Kirby smiled.
Kevin and Heaven were twins. Grown men now. The progeny of her cousin, Rooney.
Why hang a boy with a name like Heaven? Hev can thank his lucky stars Kev loves nicknames.
On the far side of the room, framed photos lined the rustic mantle like scores of newly hatched chicks. She was drawn to the third frame from the left.
Rooney and Kirby's smiling faces, rosy with youth, were frozen in time. The kids in the photo beamed with pride at the fresh catch lying at their bare feet.
Kirby smiled. Her threat to drown Rooney with a bucket of ice water if the boy did not rise from his warm bed had been enough to blast him from under the covers.
By lantern light, they trudged over the dune before dawn.
So innocent. So naive.
In less than twenty years, Rooney became fish bait. Lost at sea in a freak storm.
Kirby shook off the cobwebs again. But blood kin specters are not easily shaken.
Centered on the mantle, the hopelessly large, ornate silver frame holding Jim and Kirby's wedding picture stared back. The scent of lavender filled the room. Goosebumps danced on Kirby's arms.
Mother bought that frame.
Mother was joyous at the prospect of Jim as her son-in-law.
Kirby swayed.
The scent of lavender was overwhelming.
Why shouldn't it be? Sachets in every drawer, nook, and cranny for over fifty years. Mother's scent. Mother's house.
"Mine now," Kirby muttered.
YOU ARE READING
King Tide
General FictionA storm is brewing. Kirby has inherited her mother's beach house. But it holds secrets that will change her forever.
