Page 42 of Key West Promises

“Then we keep it simple,” Tess said, her voice soothing. “I have the perfect idea. Why don’t they make reservations at The Gardens Hotel? We certainly don’t have room here. It’s a perfect place for them to stay, and an ideal spot to have quiet conversation, just the two of you, somewhere comfortable but neutral.”

Kaitlyn chewed on her bottom lip. “And if it’s awful?”

“Then you take it one step at a time,” Tess replied. “But what if it isn’t awful? What if it’s good?”

That was the real question, wasn’t it? What if Sarah wasn’t some awkward extension of a past Kaitlyn resented, but instead, a person she could come to care about? What if she wasn’t a reminder of all the things their father had done wrong, but instead, a chance to build something new?

Kaitlyn exhaled. “All right. But what about the fundraiser? This is crazy timing.”

Gretchen nodded. “Why don’t I call Jeffrey and tell him the plan. They can make reservations for after the fundraiser.”

Chelsea smirked. “Remember, Kaitlyn. When you do meet, we’ll be nearby. Not hovering,” she added when Kaitlyn shot her a look. “Just within bolting distance.”

That earned a half-smile from Kaitlyn. “Okay. Let’s do this.”

Gretchen looked at Kaitlyn and spoke softly. “What about us? What can I do to earn your trust again?”

The room settled into an unexpected stillness, as if everyone was holding their breath at the shift in energy.

“Give me time, Mom. I’m learning the hard way that none of us are perfect, and the things we do to run away from pain can be drastic. Can we please start by not lying to each other ever again?”

Gretchen smiled. “Never again, honey. I promise.”

“I know it’s practically a closet, but we’ve got a tiny room in the back. You can use the air mattress,” Leah offered.

“My rental is pretty small, but you can stay with me if you’d rather,” Chelsea added.

Gretchen shook her head. “No, I’d rather stay here to be near Kaitlyn, if she doesn’t mind.”

Kaitlyn shrugged. “That’s fine, Mom, but I don’t want to talk about this all the time.”

Gretchen nodded. “Of course. I understand.”

Kaitlyn smiled. “Well, then. I know we have lots to do in the next few days, but I really could use at least a morning at the beach.” She looked at her aunts and smiled. “Anyone with me?”

“Absolutely,” Chelsea said. “I didn’t come all the way from Captiva to sit in this living room.”

The tension in the room hadn’t disappeared completely, but it had softened, replaced by something fragile and uncertain—hope.

Leah stretched and stood, rolling her shoulders as if physically shaking off the weight of the conversation. “Well, that was a lot for one night.”

“No kidding,” Chelsea said, rubbing her temples. “I don’t know about you all, but I need something stronger than coffee after that. How about we all go over to Margarita Max’s? We can introduce Gretchen to Connie and who knows, maybe Jamie is playing tonight.” Chelsea looked at Tess and winked, then glanced at Kaitlyn. “You in?”

Kaitlyn hesitated, then let out a breathy laugh. “Honestly? Something tropical sounds perfect. We can toast to new beginnings.”

“Now that’s my niece,” Chelsea said with a smirk.

Gretchen hesitated. “Kaitlyn, are you sure you want me to join, or would you rather just have time with your aunts?”

Kaitlyn looked at her mother, the walls between them still standing but no longer impenetrable. “You can come,” she said after a moment. “But no heavy talks, okay? Just…pina colada, pie, and maybe some bad storytelling if Aunt Chelsea gets chatty.”

Chelsea clutched her chest. “How dare you.”

Laughter rippled through the room, lightening the air in a way that felt long overdue.

Tess nudged Kaitlyn’s shoulder. “And tomorrow morning, we hit the beach.”

Kaitlyn nodded, a small smile curving her lips. “Yeah. That sounds nice.”

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