Page 67 of Key West Promises

"That sounds really nice." Sarah's voice brightened slightly. "I just want to connect with you, Kaitlyn. I want to know everything about you. Do you feel that way too?”

Kaitlyn didn’t hesitate. “I do. You don’t have to worry about that. We’ve missed out on so much but that’s all over now. You just get here safely and we’ll talk about everything,” Kaitlyn assured her, brushing away tears.

"And I'm here to help you through this, every step of the way. Just keep driving safely, and remember to pull over to a parking lot if you need to talk or text, okay?"

"I will," Sarah promised, a hopeful tone threading through her words. "Thank you for calling, Kaitlyn. It means a lot."

“I’ll see you soon,” Kaitlyn responded, her voice thick with emotion. "Drive safely, Sarah. We're all waiting for you."

"See you soon," Sarah replied, a note of determination in her voice.

As Kaitlyn ended the call, the weight of their first conversation settled around her.

She turned to look at Will, who was the first to move, crossing the room to wrap her in a gentle embrace.

"She sounds scared," Kaitlyn whispered against his chest. "But brave too."

"Like someone else I know," Will murmured.

Elena was already in motion, her practical nature taking charge. "Chelsea, you said you'd made arrangements at The Gardens Hotel?”

Chelsea nodded. "The Garden Suite. It's private, away from the main areas. Perfect for a family reunion that needs space to unfold."

"I should call Tess and Leah," Gretchen said, pulling out her phone. "Let them know Sarah's okay and on her way."

"Already texted them," Will said.

Kaitlyn sank onto the sofa, the adrenaline leaving her system. "She sounds so young," she said softly. "I mean, I knew she was sixteen, but hearing her voice…"

"She's the same age you were when Jeffrey left," Gretchen remarked, then immediately regretted it. "I'm sorry. That wasn't helpful."

But Kaitlyn shook her head. "No, you're right. I remember how it felt—wanting answers, needing to understand. At least Sarah's brave enough to go looking for them."

Chelsea sat beside her niece. "What do you need from us? When she arrives?"

"Space," Kaitlyn said immediately. "Just…space for us to figure this out ourselves. No pressure, no expectations." She looked at her mother. "Can you handle that?"

Gretchen straightened her shoulders. "I can try. But I want you both to know I'm here if you need me."

“I told her to come here first. We can drive over to the hotel, but I want you all to meet her too. I know none of you are related, but you all still feel like additional family for her.”

“That’s how we see it, too,” Leah added. “All of us can be her unofficial aunts.”

Tess nodded. “I agree. Making her feel loved will go a long way in helping her adjust to the new normal.”

“Have you contacted Jeffrey to tell him where he should leave his car?” Elena asked.

Chelsea looked at Gretchen. “I suggest you send him a text and tell him to drive to the hotel. Let him know we’ve made reservations for him and Sarah.”

Gretchen nodded. “Of course, although I expect he’ll be thinking Sarah will meet him there.”

Chelsea smiled. “That’s the point. Sarah and Kaitlyn will be at Paradise Harbor House and Jeffrey will be there. He can wait until they’re good and ready to see him.”

Through the windows, the Key West evening was settling in, strings of lights beginning to twinkle along Duval Street. Somewhere between here and Key Largo, a sixteen-year-old girl was driving toward them, carrying the weight of family secrets and the hope of connection.

As Kaitlyn gathered her things, Elena touched her arm. "Remember what we tell our families here: healing happens at its own pace. Don't rush it."

Kaitlyn hugged her mentor, drawing strength from Elena's steady presence. "Thank you. For everything."

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