Page 13 of Key West Promises

"It doesn't have to be a lot," Kaitlyn said quickly. She stood, moving to the kitchen counter with the energy of someone who refused to take no for an answer. "Maybe just brainstorming ideas or testing a dish or two. If it's too much, you can always back out. No pressure." She paused, then added softly, "But I really think you'd be good at this. It won’t be a sit-down dinner, just appetizers or maybe a buffet. I’m not sure yet. Elena said she knows several restaurant owners who might help, but it would be great if you could help too."

Leah exchanged a glance with Tess, who raised her eyebrows in encouragement. There was something different about this opportunity—it wasn't about making money or finding their place in paradise. It was about helping others find theirs.

With a sigh that carried more acceptance than resignation, Leah nodded. "All right. We'll help where we can. But let's keep it manageable this time. And we’re going to have to meet Elena at some point."

Kaitlyn beamed, her smile brightening the kitchen more than the setting sun. "Thank you! You're the best. Just wait until you meet some of the families at Paradise Harbor House, you'll understand why this matters so much."

Leah smiled. “I have no doubt.”

The next morning, Kaitlyn arrived early at Paradise Harbor House, armed with a notebook full of ideas and a nervous excitement she couldn't quite shake. The morning air was thick with humidity, and the porch's rocking chairs moved gently in the breeze.

Elena greeted her with a warm smile, already holding a steaming mug of coffee. Her clipboard was tucked under one arm, several new pages added since yesterday. "Good morning, Kaitlyn" she said, holding the door open. "Ready to tackle the fundraiser?"

"Absolutely," Kaitlyn replied, following her inside. The house smelled of coffee and cinnamon, with a hint of fresh paint from where they'd been touching up the living room walls. "I've got a list of potential sponsors, and my aunts agreed to help with the food. They're actually pretty excited about it."

Elena's eyebrows lifted, pleasant surprise crossing her face. "Your aunts are getting involved? That's wonderful. The more community support we have, the better. And from what you've told me about their creative ideas, they might bring exactly the kind of energy we need. I’d love to meet them."

“They want to meet you too,” Kaitlyn responded. “I think they’re afraid I’m getting in over my head.”

Elena smiled. “Oh, I’m sure they just want to better understand what we do here. Tell them to stop by anytime.”

Kaitlyn followed Elena into her small office, where a wall of photos told stories of Paradise Harbor House's successes—families smiling in front of new homes, women graduating from training programs, children celebrating birthdays in the backyard garden. Each image represented a life changed, a bridge built to a better future.

Kaitlyn and Lily spent the next few hours strategizing, contacting local businesses. Kaitlyn surprised herself with how smoothly the work came to her. She had always been good at organizing, but this felt different. It felt…meaningful.

Her social media skills, once used primarily for gathering likes and followers, now served a greater purpose as she crafted compelling messages about Paradise Harbor House’s mission.

"What about approaching some of the sunset cruise companies sooner, rather than later?” Elena suggested, reviewing their sponsor list. "They might be willing to donate a boat and crew for the evening. It would save us a significant expense."

Kaitlyn nodded eagerly, already pulling up her notes. "I've researched a few options. There's one company that does charity events regularly—they might be interested."

By noon, they had secured three small sponsorships and piqued the interest of a local bakery that offered to donate desserts for the event.

Kaitlyn practically floated out of Paradise Harbor House, her confidence growing with each small success. The morning's work had shown her that her skills—even the ones she'd once dismissed as frivolous—could make a real difference.

Back at the bungalow, Leah and Tess were brainstorming menu ideas. The kitchen table was covered with cookbooks, notepads, and the beginnings of a shopping list. Their old vision board had been repurposed, now holding sample menus and recipe cards instead of failed business plans.

"Key lime pie is a must," Leah said, jotting it down. "But maybe with a twist—like a coconut crust or mango sauce."

"And definitely conch fritters for one of the appetizers," Tess added, comparing prices from different suppliers. “We could do a mini version, more elegant for a fundraiser."

"No way. With all the great conch fritters on the island, there is no way I’d want to tackle that. Besides, we’re hardly fishermen or sea divers.”

“What about a vegetarian option?" Tess asked, flipping through her thrift store cookbook. "We need to be inclusive."

Leah tilted her head, considering. "Stuffed peppers? They're easy and can be prepped ahead of time.”

Tess nodded approvingly. "I like it. We'll need to test a few recipes." Her eyes sparkled with the same enthusiasm that had once led them to buy a coffee cart, but this time it felt grounded in reality rather than dreams.

"I hope Kaitlyn knows what she's getting us into," Leah said, though there was no real bite in her words. Instead, there was a hint of pride—both in their niece and in themselves for taking this step.

Tess grinned, reaching for another cookbook. "She's full of surprises. Maybe we are too. Who would have thought our failed catering business would come in handy?"

“Do you know if she’s talked to Gretchen yet?” Leah asked.

Tess shrugged. “No idea. Why?”

“Because, although I hate to rain on her parade, she has to answer her mother’s calls. Gretchen will be frantic and blow everything out of proportion. I’m going to have a talk with Kaitlyn. She can’t put this off any longer.”

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