The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter
Chapter 40 : The Honeymoon
They didn’t go anywhere for their honeymoon.
There was no tropical beach, no European city, no expensive resort. The island was their home, the lighthouse their landmark, the sea their constant companion. Fiona couldn’t imagine celebrating their marriage anywhere else.
Cole agreed.
“We have everything we need right here,” he said.
“We have each other.”
“Same thing.”
They spent the first week after the wedding in a state of quiet bliss. They slept late, made love in the afternoon, and watched the sunset from the lantern room. They cooked together, ate on the porch, and walked the beach at midnight, the lighthouse beam guiding their way.
Lily was with Margaret for the week, a wedding gift from Cole’s ex‑mother‑in‑law. Fiona missed her, but she also treasured the time alone with Cole.
“I didn’t know it could be like this,” she said one night, lying in his arms.
“Like what?”
“Peaceful. Simple. Happy.”
He kissed her forehead. “It can be. If you let it.”
“I’m letting it.”
“Good.”
On the fifth day, they took the boat out to see the whales.
The pod had returned, drawn by the warm currents and abundant food. Hope was there, her calf swimming beside her, small and sleek and full of life.
Fiona watched them breach, their bodies arcing against the blue sky.
“She made it,” Fiona said. “The calf survived.”
“Hope is a fighter.”
“Like someone else I know.”
Cole looked at her. “You’re the fighter. I’m just the marine biologist.”
“You’re the love of my life. That’s more important.”
He kissed her, and the whales swam on.
The week passed too quickly.
Lily returned on Sunday, full of stories about Grandma Margaret’s cookies and the new puppy she’d gotten to play with. She hugged Fiona tightly, then ran to the lighthouse to check on the lens.
“She’s going to be a keeper,” Cole said.
“She already is.”
Fiona watched Lily climb the spiral staircase, her small figure disappearing into the light.
This is my family, she thought. This is my home.
She had never been happier.