Between Two Shores: A Sweet and Clean Love Triangle by Lisa Renee

Author:Lisa Renee [Renee, Lisa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Colab Press
Published: 2024-08-02T00:00:00+00:00

BETH

The airport’s intercom echoed flight numbers through the sterile white corridors. The hum of conversation filled the open space. Beth leaned down to her niece and engulfed her in a bear hug. “I’m going to miss you, sweetie. My favorite niece in the whole wide world.”

Talicia circled her thin arms around Beth’s neck, nearly choking her. “When will you come back?”

Beth pulled away a little and smiled, determined to shed no tears. “I hope to visit next Christmas.”

Amy rubbed the little girl’s back. “Come on, Talicia. Aunty Beth needs to get on the plane.”

The little girl turned sad eyes away from Beth. She leaped into her mother’s arms and buried her head in Amy’s golden locks. Beth’s heart tightened. She didn’t want to leave her family. The skin under her eyes remained puffy from last night’s crying session with her pillow. She wouldn’t admit that to anyone. They saw her as the oldest and bravest, and she didn’t want them to think any different of her.

Simon and Jacob hugged her next. She planted kisses on their cheeks, and they gave her awkward pats on the back. Typical of her brothers. But Trudy lunged toward Beth and clung like a koala. A laugh bubbled in her throat, but a clog of mixed emotions stifled any sound.

“Can you fit me in your suitcase?” Trudy said.

Michael tugged on Trudy’s ponytail. “Hey, you’re not going anywhere, baby.” He wrapped his arm around his fiancée, and kissed Beth on the cheek. “And you make sure you return for our wedding.”

“Whenever that is.” Beth tossed her head.

The couple smiled and stood back so the next person could say goodbye. Dad. Beth touched her mouth. Tears stung the back of her eyes. Dad edged forward, dressed in gray suit pants and a buttoned-up shirt. He lifted his palms to her. Daddy’s girl. His brown eyes shone, the overhead lights reflecting off unshed tears. She rushed forward, gave him a fierce hug, and nuzzled into his chest. Her lower lip trembled as she resisted a sob. A familiar place where she’d cried many a tear. When boys had broken her heart. As she’d shared frustrations and disappointments. And when people misunderstood her and spoke behind her back. Dad had been her rock to lean on.

Dad stroked her hair. “I’m proud of you, Beth.” His voice crackled. “Thank you for serving your family and all your hardwork at Habor Hope.” He pulled back and cupped her shoulders, meeting her eyes. “Now, it's your turn to live out your dreams. Spread your wings and fly.”

“Thanks, Dad. I intend to. I’ve learned so much from you. Now I can take that and help others in need in a different country.”

“I believe it, my girl. I’ll be with you in spirit all the way.”

She kissed his cheek. He kissed her forehead, then let her go. Her flight number called over the speakers. Time to find her footing in the big wide world. Smiling, she turned slowly in a semi-circle, memorizing everyone's faces. Then she stepped backward and collected her carry-on bag.

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