Page 60 of Key West Promises

“I’d like that. I think your food is incredible.”

Jamie shook his head. “No, not at my restaurant. I thought maybe we could go somewhere away from Key West. I know a really great place in Key Largo.”

Tess tried to remain calm, but her heart raced. “Of course. I’m always looking for new places to go for dinner.”

"Good." He stepped closer, his voice dropping lower. "Because I was hoping maybe we could have a talk, maybe get to know each other better. I don’t know if it matters to you or not, but I thought you should know that I haven’t asked a woman out on a date since my wife died.”

Her heart fluttered. "Jamie…"

"I’m not trying to get serious here but I’m feeling things for you that I haven’t felt for years. I think it’s important that I not ignore those feelings," he continued, reaching for her hand. He laughed and looked down at the deck floor. “Am I making a fool of myself?”

Tess shook her head. “No, not at all. I’m glad you asked me, and I’m especially happy that when you finally felt ready to move forward, you thought of me.”

He smiled and nodded. “Thanks, Tess. Thanks for putting a guy at ease. I should check on the kitchen crew," he murmured, though he made no move to pull away.

"Of course," she agreed, equally reluctant to break the moment.

Finally, he straightened, but before turning away, he took her hand in his. "Save me a dance later? Once service is done?"

"You bet."

As Jamie made his way back to the kitchen, Tess leaned against the railing, letting the ocean breeze cool her flushed cheeks. She closed her eyes, feeling the gentle sway of the boat beneath her feet, and feeling an imbalance that had nothing to do with the boat.

The music wove through the evening air like silk, and somewhere in the distance, a seabird called a goodnight to the setting sun. This fundraiser wasn't just raising money for Paradise Harbor House tonight—it was marking the beginning of something new, something precious, something that felt remarkably like home, for everyone.

CHAPTER 24

The morning after the fundraiser, Paradise Harbor House buzzed with a quiet energy.

The event had been a success—guests had donated generously, the silent auction had exceeded expectations, and more than one local business had pledged continued support.

The lingering warmth of the previous night still hung in the air, but Kaitlyn felt something else settling over her: a choice she could no longer ignore.

She stood in the kitchen, staring at the coffee in her mug but not drinking it. Leah and Tess were already out running errands, Gretchen was meeting Chelsea before their trip back to Captiva, and Will had gone to get footage of the sunrise over the marina. The shelter was quieter than usual, but she didn’t mind. It gave her space to think.

“Elena’s looking for you,” one of the volunteers said as they passed by. “She’s in her office.”

Kaitlyn inhaled deeply. She knew what this was about.

She found Elena at her desk, a notebook open, jotting down a list of follow-up calls from the fundraiser. She glanced up as Kaitlyn entered. “Ah, just the person I needed to see.”

Kaitlyn smiled, taking a seat across from her. “That sounds dangerous.”

Elena chuckled. “I promise I won’t make you fill out spreadsheets again.” Then, she set her pen down and folded her hands. “But I do have a proposition for you.”

Kaitlyn knew it was coming, but it still made her stomach flip. “Okay. I’m listening.”

Elena leaned forward slightly. “I want you to stay, Kaitlyn. Not just as a volunteer, but as part of our team. I want you to consider working here at Paradise Harbor full-time.”

Kaitlyn opened her mouth, but nothing came out right away.

“The job wouldn’t be glamorous,” Elena continued, filling the silence. “You already know the pay isn’t great. But what you did last night—coordinating everything, connecting with donors, managing volunteers—you’re good at it. And it’s not just about logistics. You make people feel like they belong here.”

Kaitlyn let out a slow breath. “I—I don’t know what to say.”

“Say whatever’s in your heart,” Elena said simply.

Kaitlyn looked down at her hands, then back up at the woman who had become a mentor in such a short time. “I love this place. I love the people. But this wasn’t part of the plan.”

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