Page 46 of Key West Promises

Will smiled, his voice a little rough. “I think we just crossed into deep waters.”

Kaitlyn let out a soft laugh, her fingers curling into his shirt. “I think we did.”

They stood there, the waves rolling over their feet, the rest of the world fading away.

Whatever this was, wherever it was going—they were in it together, and nothing felt more perfect.

CHAPTER 19

The next two days disappeared in a blur of preparations, to-do lists, and the occasional minor disaster. Paradise Harbor House’s kitchen had transformed into command central, with Elena wielding her iPad like a general coordinating troops while Tess and Leah churned out trays of appetizers under her watchful eye.

The only problem was Gretchen wanted so desperately to connect with her daughter, she was driving everyone crazy, especially Chelsea.

"The bruschetta needs more basil," Gretchen announced, reaching past Tess to adjust the seasoning. "And honestly, have you thought about doing a test batch with sun-dried tomatoes instead? I saw this lovely recipe…"

"Gretchen," Leah said through gritted teeth, "I've been making this bruschetta since before Kaitlyn was born. The recipe is fine."

"I'm just trying to help." Gretchen rearranged the serving platters for the third time. "Speaking of Kaitlyn, has she mentioned her plans after the fundraiser? I mean, working at a shelter is wonderful, but it's hardly a career path. And about that young man with the camera."

Chelsea appeared in the doorway, arching an eyebrow at her sister. "Gretchen. A word?"

In the hallway, Chelsea crossed her arms. "You need to dial it back about ten notches."

"What? I'm being supportive!"

"You're being overwhelming. The bruschetta police routine? The not-so-subtle questions about Kaitlyn's future? You're trying so hard to make up for everything that you're suffocating everyone."

"I just want…"

"To help. I know. But maybe focus on the tasks Kaitlyn actually asked you to do instead of critiquing everyone else's work. And for heaven's sake, stop dropping hints about her career path. This isn’t the time to talk about that. Besides, she'll figure it out."

Gretchen deflated slightly, leaning against the wall. "I don't know how to do this, Chelsea. Every time I see her taking charge of something, being so…capable, I want to jump in and be part of it. But then I remember why she's keeping me at arm's length, and I don’t know how to…"

"Try harder?" Chelsea finished dryly. "Which makes her pull away more, which makes you try even harder. It's like watching someone dig themselves deeper while insisting they're building stairs. Maybe stop trying so hard and let things evolve naturally."

Through the kitchen door, they could hear Kaitlyn directing volunteers, her voice confident and sure. "The silent auction items need to be arranged by category. Maybe put the restaurant gift certificates together? And can someone double-check the display cards for typos?"

"Did you hear that?" Gretchen whispered. "When did she get so organized? And why didn't I know she could be like this? It feels like only yesterday I was telling her to clean her room.”

Chelsea laughed. "Maybe because you were too busy planning her life to see the one she was building." Chelsea's voice softened at her sister's flinch. "Sorry. That was harsh. But Gretchen, you have to give her space to be who she is now, not who you thought she should be. No amount of pushing her right now is a good idea. She’s got a lot on her plate. Try to be patient."

"I saw her looking at real estate listings," Gretchen blurted. "On her phone last night. Here in Key West. And Will mentioned something about a documentary series he's planning about local businesses. He wants her to help produce it."

"And?"

"And she's my daughter! She should be thinking about graduate school or a corporate job or?—"

"Or maybe," Chelsea interrupted, "she should be thinking exactly what she's thinking. Which, by the way, is none of your business unless she chooses to share it."

Inside the kitchen, something clattered, followed by Tess yelling

"Gretchen! What did you do to my bruschetta? You didn’t spread them out the way I told you to.”

Chelsea smothered a laugh. "Come on. Let's find you something constructive to do that doesn't involve critiquing anyone's cooking or career choices. I think Elena needed help organizing the donation records."

"But—"

"No buts. The only way you're going to rebuild trust with Kaitlyn is by showing her you can respect her choices. Even the ones you don't understand. Even the ones that terrify you because they don't fit your plan."

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