Chapter Nine – Heart Light

Caitlyn and Steven spent every possible minute together in August. They walked the beach every evening and went to dinner, parties and events together. They were completely inseparable.

Sami called Caitlyn on the phone the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. She greeted Caitlyn, “Hi Cait, you coming out with us all tonight?”

Caitlyn’s smile echoed through her voice as she replied to Sami, “No, not this year, sorry Sami! Steven planed a surprise for us tonight. I have no idea what he’s been cooking up. We are celebrating our anniversary. I can’t wait! I am so excited! I can’t believe how much I love him. It seems so unreal.”

Sami perked up, “Well, I can’t say I don’t blame you. He is a really great guy.”

“He is Sami,” Caitlyn blushed over the phone, “I’ve completely fallen for him. He is just a prince. He should be here any minute, so I should get going Sami. Have fun tonight with the gang!” She hung up the phone and finished getting ready.

The front door bell rang. It was Steven. Caitlyn ran down the stairs and opened the door to invite him in. “Are you ready for your surprise?” Steven grinned and winked at her. Caitlyn smiled back with her beautifully smitten shy grin. Steven swooped in and whisked her up in his arms, then carried her outside where a motorcycle with two helmets awaited them.

Caitlyn laughed and gasped in disbelief, “Steven, no way! Oh my, this is going to be so fun!” They climbed onto the motorcycle. Caitlyn wrapped her arms tightly around Steven’s waist, hugged him close and off they went. The day was gorgeous. The sun was shinning and there was just a hint of briskness in the air, perfect for an early September day to welcome in the fall season. They rode north to Ludington, Michigan.

“Welcome home baby!” A woman shouted out and came running toward them as they pulled up in front of an old farmhouse in the countryside. It was Steven’s mom. She was a lovely woman, dark long brunette hair pulled back slightly. She wore a beautiful paisley print sundress. She exited the house’s winding porch to greet Steven immediately with a hug and a kiss. A bit surprised, she turned toward Caitlyn with a large welcoming smile, “Well hello dear, you must be Caitlyn.”

Caitlyn was relieved and mostly excited that Steven mother obviously told her about their relationship. A bit shyly Caitlyn replied, “Yes, I am, it is a joy to meet you.” And then Steven's mother reached out and hugged her. It was a quaint and lovely gesture.

Steven and Caitlyn spent the entire afternoon with Steven’s family. His mother, father and grandfather were all excitedly awaiting his arrival and relishing in his company. The house was a perfect 1920’s farmhouse. It was very well kept, with 200 acres of farmland and fields surrounding it. Caitlyn felt as if she stepped onto a movie set. There was a clothes line off to the right side of the house with white cotton sheets waving to us in the beautiful lake Michigan breezes. Farm animals adorned the immediate surroundings, but not too many, just enough to fill the quaint atmosphere. Rocking chairs and giant swing adorned the front porch welcoming Caitlyn in. She immediately felt at home.

Three generations of coast guardsmen gathered in the kitchen for an afternoon lunch. The stories told were fascinating. Steven’s family had such a wonderful history and legacy in the area. Steven’s face lit up every time his grandfather and father talked about their excursions in the Coast Guard and the time spent on the water. Equally his grandfather and father beamed with light and pride when talking of Steven. They were so proud of his decision to enter the Coast Guard. It was a truly wonderful family gathering; one of those special moments… the kind that seldom happen… the times when everything feels just perfect. Caitlyn sat back in her kitchen chair completely savored the time well spent.

Steven and Caitlyn waved goodbye, as Steven’s family wished them well and waved back along with the sheer panel curtains blowing through the old shuddered windows and the cotton sheets on the clothesline. It was a moment captured in Caitlyn's memory forever; like that out of an old photograph.

They traveled along the lakeshore back toward Grand Haven passing beautiful farmlands, coastal cottages and lake views. When they arrived back in Grand Haven they parked the bike and took a long walk down to the beach and lighthouse pier. Holding hands they strolled along in the singing sands and paused at the spot on the beach where they shared their first night together - the place they held each other close and talked themselves to sleep. Steven and Caitlyn were captivated by the breathtaking pink hewed sunset as they looked onward at Lake Michigan endless abiss. Caitlyn thought to herself, “Wow, does it ever get better than this?” Steven gently wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her on the cheek. Caitlyn felt faint.

They continued walking toward the lighthouse and tower along the catwalk. The water was calm and the wind became faint, lightly blowing from the southeast. They strolled toward the front edge of the pier and sat against the Grand Haven Lighthouse walls sharing the dawn of the day and welcoming in the evening hour. Steven sat behind her with his arms wrapped tightly around her shoulders clasped under her chin. She felt so close to him. Closer than ever in mind, body and spirit. She felt so safe and secure in his company. It was something she had never experienced before. She was in love with him, and not just any kind of love. This was different, and went much deeper. It was a feeling and familiarity that she never wanted to end.

As they watched the sun drop beyond the horizon Steven stood up, reached out for Caitlyn's hand and asked, “Do you trust me Caitlyn?”

“Of course I do Steven.” She replied back immediately. “Yes, I do, it does scare me a bit though.”

Steven questioned her, “Scare you, why?”

“Because Steven… this is all really new to me. You and me; I can’t really explain it. I am just so…” she paused, looked aside toward the horizon and then back at him after taking a deep breath… “Completely yours…” Caitlyn hesitantly replied with a small tone of fear and awe in her voice.

Steven smiled back at her, “Okay. Then I am going to ask you to close your eyes for me. Just for a minute. Can you do that for me?”

“Right here on the pier? Well, okay… just don’t push me off onto the rocks please.” She giggled.

Steven replied, “No way! I’ve just got a little surprise for you.” Can you wait right here for a couple minutes? Don’t move.”

“Yes, I will.” She replied back shaking her head with her eyes closed. She wondered what in the world he could be up to. But she loved him and trusted him more than any soul in the world, so she went along. Steven disappeared for about three minutes when she began to worry where he had gone and what he was doing? She turned her body and face toward the warmth of the sunlight dispersing out to sea. The edge of the pier was a bit risky at night, and it was growing darker and cold.

Steven returned, walked up towards her and gently whispered, “Caitlyn,” he approached even closer, touching the small of her back. He peeked around to see if her eyes were still closed (as they were of course, and he knew), then breathed in a soft whisper sweetly in her ear, “I love you.”

Caitlyn turned around as Steven looked her intensely in the eyes. There in the dim last light peering out from the horizon alongside the occasional flicker of the lighthouse beam from the opposite side. He pulled her in close toward him, held her face in his hands and gently kissed her lips. With her eyes still closed she could barely hold back the tears of joy she felt and the emotions that were building up inside of her. She opened her eyes and looked up at him; Steven reflecting back into her own eyes. There were no words necessary. She kissed him again this time long and hard and hugged him with all her might replying, “I love you Steven. I love you with all of my heart, I think I always have, from the beginning of time. I know it probably sounds totally stupid… but, I think you are my soul mate.” Tears began streaming down her face.

Steven smiled sweetly at her spurting out, “but, oh, no, no… don’t cry… keep your eyes closed sweet Caitlyn, my love...” He wisped her up in his arms. Caitlyn let out a little gasp of fear, but closed her eyes shut regardless.

“Oh Steven, please! Just don’t throw me in the water!” She spurted out between giggles. She loved the way he picked her up so easily. She loved being in his arms.

He carried her up a set of stairs, and then Caitlyn heard the bang of a large iron door closing. They were inside of the lighthouse. She opened her eyes in excitement. There were candles igniting the interior of the light and the spiral staircase to the second floor. It was out of a dream. Steven’s status in the Coast Guard allowed him special privileges to access Michigan lighthouses closed off to the general public. He held her hand and guided her up the staircase. The site before them through the window was that of a stunning afterglow sunset, laying beyond the far horizon, creating a blanket over the depths of the Lake Michigan waters inviting them to rest in matrimony with the brilliant hues of the evening sky above.

“Day is done…” Steven's voice echoed through the peaceful silence of the room.

There was such a beautiful stillness to the lighthouse. The main room on the second floor was still furnished with the original turn of the century furniture. Caitlyn felt like they’d been whisked back in time. The room was adorned with old books, and antiques including Victorian tables, chairs, a beautiful red velvet couch and a large area rug that filled the space perfectly.

She imagined living here in the brilliance of the lighthouse’s working days. She imagined the quiet nights reading by candlelight and the hardships the keepers and their families must have encountered amidst the bouts of Lake Michigan’s furry. Caitlyn walked across the room admiring the old photographs and paintings that told a story all themselves hanging along the walls. She walked toward the east window of the room facing the light tower. The room was warm, probably resulting from the sunrays peering in throughout the day. She stood facing the light tower watching intently as the light streamed into the window with its fixed rhythm and intervals.

Steven noticed how lovely the light illuminated the room and on Caitlyn’s face as she stood there in the window. He walked over to her from behind and stood close to her looking out upon the rotating light beams. He brushed her beautiful blonde hair to the side, softly breathed his breath and kissed the small of her neck sending chills throughout her entire body. Caitlyn turned around toward him and began to feel dizzy; she lost her step and Steven rushed in to hold her up. He took her over to sit down on the couch. It was so quiet in the lighthouse but they seemed to be communicating without words. There was a sense in the air that neither one of them could no longer ignore.

Steven had been a perfect gentleman throughout their entire courtship, and she did not worry about being in his presence alone. She turned sideways, placed her feet up on the couch and laid her head back on the edge of the couch to catch her balance and breath. Steven stood on the side of the couch and leaned over her. He held the sides of her face in his hands and kissed her invertedly. It was the most romantic kiss she had ever experienced. It sent her into a dream. “What am I doing?” She thought to herself. She did not want this feeling to end.

Steven sat down next to Caitlyn on the couch facing her. He held the back of her head with his right hand and placed his left hand over her heart. They kissed and held each other close in a lover’s embrace in the midst of the light tower’s graceful light. It was the most romantic, intense and beautiful night of her life. She whispered softly as the candles Steven lit prior began to burn out, “Steven… I am so in love with you.”

Steven hugged her tightly and whispered back, “And I with you…”

Without a doubt or hesitation, they fell asleep in each others arms and woke to welcome a new dawn.

Chapter Eight – Unwelcomed Home

Jason returned from up north with his family in late August. He called up Caitlyn, “Hey girl, what up? Did ya have a good summer? My summer went pretty fast. I am really looking forward to seeing you!”

Caitlyn replied with a tone of awkwardness in her voice, “Hey Jason. It’s been a good summer. There is a lot to tell you about..." she paused and took a deep breath, "Jason, we should talk... are you free for lunch tomorrow?”

Jason replied a bit irritated,“Yeah, sure. I’ll swing by and pick you up around noon? Sound good?” Jason was now growing concerned. The tone in Caitlyn’s voice wasn’t the cheery welcome he was hoping to hear after a long summer up north with his family. He was very excited to get back to see Caitlyn and hopefully pick up where they left off the previous spring. He thought about her all summer and was very anxious to see her again.

The next day they went to lunch at the Kirby House K2 downtown Grand Haven. They sat down and ordered pizza outside on the veranda overlooking the Grand River and Grand Haven Lighthouse. The town was quieting down and visitors were much more scarce now. It was a relaxing and beautiful view. Jason was so happy to see Caitlyn, “So, you ready for this senior year? We’ve got a lot of things to catch up on. So, what's up, what did you do this summer?” He threw questions at Caitlyn with a sence of nervousness behind each one.

“My summer was really busy Jason. I actually was awarded Miss Coast Guard USA and did a lot of work with the community. It was really fun and surprisingly rewarding, but required me to participate in a lot of events and activities. I'm glad things are winding down now. How about you?" She asked him back. Her thoughts kept wandering back to Steven. And now, after sitting there talking with Jason, she was certain that there could be no relationship with Jason. She knew that her heart only belonged to Steven. Jason went on to describe his summer and some of the places he visited with his family in northern Michigan. He then began talking about the upcoming football season and their practices that started earlier that week. He moved on to talking about topics such as homecoming and upcoming weekend after football game dances. Caitlyn could barely stand it any longer and abruptly interrupted Jason,

“Jason, I have to tell you something.”

“Okay, what is it Cait?” He replied concerned.

“I’m sorry Jason, but I met someone this summer. His... his name is Steven. We’ve been seeing eachother a lot since meeting at the Coast Guard Festival. I really didn't mean for anything to happen or come between us this summer... and didn’t want to intentionally hurt you. Really, I wasn’t looking for a romance this summer. I was happy about the thought of us getting together this fall, but, then, well... it just, sort of happened. And, I'm pretty serious about him. I am sorry.”

“Well, I cannot pretend that I’m not disappointed. I thought about you all summer. I knew it was a risk… leaving here… and you. But, I was just really hoping we could pick back up where things left off. I thought we had something pretty good? We did!" He looked at Caitlyn intently. Caitlyn, a bit surprised settled down and looked at him caringly, tilted her head to the side, turned down the corner of her mouth and shrugged her shoulders slightly.

“Well, I am sorry also, Cait!” Jason shouted out in a harsh tone. He shrugged his shoulders, frowned, creased his brow and disappointedly sat abruptly back in his chair with his arms crossed. Caitlyn was a bit taken back by his temperament and actions. He was abrupt and seemed a great deal more disturbing than she had ever witnessed him behave before. It was a very unsettling feeling for her. She stood up and asked that Jason take her home immediately.

Chapter Seven – Mid-summer’s Dream

The Coast Guard Festival always marks a very bittersweet time of year for the residents of Grand Haven and the surrounding beach towns. It is a time of celebration at the height of summer that gives way to August and the onset of the fall school year. The festival is held the last week of July/first week of August every year. Once the festival is over the town’s mindset changes. It is a time to think of going back to school, preparing for fall sports. The town quiets and the tourists pack and taper away. The summertime decorations and rides get torn down, and the locals reclaim our little town once again. Caitlyn reflects on the past two weeks and how much this year has meant to her as she actively participated in many of the major events. She felt a sense of pride for this town, and pride for the country as a member of the community, the home of the Coast Guard Capital of the United States.

To celebrate the end of the Coast Guard Festival and end of summer, Adam planned a party inviting Caitlyn and their primary circle of friends. Caitlyn and Sami headed over to Adam’s for the Coast Guard end of season bash. As they walk along the street sidewalks, she thinks about the awesome date she had the night before with Steven. She wished he could be there tonight to hang out with her and her friends, but she didn’t know if it would be to soon to begin introducing him to the group. She didn’t want to scare him off or have him think she is some type of psycho clingy and needy girlfriend of sorts. Once she and Sami arrive at Adam’s, she hesitantly stalls and baulks at the idea the idea of going into his house. She hasn’t talked to Adam very much since she went on a few dates with Jason at the end of the school year, and she doesn’t want to get into a quarreling discussion with Adam as often happens on so many of their encounters.

Adam comes to the door and greets Caitlyn and Sami. He appears to be in good spirits, and she thinks to herself, “Maybe this won’t be as uncomfortable as I’d imagined.”

She mingled through the crowd and went out to onto the patio for some air. She was barely outside for a minute when she turned around and noticed him heading toward her. “Great, there he is, right on schedule…” she thought to herself. Of course Adam walked right up to her and asked her to sit down on the deck. “Adam,” she said, “I’m sorry if I hurt you when I started dating Jason, I know we have not talked about it, but I really am not in the mood to discuss it now… not tonight.” Adam interrupted her, “No Caitlyn, I’m sorry for being a jealous jerk. You know I still, and always will care so much about you. It was just so strange to see you move on, especially with Jason… You know, with him being one of my good friends and all. We all hung out together, it’s weird when friends are involved. I was just pissed off. It’ll all work out.” He said in a reassuring voice.

“Wow,” Caitlyn thought, “Is this the same guy that almost started world war three last spring when Jason took me to prom?” She recalled a moment at the prom late that evening after the guys went on there drinking excursion. Adam caused a huge scene at the dance, he was kicked out of the hall. It was insane. She then looked at Adam and let out a sigh of relief. She thought to her self, “Well, finally, maybe this is Adam trying to move on… maybe he is really moving on and away from me?” Then she quickly changed thoughts, “But, then again, maybe he is up to something?” Either way, she was grateful to hear him talking this way, and see him in a good mood. She felt a little bit better about the situation. At least Adam appears to be making some type of attempt to move beyond the past, even if there was still a tone of cynicism to his voice.

Caitlyn, feeling more at ease now, stood up and said, “Hey, I’m going in to get something to drink.”

Adam shouted out and asked, “Hey, can you get me one too?”

“Yeah, sure” she said as she left him on the patio and headed into the house. “Darn it,” she muffled under her breath, “I thought I was going to luck out and get away…not that easily I guess.” She returned to the deck with two drinks. There he was! It was Steven standing right in front of her, right beside Adam! Shocked, Caitlyn gasped and blurted out, “Hi” at Steven, eyes fixed on each other instantly and intently. “Here” she shoved one of the drinks toward Adam, “And for you?” She gave Steven the drink she had gone inside to get for herself. “So, wow, this, ok…how is it that you’re here? …at Adam’s?…here? … on Adam’s porch… hughhhh…”

Steven smiled, he looked so beautiful. He glanced over toward Adam. Adam stepped forward and put his arm around Steven. “Steven is my bud! We go way back! Stevie, here and I grew up together! Hell, we’re practically brothers. We’ve been best friends from way back in grade school. Then he up and moved to Ludington a few years back… I haven’t seen him until we bumped into each other down at the fest. He left Grand Haven behind in the dust…left the football team hanging in mid-air. Yeah man,” Adam patted Steven on the back again and smirked, “My man Stevie here is the shit.”

“Unbelievable,” she thought. Adam was acting like a real jerk, clinging onto Steven and treating him like his pet pal! Buddy… right… icky! I would have never have thought… not in a million years.” She felt completely frazzled. Adam stumbled back into the house saying, “Yeah man, I’d do anything for that guy, he’s like my bro. We go way back, quite some memories.”

“Hey,” Steven leaned in toward Caitlyn and gently placed his arm around her shoulders, “Let’s get out of here? You want to?”

“Yes!” I said without hesitation. I had to break away. Seeing Adam was just too much for to handle right now!

“Caitlyn,” Steven said softly, as the two of them headed toward the beach, “Appears, you and Adam may have had a past? You were acting a little strange back there.”

“Yeah, it’s really no big deal. There is no relationship or anything.” She said.

“Good to know.” Steven said back, “You know, it’s weird, I haven’t been in contact with Adam in a long time. We started growing apart in Jr. High School, that’s when I first realized that we were going in two different directions… taking two very different paths. My priorities changed, and I guess in the long run, it’s turned out to be a good thing that my parents moved to Ludington. Who knows the kind of trouble I would have been in with Adam around! I do really love the guy thought, we did grow up together, and I’d do anything for him.”

Caitlyn could see now how she could be attracted to them both at different times and spaces in her life. They were both kind in their own way, they had a familiar upbringing, and they were both unbelievable cute. She and Steven held hands and walked to the beach. They sat on the sand and spent the entire night talking to each other in the darkness under the occasional ray of light projecting from the Grand Haven Lighthouse. Caitlyn thought to herself, “I’ve never known a more perfect time in my life up till this moment, a more perfect setting, or a more perfect person to share this kind of moment with.” She fell in love with Steven that night. “It’s as if I’ve known him my entire life, and I just want to keep knowing and sharing more. I want to know every little detail about him!” She almost began to tear up just thinking about it all sitting there in the beach sand listening to his welcoming voice. It was all taking her by such shocking surprise; like something right out of a dream.

The weather was unbelievable beautiful, hot but not humid and a soft warm breeze reflected off the small waves of Lake Michigan. Steven started a bonfire and they sat there and continued talking. They cuddled close to one another as the night progressed. The light of the fire reflected beautifully from Steven’s face, reflecting off his brilliant blue eyes. It was so comfortable Caitlyn thought, so natural and safe sitting by the fire with Steven as the lighthouse illuminated the dark sky around them. They talked until both of their eyes grew heavy and dosed off next to the warm flames.

They awoke facing each other intermingled in the sand. Caitlyn opened her eyes as Steven opened his. She whispered, “I am so happy Steven, being here with you. I thought it might have all been a dream, and now, when I open my eyes to see you, I realize it isn’t a dream… you are here with me… I think you might be my real-life prince charming!” She giggled.

Steven wrapped his arms around her tightly and brought her in as close to his chest as possible. He breathed her in and held her that way for a few seconds before telling her, “You are so beautiful Caitlyn. I don’t want to wake up from this dream either.” He smiled at her, leaned in and kissed her with a simple, sweet, soft kiss, “Good morning.”

Caitlyn, terrified and excited at the same time, thought, “Two for two, he is on a role. His kiss is so wonderful. He completely has me… all of me… he owns my heart. I am so toast!”

Chapter Six – Casual Date

Caitlyn headed home following the memorial salute and drill ceremony. She felt exhausted with all of the day’s activities, and was especially tired of being in the long gown she was wearing. She changed into a pair of blue jeans and a white t-shirt, pulled her long beautiful blond hair back into a ponytail and dropped like a sack of potatoes onto her bed. She began dosing off to the twirling Cinderella thoughts of the handsome coast guardsman. “Sweet dreams beautiful man…” she whispered as she fell fast asleep.

The next morning she milled around the house. Not having many tasks to complete that day, she felt a sigh of relief. Sami called her on the phone, “Hey girl, what do you want to do today now that most of your Coast Guard pageant tasks are finally dwindling down?”

“Well, I don’t know, really…wait! Actually, there is one thing I’d like to do with this being the last day of the festival and all. I haven’t had a chance to go down and check out the Coast Guard Cutter boats on display. I really would like to go and take in the boat tours, you know, see how the Coast Guard officers live during their time out on the water…”

“Oh no, you’re really taking this Coast Guard stuff a bit serious now… maybe a bit to far… aren’t you?” Sami teased. “But seriously, that sounds pretty cool, I’ll pick you up in an hour. Well catch lunch at Snug Harbor afterward.”

“Perfect.” Caitlyn said as she hurried to find a great summer outfit for the beach and boardwalk. She felt relieved that she can finally get out to the festival wearing casual clothes again and hang out down town like a normal local. She wanted to look especially great today though… just in case. She figured the odds were high, but in the back of her mind, she couldn’t help but hope she may see that Coast Guard guy again. She smiled and frolicked around her room as she rushed to get ready.

Sami was right on schedule, she picked Caitlyn up and they cruised through town prior to walking down to the Coast Guard Cutters on display. They boarded the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinac. It was cool she thought… the walkways were so narrow, and living quarters were much to be desired, but she found it all very interesting. There were Coast Guardsmen positioned around the ship to help people with tour questions and demonstrate the equipment. Sami and Caitlyn made their way out to the bow of the ship where Caitlyn spotted the ship’s bell. “He, he…” she giggled, “I’ve just got to ring it!” And, as if she couldn’t stop herself, she gave the bell a good tug. The ring echoed down the entire Grand River. All the tourists turned toward the boat’s bow to see what the clang was all about.

“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe that rang out so loud Caitlyn!” Sami laughed.

“Oh no, we’ve got to get off this ship before they kick us off, hurry, let's go Sami!” Caitlyn felt a bit of embarrassment now. They giggled and tried to make their escape when suddenly, from behind them, they heard a low discerning voice, “Excuse me girls, but do you realize you just tampered with federal property?”

Caitlyn stopped in her tracks filled with panic, she slowly turned around to address the officer and offer her apologies. She turned and saw that smile. “Oh my, it’s you! wow…I…” she stuttered. He stopped her there,

“Hi, I’m Steven,” he held out his hand, “Are you both having a good time today?”

“Oh yeah, this is amazing... this ship. I’m Caitlyn and this is my friend Sami.” Caitlyn began talking excitedly at Steven. “Have you been stationed on this ship at all?” Caitlyn couldn’t contain herself, she wanted to say something, anything that would keep him talking to her.

“No not yet, but this fall I will be stationed out east for three months.” Steven replied, not taking his eyes off of her the entire time.

“Oh, that’s a long time on the water.” She felt herself growing increasingly embarrassed. “Well we probably should be getting on our way,” she haphazardly muttered. Steven wasn’t about to let her get away that easy – not this time!

“No,” he yelped, “I mean… would you like to grab lunch or something? I should be finished here in just under an hour.”

Sami, watching all of this in disbelief, piped up and said, “Of course she would!” She shot a glance toward Caitlyn in her "as if" signal. Sami thought that if Caitlyn did not agree to have lunch with this gorgeous guy than she must be totally crazed in the head. After all, Jason had been out of the picture well over a month now, with no phone calls, and this guy, whoa! “There is just something about a guy in a uniform.” Sami giggled to herself.

“Ok, sure, I’ll meet you in town outside Snug Harbor?” Caitlyn suggested as she and Sami exited the ship.

Sami was awe struck, “Who was that chicken of the sea? Oh my gosh, he is gorgeous!”

“He seems just so nice doesn’t he? I saw him yesterday after the parade, I didn’t talk with him much. I’ve never seen him around here before. He’s just so cute!” Caitlyn squeaked and hopped a bit as they walked back into town with a permanent grin on her face.

“Sweet, looks like this summer is taking a nice turn for you after all?” Sami replied.

“I sure hope it does, so far I’m in a complete whirlwind.” Caitlyn echoed with joy. She turned back for another glance at the ship, there he was at the top, he was scanning the area, making sure all was in order. Dressed in his summer bravos, he was the vision of perfection, a true Coast Guardsman.

Caitlyn sat outside Snug Harbor on the patio with Sami while they waited for Steven to arrive for lunch. Right on schedule he walked up to her and held his hand out for her to help her stand up. Sami perked up, “Oh, look at the time, I’m missing out on the best sun rays of the day, I got to go. You’ll be ok Caitlyn?” She nodded her head up and down and started to back away.

Caitlyn replied, “I’ll be just fine.” Caitlyn lived only a few blocks away so she wasn’t hugely concerned about being left there alone with Steven. In fact, she was elated to finally have some time to really sit down and talk with him. She felt weak as he gently touched the small of her back and led her to a table on the edge of the patio. His touch sent shivers down her spine, she could feel the energy between them, and thought to herself, “I can’t believe how amazing this is, I am so completely moved by him.”

They sat together overlooking the mouth of the Grand River, the pier and the Grand Haven Lighthouse. It was a gorgeous day, the sun shinning beautifully on the water reflecting joy in her face as she shared moments of silence looking into Steven’s eyes. When they finished lunch, they walked down the pier to Sweet Temptations for homemade ice cream, talking the entire time. Following ice cream, they sat along the boardwalk and talked the entire afternoon away. Evening began to set in to they headed to the giant ferris-wheel that marks the main street carnival rides. They watched fireworks light the sky as the Coast Guard Festival came to a finale. “Wow,” Caitlyn sighed. “This is just perfect.” She smiled at Steven.

Steven walked her home to her house. He naturally took her hand into his and gently held it as they strolled along the sidewalk and walked up the steps of the porch to Caitlyn’s front door. Steven turned toward her, hand in hand still, and with the other hand, he wisps her hair back gently, to see her entire beautiful face, leans in and kisses her softly, “Goodnight Caitlyn, this has been a great day with you.”

She about falls down there on the porch she feels so week in her knees. And with a kiss, leaving her breathless, she watches as he strolls off into the darkness down the street.

He thinks to himself, "There is no way I am going to let her out of my sight ever again." He glanced back once more, turned and picked up the pace to head back to the Coast Guard barracks. Once there he looked up to the sky and shouted out, “Perfect.”

Chapter Five - Memorial's Salute

That afternoon following the parade and daily activities, Caitlyn arrived at the Coast Guard Drill Formal Salute and Tribute where the Coast Guard Officers presented a gun salute and drill marching ceremony to honor the fallen members of the service. Steven was an active participant in the drill applicably dressed in his full bravos trops uniform. This was his first public event and he was extremely nervous. Midway thought the service, he glanced over toward the cutters on display. Much to his surprise there she stood; it was Caitlyn. He swallowed deep. “Wow,” he thought, “I can’t believe how absolutely beautiful she is. I can hardly breathe just looking at her.”

Then, as if she could read is thoughts, she glanced right at him and their eyes met in locked stance once again. She looked away as her face turned red and the thump in her heart beamed through the smile on her face, she couldn’t hide her feelings at this point. He looked over her way and found her again unexpectedly looking right back at him. The last salute fired, and he missed a step. “Oh brother,” he thought and cursed himself, “I hope my superior did not catch that… I can’t believe I goofed up in front of her!” His face turned as red as fire. He was embarrassed. He turned her way again, she was still looking at him. She batted her eyes and shyly dropped her head, then looked back up at him in a locked gaze.

Caitlyn thought to herself, “I can’t take my eyes off of him…he’s stunning. How can I feel this way? What am I thinking? What about Jason? I feel so mean. What about Jason? Oh, who cares about Jason now!” she whispered aloud under her breath with a giggle and bit the side of her cheek. “I’ve just got to know who he is…he…is…perfect…" her mind wanders…

Concluding the ceremony, Steven marched off with the guard, enduring a ten second halt sequence which feels like a lifetime to him. Then, when they receive their dismissal, he turns around in circles, and quickly traces his steps back to the cutter display in hopes of seeing her again. Restless, he twirls around feverously, desperate to find her. Without luck, she is gone, she’s not there. He closes his eyes, lowers his head, and says a prayer under his breath hoping for another chance to see her again, just another chance to be in her presence. The crowd disperses and the patrons walk off in different directions as Steven stands there alone in the center of the USCG memorial.

Chapter Four - Crowning Moment

Caitlyn was bummed out over the news of Jason leaving for the summer. She sat on her bed writing Jason’s name over and over on the newspaper as she browsed the help wanted ads looking for a part-time summer job. Sami, Caitlyn’s good friend since the fifth grade propped herself up on her stomach as she swirled her feet in the air thumbing through Caitlyn’s yearbook on the floor.

Sami was a gossip-girl. She enjoyed stirring up trouble and being a social butterfly. She and Caitlyn grew up together in the same neighborhood just a few blocks apart. They were very close friends over the years and were both very popular in school. Sami was quite opposite of Caitlyn but they balanced each other out. She had a wild streak and loved to coerce Caitlyn into risky business at any chance.

Sami poignantly read through all of Caitlyn’s personal yearbook salutations, good wishes and notes. Growing bored of the glowing remarks for Caitlyn, she abruptly closed the yearbook with a thump, and quickly jumped up onto the end of the bed, grabbing the newspaper from Caitlyn’s hands, browsing over it vigilantly, blurting out, “Oh, enough job searching, let me see that paper! You’ll certainly find something to keep yourself occupied this summer…but, why a job? Why not just find you a hobby or something? Let me take a look here... oh, I love the funnies!” Sami giggled and naturally began a deeper browse of the paper’s calendar of events section.

“Hey, how about this!” She shouted out loud. “The Coast Guard is having the Miss Coast Guard Pagent this month! That might be fun!”

“Oh brother, Sami, I don’t know about that.” Caitlyn sighed. She wished Jason was still in town. “It’s the summer of our senior year! This is supposed to be one of the best summers of our lives, filled with fun times, parties, boyfriends, you know!”

“Look here,” Sami changed the subject again, “Scholarship money and a wardrobe allowance! This sounds like my kind of hobby. We’ve got to sign up Caitlyn, it’ll be fun. Imagine the elegant dresses you could get for the pageant! Like red carpet dresses. How celebrity posh!” She teased.

Caitlyn started to see the prospect as having some merit. She thought, I suppose it would be a good way to put to use all of those piano lessons… and, it would at least make my parents proud and happy to see me perform the piano again? And, I suppose scholarship money would be nice for both college and resume credit… hmmm…”

“Yes Cait!!! Oh goody!!! I can’t wait to go shopping for our outfits! Please don’t say no… please, please, please!!!” Sami always provided a very convincing argument on almost anything she wanted others to participate in with her.

“Okay, fine Sami,” Caitlyn hesitantly agreed… but, I’m going to have to practice my butt off this week on the piano for the talent part… but, for you… I’ll do it. Why not? But, this is your idea, and because of that, you’ve got to help me get ready… and there is no if – and – or buts about it… you have to sign up too!!!”

“Alright, can do! Not a problem!” Sami laughed and immediately began planning, “Step one, let’s go shopping! This will be fun!”

“Thanks Sami, you’re right, this will be fun.” Caitlyn smiled at her friend. She dubiously picked herself up off the bed and grabbed her purse, “Ready or not, let’s cruise girl that Coast Guard boat isn’t going to dock forever!”

Caitlyn graciously accepted the honor of being awarded the title of Miss Coast Guard U.S.A. She enjoyed the pageant experience, but now came the hard part. For a month she and Sami worked on interviewing, walking, performances and finding the perfect outfits for the pageant, but now after achieving the title, it was show time. She had a schedule a mile long for the next two weeks of activities she was responsible of attending at the national annual U.S. Coast Guard Festival. Appearances, dinner invitations, tours, performances, you name it… she was invited and expected to be a participant at them all. She was nervous about all of these requirements at first, but by the end of the week, she could not believe how fast the time flew by and how much fun she was actually having. The Coast Guard Festival’s events all proved to be a real joy and blessing for Caitlyn. Beside taking her mind off Jason; she was glad for the opportunity to meet so many people in the community, reunite with friends and families and meet others visiting from all around the country. The young girls, smiled and pointed at her as she passed by, often whispering to each other, “Look at her, she’s a princess!” followed with giggles and sweet laughter. Caitlyn was glad that she could bring a smile to peoples’ faces.

One of the highlight activities of the festival included the famous Coast Guard Parade. It was a two hour long parade filled with floats, Coast Guardsmen, Politicians, clowns and candy. As the Miss Coast Guard Festival float pulled into the finishing parking lot as the finale float of the Coast Guard Festival Parade, Caitlyn stepped down and made an immediate dash for the closest lemonade stand. She was parched, and was getting dizzy after sitting long hours in the heat of the afternoon sun. She immediately stepped up to the lemonade stand window and ordered up an extra large lemonade to go. Then in a panic, she realized she did not have any money with her. “Opps,” she shyly whispered and gave the clerk a squeamish shrug, “Sorry, I didn’t…” She smiled smugly and began to turn away in embarrassment.

“No worries,” someone said abruptly from behind, “I’ll get that! And I’ll have one too please.” It was Steven standing handsomely tall and formal in his Coast Guard Uniform.

Caitlyn turned around and was immediately taken back. He glowed in the sunlight. She’d never seen someone so beautiful. Then he smiled at her, and she was toast! She thought, “Oh my gosh! Who is that guy?” She was at a complete loss for words. For a moment she stopped breathing. “Oh my, perhaps it’s just the heat,” she looked away quickly thinking, “What an idiot I must look like to him.” She hesitantly turned back toward him and looked up again. “Hi, my … thank you, yes, thank you for the lemonade…so much...really.” She smiled shyly and sweetly at him.

He chuckled under his breath, “Well, it doesn’t appear as though that dress has many pockets?” She looked down thinking something was wrong with the dress. “Oh no, is it see through?” she thought in panic. Then she looked back up realizing he was making a joke. “Oh, yeah…she smiled at him. Um, I have to go…” she muffled as she starred at him. Their eyes didn’t move a twitch, and in what felt an hour, they smiled again at each other, turned, and parted ways. He looked back around hoping to catch another glimpse of her, but only saw the faint outline of her red dress flowing in the breeze of the crowd. He was smitten. He knew immediately that he had just met the love of his life.

As Caitlyn progressed down the midway back to the float, she recalled the young girls comments from earlier that day, and thought to herself how she now “really” did feel like a princess. And, much to her surprise, she hoped the fairytale wasn’t about to end anytime soon.

Chapter Three - United States Coast Guard Legacy

Adorned with shades of sandy blond hair and beautifully tan skin, Steven easily captured the attention of all the young ladies in town. An all-American-boy – he was genuine, loving and grounded. He recently graduated his senior year of high school and was looking forward to beginning a career in the United States Coast Guard.

The Unites States Coast Guard has always been displayed in grand style in Grand Haven. Grand Haven is only one official "Coast Guard City USA." Every summer, Grand Haven is home to the annual festival for the United States Coast Guard, and is the home of the Coast Guard's National Memorial Service that honors fallen members of the service. The unit is located along the boardwalk of the Grand River harboring the Grand Haven Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the nation. The Station was founded in 1932 and maintains a special bond with the community ever since. Steven was very proud to be entering such a renowned and highly exonerated core as a serviceman to the United States Coast Guard.

A Coast Guard legacy, he was the fourth generation of Coast Guardsmen in his family. He grew up in Grand Haven and lived there until two years ago when his parents moved to Ludington, Michigan located approximately an hour north. He was an only child, and the apple of his family’s eye. Deciding to become a Coast Guardsmen gave his family so much pride and happiness. Steven was always there for them and others. Known and referenced as a loyal friend, and caring son — a beautify soul. In May he relocated to Grand Haven to begin his Coast Guard training. He was really looking forward to it, he loved the water and he was determined to make both his family and his country proud. He smiled as he stepped out of the car and walked up the entrance to the Coast Guard quarters. High above him flew old glory and off in the distance atop Dewey Hill sand dune waved another welcoming him home.