Chapter FOUR

The restaurant at Cliffside was bathed in a warm, intimate glow. Candles still flickered on each table, casting dancing shadows across the walls. Soft jazz music played over hidden speakers, complementing the hush of waves crashing on the rocks below.

Ariel sat across from Miles in a secluded corner, their empty plates pushed aside. She smiled as he recounted a story from his childhood, his eyes crinkling at the memory. He looked so relaxed, so carefree—and she was enchanted by it. A dinner alone in The Seaside Café had been the perfect way to relax before their weekend guests invaded.

Ariel leaned in, her voice soft but earnest, "You know, Miles, every time you share stories like that, I feel like I"m discovering a new chapter in a book I never want to end." She reached across the table, gently placing her hand over his.

Miles took her hand, his thumb lightly tracing the back of it. "Ariel, you"re not just a chapter in my book, you"re the happy ending in every story I tell." He paused, his gaze locked with hers. The candlelight flickered, casting shadows over their intertwined hands, as the soft jazz intertwined with the rhythm of the waves, creating a symphony of their evening together.

A comfortable silence settled between them, filled only by the soft music. Ariel studied Miles" face in the candlelight, noting the new lines that creased his skin. But his eyes were just as golden-green as the first day she"d met him. Some things never changed.

Ariel sipped her wine, gathering the courage to broach the subject.

"So, any big plans this weekend?" she asked casually.

Miles raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

"You know, aside from our home being taken over by a wedding party?" She kept her tone light, not wanting to reveal her true intentions.

Miles shrugged. "Not really. Work has been busy, and I might go down to the shop this weekend, so I doubt I"ll have much free time."

"Not even for Valentine"s Day?" Ariel pressed on gently. "I thought we always made time for romance."

"Well, you're working, and we had tonight…" Miles feigned ignorance. "I haven"t even thought about it beyond that."

Ariel studied him closely, trying to discern if he was joking with her. But Miles"s face remained impassive as he took a sip of wine. Disappointment flooded Ariel"s heart, but she kept it hidden. A part of her had hoped Miles might still surprise her with romance, despite the crowded nature of the weekend. But perhaps some dreams were not meant to come true.

"More wine?" Miles offered, lifting the bottle.

Ariel nodded, pushing aside her longing. This was the present now, and he was right—with everything packed into this weekend, he was being practical. And she would make the most of it, no matter what.

Ariel managed a smile as Miles refilled her wine glass. Though she was disappointed by his lack of Valentine"s Day plans, she tried not to let it show.

"Thanks," she said, taking a small sip. Her eyes drifted around the cozy restaurant interior, lit warmly with dimmed lights. It was the perfect date night atmosphere. And yet here she sat—feeling anything but romantic.

Ariel sighed inwardly.

"I should check on Katie," she said, dabbing her mouth with a napkin. "Make sure she"s doing okay upstairs. She was trying to finish that art camp paperwork."

"Of course." Miles nodded. ‘I'll clear up here, and then I'm going to head to bed. See you there?"

Ariel stood and nodded, smoothing the wrinkles from her dress. She forced one more smile for Miles before turning and making her way upstairs.

She found Katie in her room, sitting on the edge of the bed and staring vacantly out the window. Crumpled tissues surrounded her on the floral quilt.

"Katie?" Ariel said softly. "Is everything alright?"

Katie turned, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Ariel"s heart broke for her daughter. She crossed the room and sat down, pulling the teen into a comforting embrace.

"Honey! What's wrong?"

"He hasn"t called," Katie whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "Or texted. Not for days..."

Ah, like mother, like daughter. The course of true love never did run smooth.

Ariel stroked her hair soothingly. "Oh, I know long distance is hard, sweetie. But Ethan really likes you. I"m sure there"s a reasonable explanation."

Katie sniffled, leaning her head on Ariel"s shoulder. "I just miss talking to him so much, Mom. And with Valentine"s Day coming up..."

"I know, I know," Ariel murmured. "But remember, you"ll see Ethan this summer at your art program." She pulled back and lifted Katie"s chin, looking into her eyes. "Love always finds a way, Katie. Never forget that."

Katie managed a small, tearful smile. "You think?"

Ariel hugged her close again, wishing she could protect her daughter from all the pains of love. But the broken hearts were part of it too—and those were always plentiful in young romance. They just had to have faith it would all work out in the end.

They sat like that for a long moment, Katie drawing comfort from her mother"s embrace. Ariel rubbed her back soothingly, letting the silence stretch on. There was no need for words right now.

Finally Katie pulled back, wiping her eyes. "I"m okay, Mom. Really." She gave a tremulous smile. "I know Ethan and I can get through this. It"s just hard sometimes. I mean, I'm sure he has a food explanation."

Ariel nodded, cupping Katie"s cheek. "I understand, sweetie. But you"re so strong. And if you both work at it, your love can withstand the distance."

Katie took a deep breath, some of the spark returning to her eyes. "You"re right." She stood, squaring her shoulders with new strength.

Ariel smiled approvingly. "That"s my girl." She got to her feet as well. "Now, why don"t we go downstairs and I"ll fix you up something tasty? Some comfort food will do you good."

Katie laughed, the sound music to Ariel"s ears. "That sounds perfect, Mom."

Arm in arm, mother and daughter left the room, the darkness dispelled. Ariel was confident Katie would be alright. Their bond was unbreakable, and she would always be there to offer love and support. With faith and family, they could weather any storm.

Downstairs in the cozy restaurant—Miles already cleaned up and gone, Ariel noticed with a pang—Ariel busied herself in the kitchen while Katie settled at the island. The rich scents of toasting cheese and simmering soup soon filled the air.

Ariel emerged with a heaping bowl of tomato soup and a thick stack of grilled cheese on crusty bread. She set the bowl in front of Katie with a flourish. "Comfort food, as promised."

Katie"s eyes lit up. "This looks amazing, Mom." She took a hearty spoonful, sighing contentedly.

Ariel watched her daughter appreciatively as they sat in companionable silence. The color was already returning to Katie"s cheeks.

Finally, Ariel spoke up gently. "I know it"s hard being apart from Ethan. But just think - you"ll see him soon. Summer will be here in a blink."

Katie"s face brightened. "That"s true. I can"t wait to show him my latest paintings." Her expression turned dreamy. "And just to be together."

"I"m sure he"s counting down the days, too," Ariel said with an understanding smile. "But he has other things too—classes, work. You said he got that part-time job to save up money."

Katie nodded, new hope dawning in her eyes. The summer and reunion with Ethan suddenly seemed within reach in her eyes. "You're right. I only have school, and he has so many other things. He's also helping his grandma redo her basement."

Ariel came around the counter and wrapped Katie in a warm embrace. Katie hugged her back tightly. After a long moment, they pulled apart. Ariel cupped Katie"s face in her hands.

"I know it"s not easy, but I have faith in you and Ethan. Just remember - I"m always here whenever you need me."

Katie nodded, her eyes glistening. "I love you, Mom."

"I love you too, sweetheart."

Ariel glanced at her watch. "It"s getting late. Why don"t we head upstairs?"

Katie agreed, suddenly looking lighter and more hopeful. She helped Ariel tidy up the kitchen as a comfortable silence settled between them. Ariel felt another twinge of sadness as she saw the dishes from her dinner with Miles neatly washed and stacked in the dish drainer.

Soon they exited the restaurant into the foyer of the house, and climbed up the stairs together. At the top of the stairs, Ariel turned to Katie, her eyes soft with affection.

"Sleep well, sweetie. And remember, no matter what happens with Ethan, you"re an amazing, strong young woman. You"ll get through this."

Katie smiled, a genuine, grateful smile. "Thanks, Mom. Good night."

"Good night, Katie." Ariel watched her daughter enter her room, then turned to her own door, feeling a mix of emotions. She quietly opened it, careful not to make a sound.

The room was dimly lit by the moonlight streaming through the window. Miles was fast asleep, his breathing deep and even. Ariel paused for a moment, watching him, appreciating the peaceful expression on his face. She quietly changed into her nightwear and slipped into bed beside him, trying not to disturb his sleep.

As she lay there, her mind replayed the evening - the comforting moment with Katie, the laughter and conversation over dinner, and the quiet strength of the love she shared with Miles. It was these moments, both joyful and challenging, that made up the rich tapestry of her life. All of her other worries were minor.

With a contented sigh, Ariel closed her eyes, letting the rhythm of Miles"s breathing lull her into a peaceful sleep. In the stillness of the night, she felt a profound gratitude for her family, for the love that bound them together, and for the quiet strength that they drew from each other.

Tomorrow would bring its own challenges—and as she drifted off, she tried to keep the thought of those challenges from bringing back the queasy feeling in her stomach.