A Broken Heart

Leads to True Love by the Sea

By: Rayann Baker

 Preface

Safe, comfort, compassion, and passion poured from his heart, body and mind like

electricity, made her feel loved. Blue eyes that danced and sparkled out of love and passion for

the things he held dear to him, made her feel like she was the only one; soft eyes that felt as if

she was peering through a looking glass that pierced her own soul, and yet hard eyes which

blocked the pathway to his own soul, made her feel both vulnerable and mysterious at the same

time. A smile that lit up the room wherever he was, made her feel important. His velvet, yet

strong touch, made her feel invincible. Those kisses that left her begging for more, made her feel

beautiful and whole. That contagious spirit, made her feel like she had everything she ever

wanted. All their talks. All their laughs. All their I love yous. One grand, magical memory.

Unfathomable ache, trembling spirit, sleepless nights, questions, guiltone big, heart-

wrenching memory. If only she had done things differently, maybe things would have turned out

the way she thought they wouldor wanted to. Maybe she would still be holding his hand.

Maybe she would be over-using I love you, and showing him how much she loved him. Maybe

she would have stolen his name.

Moving on seemed impossible. The idea of loving someone else did not interest her. Why

would she allow another person to hold the keys to her shattered heart? She did not feel as if she

had the capacity to love someone the way she did him.

Little did she know that her heart would surprise her with the best ride of her life. By the grace of

God, she found someone to love unconditionally, and who loved her so deeply that it took her

breath away.

-2-
 Part I

Chapter 1:

Summer Begins

Ring ding. Ring ding. The last cling, clang of the school bell rang through the halls and

into our ears that June day. Normally, we relate that piercing sound to mean shuffling from one

long-endured class to another one. However, this particular bell sound has a different appeal,

probably the best one ever. We all grab our book bags, say our good-byes, and swarm out the

doors to begin our Summer Break.

Hi, my name is Reagan. I have brown hair with blonde highlights, and blue eyes. I just

finished my junior year in high school. Going to school is not something I mind doing, but

considering that I am an introvert, making friends at school isnt always icing-on-the-cake for

me. I love to be around people, but Im also someone who likes to have a few close friends,

verses a crowd of friends. Therefore, I always look forward to summer break because I dont

have to worry about fitting-in as much. Besides, summer also mean no homework, no testing

anxiety, no grade pressure, etc. Summer break also means sunshine, warm weather, shorts &

summer dresses, long nights, breathtaking sunsets, pools, beaches, and all the other awesomeness

that summer brings.

-3-
-4-
 I am super excited to begin my summer plans! First on the list is Myrtle Beach with my

best friend, and we are staying for a whole week. I definitely see lots of sandy & pruney toes and

fingers, sun tans (or in my case, sun burn), bikinis, summer dresses, Ron Jon Surf shop, crab

legs, laughs, and much needed girl time in my future. Next on the list is Chincoteague. Family,

beachn, good cookn, card games, many ice cream stops, subs from the best, and pier watching

are things Im looking forward to on that beach visit. Coming home to a house without a greeting

dog is going to be very depressing! Cleaning my room from top-to-bottom will feel like the end

of the world, but really it wont be that bad. Visiting my great-great Aunt for the first time this

summer will be filled with hugs, pinches on my cheeks (and butt cheeks), hours of talking, and

waking up to the sweet smell of biscuits. Hanging out with friends and spending time with

family will be fun and time well-spent. The missions trip at Veronica Coast with my youth

group will probably entail hard work that will leave me feeling all warm inside for helping those

in-need. Im sure there will also be fun times, as wellit always is on a youth group trip.

Finally, buying brand new school supplies will equally be exciting and dreading at the same

time.

Look out summer, because here I come.!

-5-
 Chapter 2:

Butterflies

Veronica Coast exceeded my every expectation, and more. Not only was it rewarding to

serve children and feed the homeless by being the body of Christ, but it was also rewarding when

I was blessed with something elsethe butterflies. These were the type of butterflies that impel

you to hold tight to your insides so that they dont come flying out of you.

That whole week my attention was torn between two things the missions work, and a

handsome, blonde hair, blue eyed boy. Not only was I attracted by his outward appearances, but

he also had a way with those in-need, which was just as attractive to me, if not more. He had an

energy about him that was captivating, which made me want to be no more than three feet from

himanything else was too far. Up until that week, I had never felt anything like that towards

anyone else. Sure, Ive had many crushes, but it never went any further than that. This felt

different. Every night before falling asleep, I found myself praying and seeking the Lord with

what to do with these feelings.

With the youth trip coming to an end, I was still unsure with how to handle my feelings

do I hold on to them or do I let them go; were they real or was it just a week-long fling that

happened on a youth trip?

-6-
 Chapter 3:

Mutual Feelings (!?!)

That Never Happens

Guess what! Apparently, I wasnt the only one with fuzzy feelings because on the bus

ride home, that same handsome, young boy felt the same way. In fact, we werent even home yet

when he nervously, yet gently asked me out, in amazement, I said Yes!

That night, while lying in my bed, thinking about the past week and what went down on

the bus ride home, a sudden rush of feelings ran through me. Shock, confusion, awe, and pure

excitement tangled me. I laid there thinking, What did I do? Ive never dated anyone before,

and I dont know the first thing about being a girlfriend. Guys dont actually like me enough to

want to go out with me.

Due to how insecure and scared I was about this new adventure, I actually started to re-

consider the whole thing. However, after a few days I finally calmed down and decided to give it

a try.after all, it was pretty cool to have a boyfriend.

-7-
 Chapter 4:

Senior Year

Shortly after the Veronica Coast missions trip, school started up again. Senior year. A

year full of memories & reminiscing, endings that were just beginnings, changes, and good-byes.

Last prom, last walk through the halls, last dance recital, a last for everything high school related.

Senior year was my best year yet. It was a year of pure happiness, and feeling like I was

the luckiest girl in the world. I was living in a dream come trueand it was all because of that

blue-eyed boy who asked me out on the back of a bus, not quite a year ago. Senior year was the

year that I fell in-love for the very first time.

My stomach still had butterflies flying around every time I was with him. His eyes, smile,

spirit, and passion all became passions of mine. I came to love him more than anything or

anyone Ive ever loved before, more than I should have.

You see, God should be the one, and only one that you love the most. He should be your

true love. However, admitting-ly, I let that blue-eyed boy come between me and my first true

love. I became more effectuated with him than I did with Godor anything else in my life, for

that matter. The boundary between boyfriend and husband started to fade for me. Marriage was

on my mind.

-8-
 Chapter 5:

Crash: Shattered Heart

My whole world stopped the day that we broke up. The dream that I was living in

suddenly evaporated. A shattered heart was left behind. Cries. Sleepless nights. Haunted

memories both good and bad. Questions. Guilt. Months of misery. Cloudy vision. Endless

knee-gripping prayers.

The only thing that kept me sane was God. His presence never left me. He reminded me

that He is the Lord of my life, and that He is for me, and not against me. That song called, No

Matter What by Kerrie Roberts became my life song. No matter what, God will be there. No

matter what, God cares. As it says in Romans 8:28, [a]nd we know that for those who love God,

all things work together for good, no matter what, God will provide.

Scooping me up and dusting me off, He wrapped His loving arms around me. He poured

His unfailing love on me over and over again through the countless readings of Psalms and

Proverbs, and through prayer.

It is funny how when life throws you a curve ball, your relationship with God deepens.

Honestly, if it had not been for Gods interventions, self-less love, and constant care &

compassion, I would not be the person who I am today.

-9-
 Part II

Chapter 6:

Getting Away from the Memories

Trying to erase the past that left an impression on you is like trying to scrape off that

yucky, squished piece of gum out of your shoe while using a tooth pickit takes forever, and

seems impossible.

I have to get out of here, Mom! Senior year is over, and everything I see, smell, and

even touch reminds me of him.

I know Sweetie, but I just dont want you to get lost or hurt, or

I know Mom, but I just feel like I need to do this. Its not just because I want to escape

the memories, but I feel it in my spirit that Im supposed to go. I dont know, maybe theres a

greater purpose for me to go there.

Hmm, well, I can see you have already made up your mind. I dont like too well, but I

will do my best to be okay with it. Just please promise me that you will be careful, and call me as

much as you can. I will be anxiously waiting to hear from you.

I will do my best.

Good! Well, alright-y then, off you go. Here is a GPS if your phone dies and you need

it. And here is a Bible and some cash, in case you ever find yourself in a rut, and need some

assistance.

- 10 -
 In a weary smile, I thank my mom for everything.

Hugs and kisses for your MommaJust know that I will be praying for you constantly.

I love you, and will miss you very much!

Thanks, Mom! I love you, and Ill miss you too. Oh, and just so you know, once I find a

place of my own, you are more than welcome to come visit anytime. This will not be my forever

home, it will just be for a little while.

Thats really good to know, I will definitely hold you to that and keep that in mind.

After Dad checks the hood & slams the hood shut, I hug my family once more. Saying

good-bye once more, I walk over to the drivers seat, smile back before getting into my ole

hatchback, and started my journey for the adventure that lies ahead.

Im not going to lie, it was extremely hard to leave, more than I thought it would. Tears

stung my eyes, but I knew with the open road ahead of me and God by my side, I was going to

conquer whatever lied in front of me.

East Coast, here I come...!

- 11 -
 Chapter 7:

Reaching My Destination

Three in a half hours later, around 5:00 in the evening, looking out the window while

crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, my eyes witnessed the most magnificent sunset they had

ever seen. It was as if it was designed just for me. The pinks, oranges, reds, and yellows flashed

the evening sky like lava. It truly was a beautiful sight. Rolling down my window, I took in a

nice, long sniff of the salty air (because rolling down your window to take in that heavenly scent

is a must, even if it is October and its 50 some degrees outside). As each nostril breathed in that

ocean air, a spark of freedom birthed inside me and suddenly I felt alive againand that was a

wonderful feeling.

It was pushing 6:00 by the time I filled up my gas tank and went in search for something

to eat. Finding a local grocery store, I used some of the money my mom gave me to buy an end-

of-the-day deli sandwich, a banana (my mom would have been proud), a snack size bag of Lays

Salt and Vinegar chips, and a water. After paying for my dinner, I went back to my car to go and

search for a place to rest my head for the night. Considering I didnt have enough money for a

real bed, I found what seemed like a safe spot in a church parking lot to stay for the night (no bad

guys will get me here, right? God has to protect me if I stay here). Gobbling my dinner, I sat

there planning out my next day in my head. Before I knew it, it was bedtime. Sleeping in my car

wasnt the most ideal experience, but there could be worse options, besides, things were going to

be different tomorrow. Tomorrow was going to be important. Grabbing my pillow and blankets,

I said my prayers, and drifted off to sleep.

- 12 -


SHARK, SHARK, PULL ME OUT BEFORE..AGHHHH..

AGHHHHH!!! Jolting up with wide eyes and sweat rolling down my face, I was

relieved to know that I was just dreaming. Ugh! What a nightmare! (I sure hope this isnt how

the day is going to go!). After swallowing my heart back into place, pulling my hair back, and

taking a swig of my water, I checked the clock on the dashboard. (Oh shoot!) I should have been

long gone by now. Tossing my pillow and blanket in the back, pulling my seat up, I revved up

the engine and rushed out to head towards the shoreline.

Finding the nearest restroom, I quickly grabbed what I needed, changed into my bathing

suit, went to one of those public sand rinser-offer things to use as my shower, and went back to

the bathroom to put on something presentable. Wearing a splash of make-up, my wet hair in a

bun, my most decent pair of blue jeans, a black button-down shirt (tucked in), a black belt around

my waist, and black heels, I said a quick heart-to-heart prayer, and headed off in search of a job.

So many stops, so many jobs, so many triesso many nos. This was NOT how I

planned this! I NEED the money!

Grrgll grrgll, at nearly 1:30pm, my body started making hungry rumbling noises. My

mind was so focused on finding a job that I didnt realize how hungry I was. Counting what was

left of my money, I strolled the boardwalk in search of some lunch. I stopped at a beach bar that

overlooked the water, called Sunset Sails. (Surely I can find something here for $20??). Finding

an empty table by the water, I sat down and anxiously waited for a server to come.

- 13 -
 A rather plump lady with brown curly hair, soft eyes, warm smile, cheerful charm, who

looked to be about 50-some greeted me with a friendly hello.

Hello, my name is Karen and I will be your waitress today. May I start you off with something

to drink, my dear?

Ill just take a water, please.

Alright-y, do you need more time or are you ready?

Im ready actually Ill take the chicken salad sandwich on white bread with chips, please.

Okie dokie, one chicken salad sandwich with chips and a water coming right up.

Thanks!

While waiting on my food, I thought it would be a good idea to call my Mom to let her that I was

doing okay.

Buzz Buzz, Hello

Hey Mom, its me.

Hi Honey, Im so glad you calledI was starting to get worried.

I know, it has been pretty busy since I got here, but Im doing okay.

Thats good to hear. How was your trip?

It was good, traffic was pretty easy going.

Thats great! What are you up to?

Waiting for my lunch to come. Actually, I could use your prayers right now. I have tried and

tried to find a job somewhere, but either no one is hiring or they just dont want me! I really want

to find a job today to get start getting established here as soon as I can.

Of course Honey, I will definitely be praying. I know its tough, but youll get there. Youre

smart, charismatic, a hard worker, and much more.

- 14 -
Thanks, I just hope someone else would see that, too.

Im sure they will soon.

Alright Mom, well, my lunch is here, so I gotta go.

Okay Sweetie, let me know how things work out. I love you! Bye.

Bye.

As soon as the waitress sat my food down, I thanked her, and immediately picked up my

napkin, laid it on my lap and was about to indulge in my well-needed lunch when suddenly the

thought of saying a quick prayer came to mind. I thanked the Good Lord for my food, for all the

plans He has for me, for my Mom, and for His love. In closing I asked Him for guidance and

favor for someone to hire me, and preferably sooner rather than later.

Taking 20 minutes to finish my lunch, the waitress came over and asked if I needed

anything else. With a short shrug of the shoulders, half-jokingly, I said,

A job would be nicebut no thanks, Im good. Ill just take the check, please.

After a long pause, as if pondering about something, the waitress finally spoke up and said

Can you start right now?

Slightly confused, I looked up, and politely responded with,

What do you mean?!

Well, Im hiring youso, can you start working now or not?

In bewilderment, I sat there for half a second trying to process it all. I slightly laughed at

the idea to myself. Really? A beach bar? Who would have thought Id be working at a place like

this?? After doing a quick God check, to make sure that this is something that He would want,

making eye contact with Karen, surprisingly, yet desperately, I said,

Yes! When do I start?

- 15 -
With a pleased look she said,

Splendid!

While pointing her finger to a table on the other side, she spoke up and said,

How about you take that couples order over there?

Now?! I dont really know what Im doing yet, though.

Nonsense! All you have to do is say, Hello, my name is so and so, and I will be your waitress,

what can I get you? It really is that simple.

Standing up, gulping down my nerves and praying my heart out as I walked over to their table, I

took their order.

- 16 -
 Chapter 8

Established

Ding. Orders up!

Great, thanks, Joe!

No problamo!

It has been eight months already since my first day at Sunset Sail believe it or not. Things

have definitely fallen into place. Ocean Drive Beach will always have a special place in my

heart.

Now that May is ending and the dreadfully cold winter months are behind us, Ocean

Drive Beach is hopping with beach-goers. Beach towels, sand buckets, bathing suits, smell of

sunscreen, laughter, sound of kids crying because they got knocked down by the ocean all engulf

the Eastern shore. It is a happening place, for sure, and Sunset Sail is as busy as ever. It literally

feels like I am spinning in circles. Cocktails. Margaritas. Food orders. Clean tables. Sweep the

floor. Do this. Do that. However, busyness looks pretty good on that piece of paper that has

dollar signs on it. In fact, within a 10 minute bike ride from work I reside in a 1,000+ square

foot, open floor plan, duplex in a nice, quiet community due to the money I make at Sunset Sail,

well, that and a little help from Mom and Dad.

I have learned so much since being here. Virginia Beach has definitely brought out a new

me. I mean, deep down, Im still me, but I have really stepped out of my comfort zone and tried

new things, things that I had never tried at home. Over the past eight months, I have learned how

to surf (this took a lot of practice, failing, and flailing, but now Im actually pretty good).

Singing karaoke in front of a crowd of people is now one of my favorite things to do (crazy,

- 17 -
right? I still cant believe it. I remember the first time I sang on stage, I was shaking so bad

because of being sooo scared, now its a weekly thing at Sunset Sail). I have mastered the fixins

for any kind of drink offered on the menu (I could probably do it in my sleep). Thanks to the

chefs at Sunset Sail, I am now an expert in cooking anything that has to do with fish.

I also learned how to change a flat on my bike after not seeing that same pot hole that is

always there on my route to work and home due to being distracted by that flock of seagulls, and

making sure that they werent going to use my head as a facility. At work, I had an interesting

lesson in patience when an angry customer because wanted mayo on her burger and not on the

side (really?! All she had to do was take a knife and spread it on the burger, or ask for mayo to

come on the burger).

Needless to say, with some bumps in the road along the way, I seem to be well

established now and that life is good here at Ocean Drive Beach.

Until..

- 18 -
 Part III

Chapter 9

The Moment That Changed My Life Forever

June 9th changed my life forever. I remember that day all too well. I woke up refreshed

and well-rested. And, for some odd reason, I woke up feeling a little flirty that Wednesday.

Knowing that it was karaoke night, I zipped up my ocean-blue, tight at the top, flowy at the

bottom dress, put on my brand new golden sandals that matched the golden belt around my torso,

splashed my face with some make-up, and tied my hair into a flirtatious pony-tail.

Riding my bike to work, the sky had never seemed so blue before. The warm sun shined

on everyones smiling face as I rode by them. The breeze was perfect and felt amazing on my

sun-kissed skin. Today was going to be a good day.

At 4:00pm, he bounced into my life and forever changed me.

It was my turn at the bar again, and as I was handing two strawberry daiquiris to a young

couple, a firm, yet gentle spoken voice asked for a water. Wondering why someone would ask a

bartender for a glass of water when they could easily get one from a table, I looked to see who

said it. Meeting his gaze, made me get all queasy inside. Sitting in front of me was the most

handsome-est (if thats even a word) man I had ever laid eyes on. That dirty-blonde hair that was

short in the back and fluffed in the front, those captivating blue eyes that could share his whole

story, but wanted to know yours instead, the short stubble on his face, those perfectly, inviting

lips, that gorgeous, contagious smile, the muscles that filled his white t-shirt and khaki shorts

made my heart skip a beator two.

Shaking my head back to reality, I poured him a glass of water and handed it to him, and

said trying to strike conversation, I said,

- 19 -
You know you can order this from a table, right?

With a flirty, crooked grin, he said,

I know, but that wouldnt give me an excuse to come over here and talk to a pretty woman like

yourself.

Blushing and embarrassed, I went about back to doing my job. When I gave him another glass of

water, he asked me what my name was, I told him,

Reagan

Holding out his hand to shake mine, he says,

Well, Reagan, its really nice to meet you. My name is Braden.

Nice to meet you, too.

By 5:00pm, more people started piling in, karaoke was about to start. While setting up the

stage, mics, sound system, and lights, I noticed Braden and I were constantly aware of each

other. As karaoke night carried on, Braden never left. At one point, Chef Joe hollered out and

said,

Reagans turn!

Everyone cheers and urges me to go next. Usually I am very excited to sing my heart out,

but this night was different. Braden was there, and he was going to hear me sing for the first

time. The blood in my veins were pumping, and so was my heart, so much so that I thought

everyone was going to hear it through the mic. Swallowing my nerves, I sang, Brighter Than

the Sun by Colbie Cillat (I thought it would fit the corky beach spirit that was in the air). When

I was done, I reluctantly went back to the counter. Smiling that corky smile, in the same

sentence, Braden told me how I was a good singer, and then asked what time I got off. I told him,

- 20 -
6 oclock, but I usually stay to watch the other performers.

Great! That suits me just fine.

6:00pm finally rolled around. Braden led me over to a table for two near the water, away

from the crowd, but also one that had a great view of the stage. We ordered drinks, and as if we

had known each other for a really long time, we started sharing conversation after conversation.

There was not a topic in the world that we didnt seem to cover. One of the conversations that

came up was where each other was from. When I told him I was from a one stoplight town,

called Merryville, VA, he just stared at me for what felt like the longest minute ever. Finally, out

of disbelief, he tells me that he is from the next town over.

What?! Are you serious?

Dead serious.

After that, we knew we were in for a long night of stories from our past, present, and

future. That June night easily became my absolute favorite day at Ocean Drive Beach since the

day I arrived.

- 21 -
 Chapter 10

Falling in LoveFast

From that moment on, every day was filled with endless talks & laughs, with passion &

compassion, and with love in our hearts. Every day was an adventure. Every day, we fell more

and more in-love..

On Wednesday, August 25th, at 9:30pm, after singing, God Blessed the Broken Road

by Rascal Flats at karaoke night, Braden walked into the middle of the dance floor, with the mic

still in his hand. He started talking about how he met a girl almost 2 months ago, and how she

changed his life. He went on about how much she meant to him, and how much he loved her. At

the end of his speech, he called my name, and beckoned me out on the dance floor. Reluctantly, I

went to him. After a few moments of telling me how much he loved me, never losing eye

contact, he got down on one knee, pulled out a beautiful diamond ring with blue topaz gems on

either side, and asked me to marry him. Of course, I said

YES!

- 22 -
 Chapter 11

Moving Back Home to Say I Do

Getting married meant that I had to pack up my things, say my good-byes, and move

back home with my fianc. Since coincidently we were from the same area, we wanted to get

married back home, close to our family and friends.

Friday, March 11th, at 5:00pm, Braden and I exchanged our vows, the kiss, our families,

and became husband and wife. We danced the night away at our reception, and absorbed all of

the love being shared on that spectacular night. Our Honeymoon was well-spent in the Bahamas.

We came back sun-kissed, re-charged, and ready to start our life together as a married couple.

Its funny, deep down, somehow, I always had a feeling that something was going to

bring me back home before I brought myself back home, but who would have thought that it

would have been true love?

Epilogue

I Thought I Loved You Then by Brad Paisley

God has truly blessed both of us with a strong, passionate, loving marriage. We may not

be perfect all the time, but the marriage that God ordained between us is perfect. As life goes on,

so does our love for each other. It grows more and more every day. Just when we thought we

couldnt possibly love each other morewe find a way to fall in-love all over again.

- 23 -