Once dinner was over, Caroline and Emily decided to walk along the beach while Tim and Dena cleaned up. Tim was reluctant to let them go alone, but Dena whispered they needed some girl time.

The warm tropical breeze felt good against Caroline's skin, it was one of the best things she liked about being on the island. Late in the afternoon the sun was low enough not to cause her any headaches and the tide was usually low making it an easy walk along the shoreline. Her and Emily walked along in silence for a bit, enjoying the view.

"Can I ask you something " Emily said as Caroline knealt down to pick up a shell.

"You can ask me anything, Em" she told her picking up a conk shell.

"What's it like" she asked.

"What's what like " she answered, checking the shell for no inhabitants.

"To have someone love you, take care of you without question. I see how Tim treats you, how he looks at you,  you're his whole reason for living" Emily told her as she knealt down next to her.

Caroline smiled. "Do you believe in fate, Emily".

"I've hoped, I'm not sure" she answered drawing in the sand with her finger.

"Well, I'll tell you a little secret. I dreamt about someone when I was very, very young. His hair was long, dark. He was tall with the most loving dark brown eyes. He came to me in many dreams during a very dark time in my life. He wasn't anyone I knew, but he always came when I needed someone. When I moved here in 8th grade and walked into that room, there he was, in real life. There was the boy in my dreams. He was Tim"  she explained "that's fate, Emily".

Emily smiled "Momma always talks about destiny, that our lives are predetermined by God when we're born. I guess that's the same thing, right?".

" I guess that's true" Caroline replied as she handed Emily the shell "put it up to your ear, you can hear the ocean waves" she told her.

Emily laughed "wow, this is so cool" she said, holding it against her ear.
She started to hand it back to Caroline when she said "you keep it as a reminder of this beautiful place and our walk together ".

"Thanks!" Emily exclaimed holding it gently while hugging Caroline. Caroline giggled "let's head back before your brother comes looking for us, I don't want him to worry about both of us".

They walked back hand in hand like sisters, kicking their feet in the water as the small waves washed along the shore.

****

"How is she doing" Dena asked Tim as they worked together cleaning the dishes.

"She's getting stronger everyday. She's had a few moments and tires easily on some days but overall she's much better" he replied.

"How are you, how are you handling everything? You're pretty much here alone with no one to talk to" Dena remarked handing him a plate to dry.

"What do you mean, I have Caroline" he answered placing the plate in the cabinet.

"Tim, you know what I'm saying. You need someone, one of your friends to just help unwind with the stress" she remarked.

"Mom, I'm fine, don't worry about me" he told her taking the last plate from her.

"Can't help it, I worry about both of you. I wish you'd reconsider and come home. I know this place is beautiful and definitely paradise, but what if..." her voice trailed off as she began to tear up.

Tim turned to his mother, placing his hands on her arms. "Mom, I know how much you love us and how much you care. We'll come back every few months for her check ups but right now this is the best place for her to be".

Dena nodded as Tim pulled her into a hug just as Caroline and Emily walked in. "What's wrong Momma, why are you crying" Emily asked. Dena quickly wiped her eyes while stepping back from Tim " nothing Em, just being a Mom" she answered trying to smile.

Caroline looked at Tim who stated "she misses us". Caroline hugged Dena "we miss you too, Mom."

Now Tim was getting teary eyed watching two of the three most important people in his life bonding even more. "Ok, enough of the sappiness. Let's head out to the fire pit and enjoy this evening. There's drinks in the cooler and fixings for your Smores, Em" he told them as they began to walk outside. Tim pulled Caroline towards him "thank you" he whispered before giving her a gentle kiss.

****

"Tim, will you sing for us, like you used to when we sat around camp fires at home" Emily asked licking the gooey marshmallow off her fingers.

Tim smiled, " well I don't have a guitar but I suppose I could sing acapella".

They all looked at him "seriously" they remarked in unison. "Since when do you need an instrument to sing, you have the voice of an angel" his mother stated "Caroline, you should have heard him when he was younger and sang in church, he out shone the choir every time". Tim blushed, embarassed by her comment.

"Ok, ok..what do y'all want me to sing" he asked.

"Surprise us" Caroline smiled with a wink.

After about an hour of singing various songs Tim needed a break. "Ok, ladies hope you enjoyed the show " he stated grabbing a beer from the cooler.  They all clapped, whistled and requested an encore. "Stop, y'all are crazy women " he laughed as he popped off the cap and sat down behind Caroline on the lounge she was on.

"What's on the agenda for tomorrow" Emily asked.

"Well, we were thinking of heading to the main island. It's a bit more popular, more things to see and do. I grabbed a few brochures at the airport. I'll give them to you before we turn in then you and Momma can look them over to see what you'd like to do " Tim replied.

"Yes!" Emily exclaimed.

"Geeze, sorry we've bored you " Tim replied sarcastically sipping his beer as Caroline leaned back against him.

"No...that's not what...I've liked just being here...the beach.." she stammered. 

Emily gave a sigh of relief as Caroline gave her a smile and told her he was only teasing.

Before they knew it time passed by quickly and it was 1 am. The fire had died down to a red glow of embers. Caroline shivered a bit, snuggling deeper into Tim's chest. He hadn't noticed she'd fallen asleep as he conversed with his mom. Emily had already taken the brochures and headed back to their bungalow at least an hour before.

"Darlin, wake up. It's really late and you're shivering" Tim said softly in Caroline's ear. "Let's get you to bed".

Dena stood "I guess I'll head back now. I didn't realize it was so late"

"Momma, if you wait a minute I'll walk you over, just let me get Caroline inside ".

"I can walk alone, its not that far and Emily left the light on for me. You take care of Caroline. I'll be fine " she assured him.

Reluctantly he let her leave on her own while he finally coaxed Caroline to get up and head inside. 

"Love you Momma" he yelled across the beach.

"Love you too son, thank you for a great evening" Dena replied as she approached the porch of her bungalow.

He watched until she turned off the light then quickly headed over to Caroline to help her inside.