Anchored in Hope

Two Sisters. Two Crossroads. One Unforgettable Journey.

On the picturesque shores of Camano Island, Lacy is rebuilding a life shattered by loss. As a determined widow and devoted mother, she’s navigating the challenges of raising a headstrong teenager and a reserved pre-teen while breathing new life into a dilapidated house. Yet amid the chaos of renovation and parenting, an undeniable spark with the charming electrician working on her home throws her carefully laid plans into disarray. With her heart caught between grief and hope, Lacy must find the courage to open herself to the possibility of love and healing.

Meanwhile, her sister Nikki is at a turning point of her own. Reuniting with Lacy and her niece, she takes on the role of wedding planner while juggling a life-changing career opportunity that could take her far from the island. Torn between her dreams and the pull of family, Nikki faces a decision that could redefine her future. As both sisters navigate uncharted paths, they’ll learn that life’s most profound transformations often come when you dare to take the first step. Filled with love, heartache, and the bonds that tie us together, this heartfelt story is a celebration of resilience, family, and the beauty of second chances.

“I am so sorry for your loss, dear. Your mother was a phenomenal woman. The members of the bridge club miss her dearly.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Lee. It means a lot that you came,” Lacy's voice emerged in a soft murmur, gratitude lacing each syllable. Her face was a mask of perfected grace as her lips curved upward in response to the older woman's touch. The weight of her hand on Lacy's arm was another attempt at offering comfort amidst the sea of condolences and mournful whispers.

As the woman walked away, Lacy looked ahead at the line of cars pulling up and people exiting them, as they made their way up to the house to express their condolences. She inadvertently pulled in a sharp breath as she braced herself. All she wanted to do was curl up in her bed and cry herself to sleep, but it wasn’t possible at the moment. At her mother’s repast, she had to play the role of a perfect hostess, smiling while wanting to cry, returning words of gratitude when all she wanted to do was scream.

Feeling a presence beside her, she lifted her head to see her husband standing there, and automatically, a smile lifted her lips.

“Hey.” Carlos smiled tenderly as his hand came up to rub her back lovingly. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m…trying,” she softly confessed.

Carlos tilted his head in a subtle nod, his hazel eyes tracing hers as they flickered with compassionate understanding. “I’m here for you. We’ll get through this…together,” he said, repeating the words he had spoken so often to her ever since the moment they found out about her mother’s stomach cancer.

“I know, sweetie.” She smiled gratefully before Carlos’s lips tenderly covered hers. Warmth spread through her at the tender gesture. At that moment, she could not have loved and appreciated her husband more than she did.

“Where are the children?” she asked, looking behind her into the hall.

“They’re in the kitchen with Mom. David is eating a snack, and she’s making a bottle for Maria,” he informed her.

“Okay,” Lacy breathed out in relief.

“Lacy.”

Lacy turned to the woman standing before her with a sympathetic look on her face and glistening brown eyes. “Hi, Jean. I’m glad you could make it.” She smiled appreciatively as she fell into the woman’s hug.

“Martha was like a mother to me. There’s no way I would have missed paying my respects,” Jean murmured against her cheek. “How are you holding up?” she asked when they separated.

“Honestly, I’m feeling a mix of emotions right now—mostly denial that she’s gone—but I’m grateful for the support from everyone, especially my husband,” she answered and looked up at Carlos. He returned her smile.

“Hi.” Jean’s voice broke through their moment, causing the pair to turn toward her once more. She held her hand out in greeting.

“Hello,” Carlos replied, extending his hand to grasp hers with a friendly smile.

“Jean, this is my husband, Carlos,” Lacy introduced them. “Jean and I grew up back in San Antonio before Mom moved us here to Santa Monica,” she further explained.

“It’s always nice to meet a friend of Lacy’s.” Carlos nodded.

Jean gave a tight lipped tiny smile before she and Lacy exchanged a glance with each other. It had been years since the two had spoken, and it would have probably continued if Lacy’s mom hadn’t died.

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