Read The Spyglass Portal: A Lighthouse Novel for Free Online Page B

began to work, Aidan laughed out loud, realizing it had been years since he’d felt in such high spirits.
     
    * * * *
     
    It felt strange to be picking out what to wear on a date with a man who was the spitting image of her friend and partner. Samantha and Chad had never gone on an official date, though not from his lack of asking.
    Again, a deep sense of regret washed over her. Chad was a good man she’d come to trust and respect. Yes, she could finally admit to herself that she’d been physically attracted to him, and she’d felt emotionally linked. But pursuing any kind of personal relationship had not been in her immediate game plan. Plus, dating her business partner hadn’t seemed like a smart idea. Linda had dated a co-worker for six months once, and when the relationship went south, so did the working environment. It had become so awkward between them that the man had resigned. Now Samantha wondered what would have happened had she accepted one of Chad’s invitations. Would their relationship had progressed into something more? Or would it have been a mistake, ruining their friendship and business?
    She chose one of the sundresses, a white halter dress with blue polka dots to match her eyes, and made up her mind to stop dwelling on what could have been, and what would never be. Poor Chad was in a coma—essentially gone as she’d known him—and there was no changing that. She was here to accept the inevitable truth and try to erase the guilt and move on with her life.
    She ran a brush through her long hair thinking how odd how life could turn out. At her blackest moment, Aidan Gallagher had magically stepped into hers. While trying to understand how such a thing could happen, she remembered something Dr. Teagan had told her in one session: There is no such thing as coincidence. Everything happens for a reason. Embrace what might seem impossible and you’ll be rewarded. Nothing is gained without taking a risk.
    It was very good advice from a wise woman.
    Once she was dressed and had coiled the ends of her hair with a curling iron, Samantha applied fresh makeup and dabbed on some light perfume. Being in the construction business, and rarely dating, there weren’t many opportunities to get dressed up, or to wear perfume. It felt nice to look and smell like a woman. Smiling at her reflection in the bathroom mirror, she inhaled deeply, feeling both nervous and energized. It had been a long time since she’d gone out and had some fun.
    It was five-thirty. It wouldn’t take but ten minutes to drive to town. Still, Sam wanted to arrive at the restaurant before Aidan. Earlier, she’d discovered a phone directory in one of the kitchen drawers and had called to get the directions to The Catch, so she felt confident in being able to locate it easily.
    As she slid her feet into another pair of sandals, she suddenly remembered she’d forgotten to return to the light tower and properly stow the spyglass back in its case. So much had happened today that it had completely slipped her mind. Being an antique, she was sure its history was special, so it was important to protect it from the salty sea air. Jogging up the curving staircase, she found the telescope on the floor right where she’d left it.
    “Let’s take one more quick look before I put you away for the night.” She placed it to her eye and scanned the horizon. Once again, blue haze floated across the lens. She rubbed her finger across the glass, which seemed to take care of it. The sun glowing in the sky was magnified like a brilliant gold disco ball. Pink and orange stripes popped with vibrancy across the horizon, as if a painter had created the most beautiful sunset ever with his brush.
    Prepared for anything since believing she’d seen the little girl on the beach, Sam dropped her gaze to the ground and moved the spyglass back and forth slowly. A few people walked next to the water, two were collecting shells and one strolled alone. All were adults. No