Beach House Reunion (Beach House #5)(102)
“Just a bit farther,” Cara said, clasping her hands tight. She saw the renewed urgency when Big Girl pushed forward, feeling the familiar salt water of the Atlantic. Onward she pushed into deeper water until, with one final push of her powerful flippers, she was swimming.
The crowd surged forward in jubilation, cheering her on, clapping their hands, and rejoicing in Big Girl’s return to the sea. Cara stood at the water’s edge and felt the warm water swirl around her ankles. She brought her fingers to her mouth to still the gush of emotion rushing through her like a wave. She watched as Big Girl swam farther out, her great head visible in the murky water.
Cara felt an arm slide around her shoulders, and looking up, she saw David standing beside her holding Hope in his arms. They stood together until the turtle had vanished from sight and the crowd gradually dispersed. Linnea came running from her spot a bit deeper in the sea, squealing like a girl, to hug Cara with joy at seeing her again.
Soon everyone in the Rutledge family had gathered together at the water’s edge. They laughed and hugged, buoyed by Linnea and John’s presence. Toy moved slowly from the water, her belly preceding her, to join her children and Ethan. Bo and Heather approached with Rory in arms. Finally, Emmi and Flo found their way into the circle.
Cara stood back and watched this glorious reunion of family and friends, all the people she loved most in the world. She captured the singular moment in her mind, with the sun shining on their faces, knowing she’d keep it in her memory forever like a treasured photograph. To remind her of how blessed her life was.
Suddenly Linnea grabbed her hand. “Come on!” she shouted, laughing. Julia was holding Linnea’s hand as well. Emmi rushed forward to grab Julia’s other hand, then Flo, then Heather, finally Toy and Little Lovie. They stood in one long line, hand in hand, facing the sea.
“Ready?” Linnea shouted. “On the count of three. One . . . two . . . three!”
In a chorus of squeals, laughs, shouts, and giggles, the women rushed forward as one, hands held, heads high, eyes glistening, into the sea. Cara felt the warm water swirl around her as she ran through the oncoming waves in a baptism of sisterhood.
Inevitably they reached the point where they could walk no farther. Beyond was Big Girl’s world. Shouting their farewells to the sister turtle, laughing, hugging, they released hands and turned back toward the beach.
Cara was soaked through, her hair plastered against her head, her mascara running, and she’d never felt more beautiful. She looked ahead and saw the line of men waiting on the shore. They were laughing too, no doubt at the antics of the women they loved. Cooper and Palmer were daring each other to run into the surf. Ethan was holding back a crying Danny from running in. Bo hoisted Rory to sit high on his shoulders and search for Heather.
Cara caught sight of David standing at the tide line with Hope in his arms. In his eyes she felt welcomed. Loved. She saw the possibility for her second chance. She felt pulled forward by a compelling magnetism. Brett had been her sun, but David was her moon. Moving toward him, her steps were sure, one foot after the other, and her fingers gliding above the water. He was smiling now, waving. Hope spotted her and began kicking her legs in excitement. Cara laughed, enjoying the sound of it.
Cara Rutledge was coming home.