Solace Under the Stars: Last Chance Beach

By Kari Lemor

Not all wounds leave scars…

 

Rajani Lanka carries a burden no one else can see. Haunted by the loss of their unborn child, she hesitates to confide in Thad, the baby's father, while he's away. Her heart yearns for connection, but the weight of her sorrow leaves her torn between the desire to bridge the growing chasm between them and the fear of shattering their fragile bond.

 

Returning from a harrowing deployment, Thaddeus Matsoukas is a changed man. He grapples with his own demons and the invisible scars etched upon his soul. Everything is different, including Rajani, the woman whose memory sustained him through the darkest moments.

 

Fate intervenes, bringing them to work together on the island of Last Chance Beach. Their shared history creates a bittersweet familiarity, yet they both guard their hearts and hide their deepest pain. Amidst starlit nights, they seek solace and fleeting moments of closeness, but Rajani's secret hovers, capable of either uniting them in love or tearing them apart forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kari Lemor
• Release date: Jul 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9781954056275

Kari Lemor

Kari Lemor has always been a voracious reader. One of those kids who had the book under the covers or under the desk at school. Even now she has been known to stay up until the wee hours finishing a good book. Romance has always been her favorite, stories of people fighting through conflict to reach their happily ever after. Writing wasn't something she enjoyed when young and only in the last few years began putting the stories that ran rampant in her head, down on paper. Now that her kids are all grown and have moved out, she uses her spare time to create character driven stories of love and hope. She spends her time with her husband divided between a small town in New England and beautiful St. Augustine.

Book preview

Chapter One

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Good. She wasn’t too late.

No matter how many times Rajani Lanka had heard the story of Last Chance Beach, she never got tired of it, especially when Trudy told it.

Trudy Goetze was in her late seventies and had lived on the island all her life. It was a point of pride to her that she’d only crossed the bridge to the mainland twice in her life. She volunteered at the Welcome Center three days a week from eight until noon. Depending on the number of visitors, she’d tell the origin story of Last Chance Beach anywhere from once to ten times each day.

Rajani stood against the wall as Trudy dramatically told a group of tourists of the daughter of a rich man who had never found her true love, until one day the sailor from a ship happened by. The two gazed at each other and fell instantly in love. But the man was not good enough for the merchant’s daughter and was imprisoned on a ship leaving port. The daughter tried to escape from the room she was locked in to no avail. Not until after the ship had set sail.

The woman was not dissuaded and searched everywhere for her true love. Much time passed, and she was ready to give up when a storm trapped her on a distant island. A couple allowed her to stay with them, letting her know they had another guest, a man who had been enslaved but had fought hard and been tossed overboard during a rough sea. He was injured and weary, so they were providing him with rest until he healed.

Trudy took a deep breath. When the gentleman guest entered the room, holding tight to a walking stick, the young woman gaped. She couldn’t believe it. It was her true love. The generous couple allowed the young lovers to stay with them until they were able to marry and live a good life in the town. The island had given the couple one last chance for happiness, thus why this island is called Last Chance Beach. Here’s hoping, if you are looking for love, you are gifted with one last chance, also.

The dozen tourists all applauded, then thanked Trudy for her story. Rajani remained against the wall. As tended to happen, visitors hovered around Trudy for a while asking questions, some about the island and best places to eat or sunbathe, others looking for more information on the reunited couple.

Placing her hand gently on her stomach, Rajani patted the spot where she’d felt little flutters lately. It had only been a few weeks since she’d begun feeling movements, yet she’d become more excited as they got stronger. Last weekend, when it was Mother’s Day, Rajani had celebrated secretly. Soon, she’d have to share her news, but she hadn’t figured out exactly the right time. Not to mention whom she needed to inform first.

Thaddeus Matsoukis had swept her off her feet during his few trips to visit his sister here on the island. It hadn’t taken much to woo Rajani and make her swoon. Such old-fashioned terms, but they fit the relationship she’d had with the handsome military man. Unfortunately, after his break here at Christmas, he’d been sent overseas on deployment before they could make any real plans for their future. Did they have a future together? It hadn’t seemed like Thad was only playing with her. His feelings had appeared genuine and caring. In her eyes, anyway.

The question was how did she tell him about the baby. He should be the first to know he was going to be a father. She hadn’t even told her parents yet. Her father would be furious, but she hoped her mother would be more understanding. They’d both grown up here in the States, though her father had been born in India and much of his family still lived there.

Thank goodness she wasn’t back in her father’s country where she’d be shamed and labeled a wicked woman. Her mother might not be happy, but she’d support her. And the baby. Hopefully, that wouldn’t be needed, and Thaddeus would be back soon to help her raise their child. He hadn’t known exactly how long his deployment would be, but his last e-mail had indicated he might be back by the summer. Plenty of time before the baby arrived.

Another twinge shot through her abdomen, this one stronger. Harsher. It wasn’t like the soft fluttering she’d been feeling the past few weeks. Maybe she’d been standing too long, though at not quite twenty weeks along she should still be able to do most everything she could prior. She’d been seeing a doctor on the mainland in Summerville and had made sure to follow all the instructions she’d been given.

Trudy finished up with the tourist group, and Rajani pushed away from the wall to meet her.

I still love to hear that story every time you tell it.

You’re too sweet to an old lady, Rajani. Are you here to give me lessons on the local sea life?

Rajani nodded. You said you wanted more information on the crustaceans that live near the reefs.

Trudy chuckled. You’re never too old to learn something new. Have you found a job yet, so you can use that fancy marine biology degree?

There are a few aquariums along the coast about an hour or two north of here that have some openings in their education department. I’ve considered putting in applications up there.

But you don’t want to be that far away when that handsome man of yours returns. Have you spoken to him lately?

Pressing her lips together, Rajani shook her head. We’ve e-mailed several times, but it hasn’t been consistent. I’m sure he’s got lots to keep him busy there. Plus, he’s on a boat, so they may not have good connections at times.

Trudy pursed her lips. He’s on a boat, yet he’s in the Army. I still don’t understand that.

The Army has boats, too. Different boats from the Navy. When he gets back, he can explain it to you. I’d probably get it wrong.

Another sharp pain slashed between her hips, and Rajani pressed her palm to her stomach, trying to hide her gasp.

With watchful eyes, Trudy frowned. Have you told the young man about the baby yet?

Rajani’s head whipped up. What? What are you talking about?

Honey, I’ve had three children. I know the look of pregnancy when I see it. You’re not that big, and that loose shirt hides a great deal, but I’ve been around the block a time or two. Does he know?

Tears came to her eyes as Rajani shook her head. I don’t know if it’s too dangerous to tell him while he’s in a war zone. I want him to be the first to know.

You haven’t even told your mother. She’s a lovely woman, and I have a feeling she’d give you lots of good advice.

I know she would, right after she pushed aside her disappointment at my stupidity for getting myself in this predicament in the first place.

She and Thad had been careful. Most of the time. A few times they’d gotten carried away by passion and the starlit sky, obviously resulting in the baby she now carried and felt moving. Felt a little too much at the moment.

Trudy took her elbow and guided her toward the office in the back of the Welcome Center. I’m about to get off here. Do you want someone to talk to? I’ve been told I’m not only a great storyteller, but an amazing listener.

That’s so sweet. I don’t— Another, stronger cramp or something shot through her middle. She couldn’t stop the small cry of pain. I’m sorry, Trudy. Maybe the baby’s trying to tell me to sit down and get off my feet for a bit.

Once in the back office, Trudy steered Rajani to a chair. Sitting felt better, but fear rushed through her veins.

Thaddeus’ sister, Eleni, is an awfully nice woman. Maybe she could help you figure out what to do and how to contact that young man.

I’ve thought of that, but Eleni and her husband, Dean, are my mom’s bosses. I don’t know if they’d feel they had to tell her. I will let her know eventually; I just need more time.

The pain that ripped through her made Rajani curl into a ball. Something wet gushed between her legs. Can I use the bathroom, please?

At Trudy’s nod, Rajani headed into the little room. Panic filled every cell in her body when she saw the dark pinkish tinge in her panties. Stuffing some toilet paper in there, she came out, dizzy.

You’re ghostly pale, honey. Something else is happening besides baby kicks.

I’m bleeding. Rajani couldn’t keep the tears from spilling down her cheeks. What do I do?

Trudy marched to the closet, pulled out an oversized handbag, and fished inside. Retrieving keys from the cavernous item, she waved them at her. I’m taking you to the hospital. We’re right next to the bridge into Summerville. We can be there in fifteen minutes.

Are you sure? I can probably drive myself. Of course, she’d have to borrow her mother’s car as she didn’t have one. Another sharp slash had her gripping the edge of the desk and panting.

No arguments. It’s time I had a third trip off the island. Trudy wrapped her arm around Rajani’s waist and escorted her out the back door to an old Volvo. Once they were both inside and buckled, she started the car and steered it down the street over the bridge.

Rajani’s mind went through every possible scenario and almost all of them ended in misery.

Trudy held her elbow as they plodded into the Emergency Room. Just as they approached the desk, a gush of liquid rushed between her legs and flooded onto the floor.

Oh, my God! A dark red puddle surrounded her feet as she bent over in agony.

She needs a doctor now, Trudy demanded, and when the nurse saw what had happened, waved for an orderly to bring a wheelchair.

Trudy grabbed the clipboard the nurse held out and scribbled a few things on it as Rajani was pushed into the elevator. Once on the labor and delivery floor, they tried to tell Trudy she could wait in the waiting room.

I’m her grandmother and need to be with her, Trudy lied, but Rajani had never been so thankful. She needed the support.

The blood dripping down her legs and clinging to her shoes made her head spin. Rajani’s heart sank. No baby could survive at barely twenty weeks. That much she knew.

After being helped onto an exam bed, they put the Doppler against her belly, she waited to hear that rapid heartbeat that had astounded her so much the last few times she’d been to the doctor’s.

A few soft beats, but then, nothing.

I felt the baby move earlier today. I think.

How long ago was it? Do you remember? Dr. Maura Gray asked.

An hour and half maybe. Trudy, it was right as you started your story. She looked to the older woman for confirmation. Or had it only been the pain she’d felt?

About that, Trudy said. What’s happening? Why is she bleeding?

The doctor palpated Rajani’s stomach and frowned. That’s what we’re trying to figure out. I want to do an ultrasound. We’ll start with a surface one and do an internal one if we don’t get any answers.

Rajani was helped into a hospital gown as the tech set up the machine. She’d had one of these last month, and she’d cried happy tears when she’d seen her beautiful baby on the screen. Please, let everything be okay.

Trudy held her hand as the tech squirted gel on her belly and placed the device in different positions. Rajani couldn’t see the screen easily this time and twisted her head to get a view. Her child was there. She could see the little body and the head.

Is the baby okay?

Dr. Gray peeked over the tech’s shoulder, and they pointed to a spot on the screen. The doctor nodded and frowned. Rajani felt more liquid gush between her legs.

What is happening? she cried. Why won’t someone tell me?

Two nurses got her cleaned up and put her feet in stirrups.

I’m going to do a transvaginal ultrasound, an internal one, just to get a better look at what’s happening.

Rajani rested against the table but couldn’t actually relax. She had a bad feeling. Why hadn’t she heard the baby’s heartbeat? But wouldn’t the doctor have said something if the baby wasn’t okay? She could have sworn she’d felt movement earlier today.

After the ultrasound, they left her with Trudy still holding her hand.

Why won’t they tell me anything? Her lip quivered, and she bit down to stop it.

Trudy brushed back Rajani’s dark hair. They’re examining all the information. They’ll let you know soon, honey.

Rajani squeezed the woman’s hand. Thank you for coming with me. I don’t know what I would have done if I was by myself.

It seemed like forever before Dr. Gray returned, her face solemn. Rajani didn’t like that. The doctor stepped up close to the bed and patted Rajani’s arm.

You’ve got what is called a placental abruption. It’s when the placenta pulls away from the uterine wall. It’s what’s causing all the blood.

What can you do about it? Will it hurt the baby?

Dr. Gray’s eyes lowered. It’s already affected the baby, unfortunately. There’s no heartbeat and no movement.

You’re saying my baby died already. Tears streamed down Rajani’s face at the pain that sliced through her. Worse than the cramps she’d been having.

The doctor nodded. I’m very sorry. There’s nothing we could have done. Even if you’d gotten here earlier, the baby is too small to survive outside the womb.

Her lip trembled so much she had to bite it to get it to stop. Was it something I did?

We have no way of knowing. There are a lot of different things that might have caused this. Most of them you have no control over.

What do you do now? Trudy asked. Thank God for the woman because Rajani’s brain had melted.

You need to deliver the fetus. We’ll give you something to start labor. We registered some small contractions, so it seems your body is already figuring out what needs to be done. The medication will only hasten the delivery. Since the fetus is still very small, the labor shouldn’t be too intense.

The thought of going through labor and delivery had scared the crap out of her before, but now she had to do it without even having the benefit of a baby at the end. Was she strong enough to do this? Did she have a choice?

For the next few hours, Trudy held Rajani’s hand as contractions ripped through her middle. Contractions that would remove her stillborn child from her body. The one that should have protected it.

Once it was over, Rajani insisted on seeing her child. The still figure was only a little over six inches long but looked like a child in every other way.

It’s a girl, one of the nurses announced as she wrapped her in a small cloth.

What do I do with her? Rajani stroked the baby’s skin, needing to touch the life she’d created even if she hadn’t survived.

We can take care of the remains if you wish, or you can have her sent to a funeral home for cremation. Let us know.

Rajani glanced over at Trudy, whose own eyes were filled with moisture. The Langley Funeral Home. I’ll be paying the bill.

She couldn’t even argue with that. Rajani had very little money, having only worked a few waitress jobs recently. Her mind was on other things.

Thaddeus, she whispered. I’m so sorry.

I think you should still tell him. Maybe not until he gets back, though.

The words barely made it past her lips. What do I tell him? That I was stupid enough to get pregnant? Then what? That his baby is dead? I don’t even know if he’ll care. Maybe he’ll rejoice that he doesn’t have to worry about it anymore or be responsible. Maybe it’s best not to say anything.

Trudy hitched her hip onto the side of the bed and hugged Rajani. Don’t bury your feelings with your little girl. It’s okay to mourn and remember her.

I will. Her name is Anju. It means ‘one who lives in my heart.’

Chapter Two

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The swell of the waves under the ferry was comfortable to Thaddeus Matsoukis. After six months on an Army vessel, it would take a while to get his land legs back.

After what he’d seen and experienced during his deployment, one would think he’d be happy to stay on solid ground, but the ocean was too much a part of who he was. Growing up near the water, he couldn’t imagine ever being too far from it. He’d chatted with his sister, Eleni, recently about a few possibilities for his future. Since her husband was the owner of the Ocean Pearl Resort, as well as a dozen other luxury resorts worldwide, one particular possibility was much more likely to come true.

The ferry bumped against the wharf, and the passengers soon queued to disembark. Thad waited for everyone else to leave before he hefted his massive duffel bag over his shoulder and followed them down the ramp.

First thing he needed to do was find some sort of transportation to get around. The island wasn’t huge, but unless you wanted to spend all day walking, you needed a vehicle. Maybe a small scooter or even a bicycle. It all depended on where he ended up living and working. He still hadn’t made any plans. His mind was too messed up at the moment to think clearly about anything.

Next, he’d need a permanent place to live. For now, he’d stay at the Ocean Pearl. He