Chapter 12 – September’s End

Sami and Caitlyn decided to take the train to Chicago for a day of shopping. Homecoming weekend was just around the corner and they wanted to visit Filenes Basement in search of the perfect homecoming dress. Sami was keeping her plans to herself lately and Caitlyn thought this trip would help them reconnect. Caitlyn knew she wasn’t there for Sami like normal because of the time she spent with Steven.

While deeply involved scouring the racks in the dress store, Caitlyn piped up, “Sami, I cannot believe it is almost October already! The time has just been flying by. I am so excited for Homecoming weekend. This year will be such a blast! I’ve got to find the most beautiful dress! I feel like I’ve stepped into a fairytale with Steven. I want the weekend to be perfect for us.” Caitlyn gushed.

Sami was not so enthused with Steven consuming all of Caitlyn’s time. Sami spoke up in a condescending tone, “Isn’t he supposed to be going out east for his service time on the water for like, three months?”

Caitlyn, oblivious to Sami’s mistaken demeanor replied, “No, thank goodness! Not until November. I’ve got him all to myself for another whole month, and I’ll be savoring every minute! We’ve become so close and gotten so serious Sami, I really can’t believe it. I feel so blessed. I would have never thought I could be this happy. Especially last spring after Jason left. Meeting Steven made me realize the difference between a crush and being in love. It’s so weird Sami, just crazy!” Caitlyn was blushing as she browsed through the racks of gowns.

“Yeah, crazy! Just like you! I can’t wait to pick out my dress, I want something really sexy! Hehe,” Sami teased in a jealous tone, changing the subject.

Caitlyn slid into the dressing room and tried on her chosen gown. It was magical. She caressed the sides of the dress as it lay perfectly on her body and looked up into the mirror at herself in the beautiful long white dress. She almost began crying she love it so much; mostly she loved the thought of wearing it for Steven. She stepped out of the dressing room to model the dress for Sami. “So Sami, you haven’t even told me who you are going with to the Homecoming dance? I am your best friend, why don’t I know this? So, spill the secret already.” Caitlyn jokingly giggled as she once again felt the soft silky fabric of the gown against her hands.

Sami nonchalantly looked up at Caitlyn biting her lip, “Well Cait, you might not like this.” Caitlyn grew nervous and they both paused standing still in front of the three-way-mirrors outside the dressing room.

“Why’s that? Stop it Sami? What do you mean?” She playfully pushed Sami’s shoulder lightly, “Really, who are you going with?” She asked Sami again, this time with hesitation.

“I’m going with Adam. Actually, Adam and I have been seeing each other since school started, you’ve been to busy and caught up with Steven to notice.” Sami snidely replied. Caitlyn could barely catch her breath. She completely disagreed with Sami dating Adam. Sami turned away and began thumbing through the dresses again. Caitlyn then confronted Sami,

“For real?” Caitlyn grabbed Sami’s arm, turned her around and looked at her directly in the eye, “You have got to be kidding me Sami? After everything you know from my previous relationship with him; everything I’ve told you about him. He can be very hostile and condescending Sami. You should not trust him. I really don’t believe you!”

“Well, believe it Cait. I’m sorry, he asked me to the dance, and I said yes. I don’t find him to be as bad of a person as you’ve made him out to be. Besides, people change, maybe he’s changed?” Sami replied, and shrugged her shoulder.

Caitlyn was very displeased with Sami and replied in a tone of sarcasm, “Yeah, right. Well, it’s your funeral,” she shook her head and walked away delving into a rack of dresses off in another section of the store. They spent the remainder of the day relatively distant from each other; only making small talk. Caitlyn was so disappointed with Sami. She also felt a bit to blame because she had been spending all of her time with Steven. She wondered if this was some scheme made up by Adam; or even Sami. Ultimately, she felt they both had it in for her, so she decided they both probably intentionally or unintentionally joined forces in spite of her. She shivered and shook her head in discontent. She felt like her friendship with Sami was on the brink, alongside her previous friendships with Adam and Jason. Caitlyn felt as an outsider these days around her classmates in general now that she was with Steven.

When they arrived back in Grand Haven Caitlyn dropped Sami off at her house, and then headed down to the pier. It was getting pretty late, but she was upset about the notion of Sami and Adam. She wasn’t quite sure why it bothered her so much, but she knew that nothing good could come of it. The waters were pretty calm for Septembers end. She was relieved because she really needed some time to sit and think in her favorite place. As she turned the corner to the front side of the lighthouse, there was Steven. She was happily surprised and rushed to greet him, throwing her arms around his neck and then settling in to hold him close. She exhaled, “My refuge, my darling Steven!”

“Well hello my beauty!” Steven replied back with a big grin on his face. “Did you find the perfect dress? I’ve thought of you all day.”

Caitlyn replied, “Yes, but I really don’t want to talk about it. I just want to sit here with you if that’s okay. Just, sit here and take in the day’s final sunlight?”

“Of course, of course baby.” He wrapped his arms around her and held her close to his chest as they sat and watched the final September sunset.

Caitlyn rested her head on his shoulder and relished in her thoughts, “He has the smile I fell in love with and the arms I want to be held in forever.” It had been an amazing month for them both. They were right where the wanted to be; together.

Chapter 11 – Undercurrents

The September gales picked up terribly late month, creating hazardous conditions along the pier. Steven was working long hours and shifts due to the increased wave and water warnings. Late season boaters were trying to bring in their boats for winter harbor and risking their wellbeing in heightened waves and cold weather to do so. Steven was on call 24/7 and was called for rescue missions almost every day the last week in September. Caitlyn worried about him out there on the water. Boats can capsize easily when the tide changes so abruptly this time of year. The pier was a very dangerous place to be when the water gets unmanageable. It can change in a heartbeat from calm to 6 feet waves in moments. The past week was a hard week for Steven. Three boys were out on the pier when one was thrown over into the channel by a large wave. The other two boys jumped in to try and rescue their friend. Local surfers caught sight of the trouble and were able to rescue one of the boys. The other two were dragged out to deep waters in the undertow currents. It was a very tragic accident. Steven and his coastguard crew were on search and recovery duty all week. Caitlyn could tell how terrible this incident impacted Steven.

Meanwhile, Caitlyn was having her own trials that week at school. Jason went out of his way to avoid Caitlyn. He was angry at her for blowing him off at the kiteboarding competition. Later on that following weekend, Adam threw another one of his standard weekend parties. Jason was there drunk and disorderly. And after he was fully intoxicated he decided to confront Caitlyn. “Cait!” He wobbled over to her, “I’m really disappointed in you. Why didn’t you stop by to see me at the kiteboard competition? I know you were there, I saw you with your Mr. Coastie.” Jason slurred his words and rolled his eyes. “You know I’ve come to really like you Cait. I count on you. I’m so pissed! I was really looking forward to coming back this fall and having fun hanging out with ya, ya know? I mean seriously? A coastie? Cait, when I told you that our friendship was really important to me… I wasn’t lying or trying to feed you a line of bullshit. And, I just can’t imagine that this new dude you’ve picked up is any good for you—or any better than I am for you—you really didn’t give us a chance!" Steven walks out onto the porch where Jason is talking at Caitlyn in a heated discussion. “Well speak of the devil, there’s your beloved Stevie… asshole more like it!” Jason rudely remarks. Jason had been drinking like a freshman frat boy since five o’clock that afternoon prior to the party. Needless to say, now at 9:30 pm he’s had enough intoxicated ammo to pick a slew of fights.

“How convenient, that this is when I finally get the opportunity to introduce Steven to Jason. Steven will never understand my friendship with Jason now.” She thinks to herself and shakes her head in disbelief.

Jason decides to poke at Steven, “So, you think you’re good enough for her? You patriotic types, you all think your better then everyone. You know you’re not good enough for her! You should just leave her alone! Why don't you get out of here and go back to your boat?” Jason waves his arm in the air as if to shun Steven off, then stumbles as he tries to adjust his stance. Caitlyn tensed up. She knew what a difficult week it was for Steven. He was a truly hard worker and Jason had no idea how much Steven had witnessed and done to help people in the brutal waters. She was completely unnerved.

Caitlyn steps in and abruptly addressed Jason, “Jason! That is enough!” she shouted. “You are being so rude, just stop it!” She turns toward Steven and focuses her attention on him. “I’m so sorry Steven; Jason’s been drinking too much for too long tonight.” Please Steven, please just ignore him and let him be. I’m sorry he is acting this way. I don’t know where this is coming from. Believe me, there is nothing going on between us to justify his behavior.” Steven is not amused and Caitlyn can tell by the intense look on his face that it is time they leave the party; Steven turns around to exit. She grabs his hand, “No wait, I’ll go with you! Don’t leave me, please?” She then turns toward Jason and snidely snipes at him, “You have no idea what it takes to be like Steven in the Coast Guard! And you know very well how I feel about Steven! If you were any kind of friend at all to me you wouldn’t be acting so childish Jason! Neither you, nor anyone else is going to change the way I feel about him.” Then she throws a snarling glare towards Adam who has now entered the scene. Through flying rumors at school, she knows that Adam has been talking down about Steven and her relationship with him. She turns back toward Steven and pleads, “Steven, please don’t let this bother you. And please don’t ever leave me? Let’s get out of here. I want to go home.” She and Steven leave the party together. “So much for back to school fun,” she says under her breath as she walks away with Steven disappointed that the evening has been so discerning.

They arrived at Caitlyn’s house, and she invited Steven in. They sat close together in front of the fireplace in the family room. Caitlyn’s parents were out for the evening with friends, so the house was quiet and calm, a nice change from the party atmosphere they just exited. Caitlyn speak up, “Steven, I am really sorry for Jason’s behavior. I don’t know what got into him tonight. I would have never invited you to join me for the party if I had any idea he was going to behave like that. I hope you know that. I thought it would be a good way for us to unwind after such a hard week. And, I really wanted some of my good friends to meet you, including Jason. But, I guess that was a mistake. You mean so much to me. And now, it doesn’t matter if they meet you, or like you. I love you. That is all that matters to me.” She smiled at him, and he leaned over and kissed her.

“It’s okay Caitlyn; I only wanted to be there for you.” Steven reassured her. She then perked up.

“Well, I’ve got a little something I’ve been waiting to give to you. And now is as good of time as ever.” Caitlyn smiled and flashed Steven a look of mischief. “Stay right there. I need to go get it from my room! Oh, I can’t wait to show you!” Caitlyn ran up the stairs and returned with a small wooden box. “Here is something I made just for you Steven. It’s something special I wanted to give to you; for those days when you are out on duty, out on the water over the next three months. I thought you could look at it and think of me. Open it!”

Steven opened the box, inside was a beautiful pendant Caitlyn designed and worked with the local jeweler to produce. It was a beautiful gold and silver pendant set in a Yin-Yang design. She went on to explain, “See, the waves symbolize the indication of water and undercurrent; how the waters can be forceful and beautiful. You are the person who helps to keep people out of harms way in the midst of these currents. You are the one who brings balance through your service. I thought tonight would be a good night for you to have it. I know you won’t be going out on the cutter until November, but I thought with all of the events that took place this week; this might be a bit of a healing piece for you.” He swallowed deep. He was taken back by it. It was remarkable. “I love you, and I want you to know how much I admire what you stand for and what you do.” Steven grew quiet. “Well, turn it over!” Caitlyn excitedly pronounced. On the reverse side of the pendent were the words inscribed, “Forever Yours, Caitlyn” Steven could not even get words to come out of his mouth. He began to tear up but, he didn’t cry because he didn’t want Caitlyn to see his soft exterior.

He looked at her intently and said, “Caitlyn, this is the most wonderful gift I have ever received. I love you so very much. I can’t believe you designed this. It is amazing! Thank you!” He grabbed her and hugged her tightly. Caitlyn then picked up the pendent and placed it around Steven’s head. She tucked the pendant into his shirt, placed her hand on his heart directly over the pendant and sweetly kissed him. Steven was over the moon.

Chapter Ten – The Promise

Caitlyn and Steven met every afternoon at the base of the lighthouse throughout the entire month of September. It became “their” special place; their private place only they knew where to find each other every day. That September was unseasonably warm in Michigan. It was quiet and the waters were calm for the majority of the month. Steven and Caitlyn were glad for the warm and calm waters, because it gave them time to spend together there, in their spot, a nook of the world they claimed their own – somewhere only they knew. None of their friends knew they escaped there every day. It became a safe haven for them, a place they could always go to escape when things got hard, confusing or when they needed to just be alone, away from everything. They loved it mostly because it was their escape to be together; their time to be wrapped in each others embrace, thoughts and hearts.

The second weekend of September always marked the annual West Michigan Kite Festival. It was a fun and brilliantly colorful weekend in Grand Haven. Kite enthusiasts, collectors and kiteboarders traveled from all around the country to attend and participate in the weekend’s activities. This weekend was very sunny and the wind picked up with the September gales as usual, making it perfect for kiting.

The variety of kites festooned the skyline along the lighthouse pier with fun shapes and colors in all sizes of directional flying mechanisms. Steven anxiously awaited Caitlyn’s arrival at the local kite shop in town. They’d planned to spend the day kiting in at the beach, so they were meeting there to pick out kites and grab lunch at one of their favorite local restaurants, The Rosebud.

“Steven,” Caitlyn shouted as she headed across the street, meeting him in a large hug embrace! “What a perfect day!” she was beaming. Her hop and step a little more jubilant than normal. She just came from the local jeweler in town, where she was planning an exciting surprise for Steven.

They entered The Mackinac Kite Co. store, picked out two kites for the day, and then went next door for lunch at The Rosebud. During their conversation Caitlyn spoke up, “Oh, Steven, we have to make sure we go and watch Jason in the King of the Great Lakes Kiteboarding competition. He is really excited about it this year. I told him we would take pictures of him too.” She began going on and on about Jason and his kiteboarding experience. Steven grew irritated with her excitement and interest in the whole idea, especially due to her past friendship with Jason.

“Caitlyn, when did you talk with Jason about the kiteboarding competition? Why do you have to take pictures for him? I am sure he has plenty of groupies who would gladly help him with his vanity shots and surfing hobby!” He was a bit harsh talking back at Caitlyn. “I’ve got other plans for us, I don’t want to waste a bunch of time watching Jason.” Caitlyn sensed jealous tension coming from Steven.

“Alright Steven, It’s not a big deal, really. He just mentioned it in math class, I only offered to take pictures as a nice gesture and as his friend. You know we are still friends. And we do have several classes together. But, hey, it’s really no big deal.” She shook her head as to brush the conversation off. “It’s not like he is expecting me to show up there to meet him.” She smiled softly back at Steven. Inside, she was a bit tickled to see his jealous side. “Let’s just have fun with our kites, and let the day take us where we want it to go.”

“Okay, sounds good.” Steven let out a sigh of relief. He too had been anticipating that afternoon with a surprise in mind for Caitlyn. He felt a little nervous and on edge. But, deep inside, he was not at all happy about the underlying friendship between Jason and Caitlyn. He wasn’t a student at there school, so he felt like an outsider and wished he could be Caitlyn more to see the interaction. He often worried about it at times.

They made their way down to the beach, launched their kites and enjoyed the afternoon amidst the flying contraptions hovering overhead. They found a nice spot on the beach, sat down and a blanket and enjoyed each other’s company. Jason spotted them across the beach as he made his way to launch his kite for the kiteboarding competition. He turned his head away immediately in discouragement and disappointment when he witnessed them kissing and laughing close with each other. He furrowed his brow and proceeded to put all of his frustration into the competition at hand. It bothered him that Caitlyn didn’t even come over to say hello before the start of the event.

The afternoon flew by. Steven and Caitlyn were completely encompassed in each other, and never even noticed the kiteboarding competition underway, drawing to an end. Then, as routine, they packed their belongings and walked along the pier to find their place at the lighthouse base. It was a welcomed comfort to be there together. Sitting at the base of the light now, wrapped in a blanket. The early evenings were growing much colder as September carried on.

“Caitlyn, I have something I want to ask you.” Steven spoke up as they both fixated their eyes on the sun setting off in the distance.

“Of course Steven, what is it?” She replied back.

Steven pulled a small box from his jacket and placed it into Caitlyn’s hands. “I know this may seem strange. Well,” he paused a moment, “Why don’t you just open it.” Caitlyn looked at Steven with much surprise and a bit of confusion. She slowly opened to box to reveal the most stunning stone set in a beautiful ring of diamonds.

“Steven?” She gasped for air, “This is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.” She looked at him in surprise and complete happiness.

Steven smiled back at her, “It is a blue star sapphire, a rare stone.* When I saw it, I immediately thought of you. But then, I am always thinking of you.” He smiled at her with a bit of shyness. Caitlyn smiled joyfully back. “Listen, I know this may seem strange and really fast.” He paused again and looked out on to the sun setting in the distance, then looked back at Caitlyn intensely, “Caitlyn, you are a rare gem too, and I wondered if you could picture us married some day? I know this sounds crazy, and it is, and I know we are young, but…”

“Steven, are you asking me…” she interrupted and began to ask him a question in a confused undertone. Then, before she could even get a complete sentence out he interrupted her.

“Yes, I want you to be my wife. You know… maybe, someday? Would you ever think to consider me your husband?” He asked her in complete sincerity.

Caitlyn began to tear up, and just as her tears began streaming down her cheeks in happiness she replied, “Yes Steven, a thousand times, yes!”

He hugged her tight, looked her close in the eyes and asked her, “Will you wear this ring as my promise to you; my promise to marry you one day? I love you so much Caitlyn.” Steven looked at her intently, moved his head side to side and gushed with smiles as he glanced over her beautiful face, lips, nose and eyes in complete admiration. “Will you marry me?”

“Yes!” she hugged him as close as possible, “Yes, yes, yes! There is nothing in this world I want more than to be married to you. I love you my Steven!”

The moment was perfect. Steven placed the ring on her left ring finger. The star sapphire ring surrounded in a wave pattern of diamonds shined brightly in the brilliant reflections of the sunset bouncing off of the Lake Michigan waters below.

* Genuine Blue Star Sapphire Ring Enclosed with Wave Diamonds Pattern set in White Gold; Design: Copyright J. Marshon

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.”