Page 80 of Key West Promises

"You and Sarah, of course. Tess and Leah can manage without you for a weekend."

Gretchen picked up her own bag. "I should get going too. It's a long drive."

The goodbye hugs were lengthy and slightly tearful, with promises of phone calls and visits. Chelsea whispered something in Kaitlyn's ear that made her laugh, while Gretchen held her daughter just a little longer than necessary.

"I'm so proud of you," Gretchen murmured.

After final waves and one last round of hugs, they watched Chelsea and Gretchen drive away. Tess wiped a tear, trying to be subtle about it.

"Don't you start," Leah warned, her own eyes suspiciously bright. "We've got work tonight, and I’d like to keep my mascara in place.

At Paradise Harbor House, Elena welcomed Kaitlyn's decision with a warm hug and a stack of paperwork. As they went through the details of her new position, Kaitlyn felt the rightness of her choice settling into her bones.

"Will's already talking about a documentary series," Elena mentioned, eyes twinkling. "Something about the transformative power of community."

"Of course he is." Kaitlyn laughed, just as Will appeared in the doorway, camera in hand.

"I heard my name," he said, grinning. "All good things, I hope?"

Kaitlyn smiled. “It’s not possible for me to say anything bad about you.”

He looked at Elena. “Mind if I steal your employee for a few? I promise to bring her back soon.”

Elena laughed. “You have my permission.”

“Where are we headed?” Kaitlyn asked as they made their way toward the dock.

“I realized something this morning. Do you know that you haven’t tried my favorite conch fritters since you’ve been in Key West? I thought it was about time I introduced you to Conch Republic.”

“They’re the best, huh?”

“You bet. Come on, let’s order some and I dare you to disagree with me.”

The hostess directed them to a table right next to the dock. A large catamaran filled with people pulled up alongside them. Will ordered the conch fritters and two beers. He lifted his glass in the air. “Here’s to new adventures.”

She smiled. “New adventures.”

They sipped their beer and then Will reached across the table and took her hand. "So," he said, "are you ready for this new chapter?"

Kaitlyn squeezed his hand. "More than ready."

“Well, I’m thrilled you’ll be staying. It means I get to see a lot more of you in the coming months.”

“Only months?” she asked.

“Well, I wanted to say years but I thought that might scare you.”

She shook her head. “After everything I’ve been through, it would take a lot more than that to scare me.”

His face turned serious. “Years, then.”

Lost in his eyes, she was startled when the waitress brought the conch fritters.

Will waited for Kaitlyn to take the first bite. He watched her expression closely. “Well?”

Kaitlyn nodded as she chewed and then gave a thumbs up. “The best.”

His laughter made the people around them look. “Ha! What did I tell you?”

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