned to look at her, and Erin turned her head to look back at him. “I love your mother very much, and I know that she loves me too. That’s all that matters.”
“I wish I could be as forgiving as everyone, but I can’t,” Erin said, her voice strained with the hurt she felt from her father’s betrayal.
“I understand,” Jamie said with a nod. “But he is trying. Try to meet him at least some part of the way,” Jamie encouraged.
“I want to, but every time I see him, I get so angry.” She sighed frustratedly.
“Your father made a mistake, Erin. One he will regret for the rest of his life, but one thing I’m sure of is that he loves you. Give him a chance to prove it.”
Erin didn’t respond.
“I’m going to finish up the fence. I have a date with your mother later,” Jamie informed her before walking off.
Erin was lost in her thoughts as she watched Jamie walk off. She knew what she had to do. She just didn’t know if she could do it or not.
ChapterNine
Marg sighed for the fourth time in the past five minutes as she waited for her mother to arrive on the ferry. She leaned against the hood of her mini cooper and stared out at the water. She could make out a few sailboats on the horizon but no ferry. She realized that it was now more than half an hour late when she looked down at her wristwatch, and according to the time that her mother gave her, it ought to have arrived already.
Pushing off her car, she walked up the boardwalk to check the schedule. She released a puff of frustration when she realized the ferry wasn’t due for the next half hour, which meant her mother probably hadn't left Mukilteo yet. She couldn’t believe her mother hadn’t confirmed the time so that she didn’t have to wait so long. Marg had barely made it through her door and into her car to race to Clinton to pick up Alice the moment she arrived, to now find out she was more than an hour early. She hadn’t even had breakfast.
Marg debated going back into town, where she'd spotted a small diner to get something to eat while she waited. The only problem was she wasn't sure how long it would take her, and she knew her mother. If she was late in picking her up, Alice would be annoyed even though she was the one who gave the wrong time. In the end, her grumbling tummy decided for her. She got into her car and backed out of the parking lot.
With its clusters of pine, spruce, and birch trees and its selection of locally owned shops and homes, Clinton was the quintessential example of a quaint and lovely small town. No matter which direction Marg moved her head, she always had a view of the water and the breathtaking landscape that lay beyond it. She had been driving for just over two minutes when she finally reached the parking lot. The restaurant was designed to look like a traditional log cabin from the outside. After parking, she stepped inside. The atmosphere inside was just as warm and inviting as it was outside.
A small number of diners were already seated and enjoying breakfast. Some of the folks gave her the puzzled looks typical of rural folk who have just discovered a stranger among them.
“Good morning. Welcome to Charlie’s,” a woman with a bright smile greeted.
“Hi.” Marg smiled back.
“What can I get you?”
“Some coffee and bacon and eggs,” Marg requested.
“Sure thing, honey. Let me get you a seat.”
Marg slid into the empty booth and thanked the woman as she poured her coffee.
“Your order will be ready in a few minutes,” the woman informed her.
"Thanks," Marg said with a smile of appreciation. She inhaled the coffee's rich aroma before taking a sip and savoring the bitter burn on her tongue.
“Here you go, hon.” Her server placed a steaming plate of bacon, eggs, and hash browns before her a few minutes later.
She instantly dug into her food, enjoying the feel of it filling her stomach. When she was finished, it was time to go fetch her mother. She left the money for the meal and an extra five for the waitress before returning to her car.
“Ah, there you are. I was beginning to think that you had forgotten all about me and I’d have to get a cab to Oak Harbor.”
“Hi, Mom,” Marg greeted Alice with a tight-lipped grin.
Alice gave her a sharp nod. “Are you going to help me with my bags?”
