A Home by the Sea by Christina Skye Page A

kinds of herb use and fermentation.” Grace was describing her next project when her cell phone rang. She saw the Oregon area code but didn’t recognize the number.
    â€œSorry. I should take this.” Grace hurriedly dug out her cell phone, wondering who was calling.
    A deep voice boomed out. “You’re a hard person to track down, Grace. I’ve called you three times, twice at your apartment. No luck.”
    â€œGage! Sorry to miss your calls. Are you in D.C. now?”
    â€œStopping over on the way home. I lost your cell number, then tried Caro, but they’re expecting a big storm. The reception has been rotten. It took me an hour to get through.”
    Lieutenant Gage Grayson was married to Grace’s closest friend back on Summer Island. The girls had been inseparable growing up, supporters during badtimes and a general cheering section over the years. Gage was finishing a tour of duty in Afghanistan and due home shortly. “So you’re headed home? That’s wonderful. Caro will be wild. I wish I could be there.”
    â€œStill working too hard, are you? Caro says she hasn’t seen you for months.”
    â€œGuilty, I’m afraid. So much food, so little time. But I’m planning to be back in Oregon in two weeks. Will you be there?” Grace heard the sound of voices and airport gate numbers being announced in the background.
    â€œI’m not sure. But I know I’ve got my first night planned. Caro beside me, Casablanca on the tube and a fire at full blaze. Wait—hold on Grace. They just made a flight change.”
    She heard the phone shift, and then more muffled announcements. When Gage came back, the line was filled with voices. “I was hoping to meet you for coffee, but I’ll be boarding in twenty minutes. I was able to hop an earlier connection. Sorry.”
    â€œHey, don’t apologize. Just jump in your seat and get home. I know a woman who can’t wait to see you. A dog and cat, too.”
    â€œYeah, I miss them all. So—everything’s really okay with you? I mean, I was sorry to hear about your fiancé’s death. I hope things are going better now.”
    â€œYes.” Grace took a deep breath. “It was…rocky for a while. But it’s better.” It finally felt better, sherealized. She could talk about James without flinching. “Now go get that flight, Marine. And give all my love to Caro. Plus check in on my grandfather, would you? Remind him I’ll be there before the end of the month.”
    â€œWill do, Grace. There’s nothing wrong with Peter, is there? He’s not sick, I hope.”
    â€œNo, he’s fine. He just doesn’t know how to slow down. I worry about him.”
    â€œUnderstood. I’ll do a full reconnoiter and have Caro call you with the details. We’ll be putting in some time helping out at the shelter, too. How does that sound?”
    â€œJust wonderful. Thanks so much, Gage. And—just take care, okay? Everyone on Summer Island has you in their thoughts.”
    â€œThanks.” Emotion tightened his voice. “I appreciate all your help and support. It means a lot, to me and my men. Those knitted helmet liners were snatched up faster than ammo, by the way. Now I really should go. Don’t want to lose my flight after coming halfway around the world.”
    â€œGo. Be safe.” Grace heard more bustle and then the line went dead. She continued to hold the phone, thinking of Caro and the wonderful reunion she would have with her husband. If any two people deserved happiness, they did.
    Alex glanced over at her. “Everything okay?”
    â€œIt was the husband of my best friend. He’s on his way home from Afghanistan. The Marines.”
    â€œGlad to hear he’s got some leave coming. Sounds like everyone is close where you live. Summer Island, was it?”
    â€œThat’s the place—and yes, we are close. I just wish I