Page 4 of The Summer I Stayed (Midlife Meet Cute #5)

Maggie

I was hoping to avoid town for a bit and just throw myself into the renovations, but since I have to wait for Randy to get the raccoons out and then wait for cleaners to come and sanitize, I find myself standing in the center of Blue Alder Cove.

I remember the first time Steven and I came here together and how much I fell in love with the small-town charm.

We were awestruck by its beauty, the tranquility of the lake, and the warmth of the people.

The charming shops line the street with the lake off in the distance between them.

It was like a picture-perfect postcard scene. It still is.

With a sigh, I start strolling down the main street, my white tennis shoes pattering on the cobblestones. Everything is so quaint and familiar, from the flower baskets hanging from lampposts to the pastel facades of the shops.

I have a full day of nothing ahead of me as I wait impatiently to get started on fixing this house. I don’t know what I’m going to do once it is fixed. I’m just taking this day by day, task by task, hoping along the way I’ll figure out answers to the many questions I have floating in my head.

The bell rings as I enter Driftwood Diner, and a welcoming aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills my soul.

Is there anything a cup of joe can’t solve?

I don’t think so. The diner is busy for a late midweek morning, filled with locals chatting over stacks of pancakes and bacon.

It’s etched with memories of Steven, but it’s comforting.

We loved being in Blue Alder Cove, and they’re sweet memories of him that I cherish.

“Maggie Wilkes, is that you?”

Standing behind the counter is Edna, her silver curls peeking out of her floral hair wrap. She wipes her hands on her apron before rushing over and enveloping me in a hug.

“Edna,” I smile, pulling away to look at her, “it’s so good to see you.”

“And you, dear. I was sad to hear I missed you, not once but twice, yesterday. And I heard about the raccoons.”

Of course she has. “That’s small towns for you.” I smile wryly.

Edna chuckles heartily. “Ah, well, there’s never a dull moment around here.”

She leads me over to a booth by the window, the teal upholstery fading. She pours coffee in a mug and then slides a menu across the table. “I’ll be back in a jiffy.”

The moment Edna leaves, someone slides into the booth across from me.

“Gemma!” I exclaim, offering a smile.

“How are you holding up?” Gemma replies, her gaze softening.

“I’ve seen better days,” I admit, stirring my coffee absentmindedly. “Between the raccoons and trying to figure out where to start the renovations, it’s been a bit overwhelming.”

Gemma nods sympathetically, her hand reaching out to cover mine. “You’re doing an incredible job, though, Maggie. You’ve always been strong and resilient.”

We only came a few summers but the people here always treated us like family.

Everyone was kind and welcoming. These people became true friends, and thanks to social media, we were able to keep in touch even while we weren’t here.

Gemma was one of the first people we met here.

When we decided we wanted our own place, she helped Steven pick the lake house out and Steven surprised me with it.

Unexpected emotion wells up in me. “This was our dream, Gemma. Steven and I planned to retire here. To spend our days by the lake, hosting grandkids during summer vacations…And now…” The words catch in my throat as reality sets in.

Gemma gives my hand another gentle squeeze. “Now it’s your chance to make new memories here, Maggie. For yourself.” She pauses. “But remember, you’re not alone. We’re all here to support you.”

Touched by her words, I give her a grateful smile. It’s comforting to know I have friends in Blue Alder Cove who care about me.

“I really appreciate that, Gemma,” I reply, my voice thick with emotion. “It’s honestly a relief to know that I’m not alone in this.”

Gemma gives a soft smile and nods. “Of course, you’re not alone, Maggie. This is Blue Alder Cove. We’re a tight-knit community. We look out for each other.”

She gives my hand one last squeeze before letting go and changing the subject—a skill she must have perfected over the years as a realtor.

She launches into a conversation about the Summer Festival.

Edna brings us more food than the two of us can eat alone, and the cheerful chatter eases the heaviness inside me.

Once we finish eating, she’s off to meet a client, and I’m left alone, again.

I contemplate going back to the inn, but something urges me to seize the moment and explore Blue Alder Cove as if it’s my first time here.

It feels different, being here without Steven, not having someone to hold my hand while we stroll around the town.

But as I step out of the diner, I feel an unexpected sense of peace.

As I wander over to the lake’s edge, my heart flutters as I take in the sight that used to bring me so much joy.

The sun glistens off the water, reminding me of the lazy afternoon picnics we loved.

We’d sit beside the lake, eating a basket full of treats from the diner and bakery, and dream of our future together.

The last time we were here, we discussed a permanent vacation spot that would one day become our retirement paradise.

I turn around to face the charming lake house that Steven chose for us. The one he chose the summer right before his heart attack. And I haven’t been able to bring myself to come back here until yesterday. And the only reason I’m here now is because I couldn’t avoid it any longer.

I close my eyes and look up toward the sun.

I wish you were here, Steven.

A tear streams down my cheek, and I take a deep breath. As I open my eyes, a large figure moves toward me. I blink a few times to clear my eyes as a furry head nudges my hand.

“Hey there, big guy,” I greet him, bending down to scratch behind his ears. He’s just as affectionate as he is enormous.

I glance up to see Jake, in the same uniform as yesterday, jeans and a button-up collared work shirt.

“Didn’t expect to see you here today,” he comments, stopping a few feet in front of me.

“I didn’t plan on it. But I was wandering and ended up here.”

He nods, crossing his arms over his chest casually. “It’s a nice spot.”

“It is,” I agree, looking out at the serene lake. “It was always our favorite.”

There’s a moment of silence between us as we both take in the soothing view. The view both our houses look over.

“Randy managed to get the raccoons out safely,” Jake mentions, breaking the silence. “And I’ve boarded up the windows temporarily.”

“That’s good to hear. Thank you, Jake.” Relief washes over me.

“It’s part of the job.” He shrugs nonchalantly. “You moving in soon?”

“I’m hoping to. As soon as the cleaners are done with it.” I sigh, glancing at the mess that is currently my lake house. “Then I can get started on the real work.”

He nods, glancing back toward the house. “Well, if you need any help or advice, feel free to ask. I’ve fixed up plenty of homes around here.”

I smile gratefully at his offer. “Thank you, Jake. And how about you, Maverick? Are you experienced in home renovations, too?” I scratch Maverick’s belly, causing his leg to twitch in response.

Jake laughs, a warm, deep laugh, one which is unexpected to hear from the man of few words and a scowl permanently etched on his face. “Sadly, no, he’s more of a supervisor. Likes to watch me work and occasionally doze off on the job.”

“Oh, so he’s the boss then?” I chuckle.

“Something like that,” Jake agrees.