Marvin

Who could be lucky enough to travel to the Vineyard for work while vacationing with their ex-husband and two young daughters in tow, and fall in love with the man of her dreams? Why me, of course! 

Driving from Connecticut a few days before my family, I relished the solitude of a pre-dawn drive. The orange sun began rising as I crossed The Bourne Bridge. Those last moments to Woods Hole felt transformative, and stress relieving. Sitting on the ferry’s upper deck with my first vacation mimosa, the gentle August breeze brushed my skin, tingling with anticipation.

Upon reaching my friend’s home in Tashmoo Cove, I grabbed a cocktail and played bid-whist. In the midst of the game, I spotted him—Marvin. His smile gleamed against his warm brown skin, quietly intriguing. I noted the vibrant woman beside him—Linda, whom I assumed was his wife. We exchanged brief introductions before I returned to the game.

The next day, I attended the Summer Executive Workshop at The Mansion House, bustling with notable Black executives. During lunch, he appeared again. “Hi, I’m Marvin. We met last night,” he said, sending my mind racing. “Where’s his wife?” I wondered.

We conversed about the workshops and events. When Marvin asked if I would join the Island bus tour, we made plans to meet later. However, eager to see my daughters, I went for bike rides instead.

The weekend's final event was on Tashmoo Lake. Just as I entered the backyard, there was Marvin again, near the food stations.

“Hey, I looked for you on the bus tour,” he greeted.

“Oh, something came up and I couldn’t make it,” I replied, secretly thrilled he sought me out. 

Our conversation flowed naturally over paella, but after drinking, I needed to briefly excuse myself. Reluctant to end our enchanting exchange, I whispered, “Don’t go anywhere, I’ll be right back.” When I returned, he was still there—same spot, same smile.

We had discussed everything except our personal lives. When he asked how I managed work and life, I seized the moment: “As a single mom, it isn’t always easy.” His smile widened as he replied, “I’m a single dad.” I was awash with excitement, reminiscent of the thrill I experienced driving to Woods Hole.

Shifting the topic to music. I exclaimed, “Everyone knows the best love song is ‘Love Ballad.’” With that, Marvin swept me into his arms, lifting me off the ground. It was his favorite too!

Later, enjoying a nightcap at Deon’s, he revealed he was a widower with three boys, and that it, was his late wife’s birthday. He had spent the day with best friend Linda and jokingly told her, “I’m going to find myself a girlfriend today!” It was kismet!

And sixteen years later, whenever I cross the Bourne Bridge, I feel that rush of excitement, the summer winds, and his smile, sending goosebumps across my skin as I head toward our home in Edgartown, our Serendipity on The Island.