Page 43 of Key West Promises

For the first time since she’d arrived in Key West, the weight pressing down on her chest didn’t feel quite so heavy. Maybe nothing had been fully resolved, and maybe there was still a long road ahead, but for tonight, this was enough.

And tomorrow? Tomorrow, she’d let the ocean wash some of the uncertainty away.

CHAPTER 18

Waves rolled gently onto the shore, their rhythmic motion a steady backdrop as Tess, Leah, Chelsea, Gretchen, and Kaitlyn strolled along the beach. Their footprints trailed behind them, vanishing with each retreating tide. The salty breeze carried the scent of the ocean, cooling the warmth of the morning and making everything feel light and unburdened. Leah tilted her head back to feel the sun on her face.

“I don’t think I realized how much I needed this,” Leah admitted, adjusting the brim of her straw hat. “Just the ocean, the sand, and no drama for a few hours.”

Chelsea chuckled, stretching her arms over her head. “Don’t say it too loud. The universe might take that as a challenge.”

Tess shook her head with a smile. “Then let’s not invite trouble. Let’s just enjoy the moment. When was the last time the four of us did this?”

“All four of us? I’m thinking Chelsea’s wedding weekend,” Gretchen said.

“It was all a blur for me. I kept worrying that the tent was going to fall on top of everyone. There were moments of fun though. It was good having you all there to celebrate with me.” Chelsea added, “But I agree that we all need to do this more often. We can take turns hosting. One year you guys come to Captiva and the next Gretchen and I will come to Key West.”

“Sounds good to me,” Tess added.

“Well, I have no idea where I’ll be. For now, Key West is my home and that feels right, but a year from now? Who knows.”

Kaitlyn, a few steps ahead, dipped her toes in the foamy surf. “I know I should be stressing over the fundraiser, but right now, I just want to pretend I have nothing to do but lie on this beach.”

“Pretend all you want,” Leah said, smirking. “But at some point, we have to talk about appetizers.”

Tess groaned. “Maybe we should let one of the other restaurants handle everything? I’m starting to feel like we’re taking on more than we can handle. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but now, I don’t know…”

Leah gasped, clutching her chest. “Bite your tongue! We are women of culinary distinction, Tess.”

Chelsea laughed. “Distinction? More like desperation. You two cooked your way through every bad financial stretch you ever had.”

“Exactly,” Leah said. “Which is why we’re going to make appetizers for the fundraiser. Jamie’s restaurant is handling most of the food, but we’ll contribute some homemade stuff. We promised Elena.”

Tess sighed. “And where exactly are we doing all this? Our kitchen is the size of a closet.”

“Elena said we can use the kitchen at Paradise Harbor House,” Kaitlyn said, grinning. “It’s huge—plenty of counter space, professional-grade ovens. No excuses.”

Tess crossed her arms. “Fine, but I’m not making anything fussy. No tiny, bite-sized, ‘stacked’ things.”

“Agreed,” Leah said. “I was thinking bruschetta, maybe some kind of dip and homemade crackers. Stuff we can make ahead.”

“And don’t forget the mini key lime pies,” Chelsea added. “Everyone will expect them.”

Tess sighed dramatically. “I should’ve kept my mouth shut.”

“You never keep your mouth shut,” Leah said, nudging her.

Kaitlyn laughed, shaking her head. “Well, at least the big stuff is settled. Thanks to Jack, the sunset cruise is locked in. Apparently, the boat’s captain is an old friend.”

Chelsea lifted an eyebrow. “Of course he knows a boat captain. The man knows everyone.”

Kaitlyn smirked. “I think he knows someone in every zip code.”

“True,” Leah agreed. “But hey, it works in our favor. The sunset cruise is going to be the highlight of the fundraiser. Between that, the auction, and the donations from local businesses, we should be able to do a lot for Paradise Harbor House.”

“I’ve seen some of the flyers that Elena did. They look amazing,” Kaitlyn said. “I think the fundraiser will be a big success. I know so many families are excited to see Paradise Harbor House getting the attention it deserves.”

There was a pause as they all let that sink in. It wasn’t just about planning an event; it was about changing lives.

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