Page 55 of Key West Promises

Kaitlyn smiled, but there was a trace of nervousness in her expression. “Do you think this will help push the fundraiser over the edge? I mean, we need every dollar we can get.”

“The numbers are looking great so far. I appreciate what your Aunt Leah is doing regarding funding through grants. It’s very forward-thinking of her. We do take things one day at a time, but we still need to think long-term if we want to stay afloat for many years to come. “

“I know she loves to work with numbers,” Kaitlyn offered. And, she’s good at this.”

“I don’t know much about the finance and investments, but if you’re worried about money, your aunt Leah might have the answer for that. I realize that grant writing takes time, and it might be another year before we see any money. But, it’s still important to diversify our outreach.”

Kaitlyn nodded. “I understand.”

“You’d be surprised how many people see a place like this and have no real idea the impact it has on a community. We’re doing good work here, and that’s what counts.”

Elena reached for Kaitlyn’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I think this will remind people why they’re here. And when they see what their donations can do, they’ll give from the heart.”

Will shut his laptop with a soft click. “Then let’s make sure tomorrow night is everything it needs to be.”

Kaitlyn took a deep breath and then smiled. She didn’t want to measure the success of the fundraiser just by the numbers. What she worried about but couldn’t say to anyone was that she was afraid of disappointing Elena.

This was the first time she’d put herself out there after college. She did her best to push her worries away and focus on being herself, a young woman finding her way in the world, one step at a time.

The door chimed, and Jack appeared, his messenger bag slung over one shoulder. "Hope I'm not interrupting."

"Perfect timing," Elena said. "We just finished reviewing the interview footage."

"Good, because I come bearing news." He dropped into the chair beside Leah, who'd been quietly working on donor packets in the corner. "Mike—the captain—wants to do a morning walkthrough of the boat. Thought you might all want to see where everything will be set up."

Kaitlyn's eyes lit up. "Really? That would be incredible. Will, we could plan our camera angles ahead of time."

"Exactly what I was thinking," Jack smiled. "Nine a.m. work for everyone?"

"I'll text Mom and Aunt Chelsea and Tess," Kaitlyn said, already reaching for her phone. "They should see this too."

Jack looked at Leah and smiled.

“Thank you, Jack. I’m guessing you had something to do with that.”

“I might have mentioned it. I can’t remember.”

Kaitlyn, Elena and Will looked at each other and smiled.

The twinkle in Jack’s eyes told them everything they needed to know. That Leah was falling in love, and Jack Calloway was the reason.

The next morning dawned clear and perfect, with just enough breeze to ruffle the flags along the marina. Will and Kaitlyn arrived with her mother and aunts to find Jack already waiting at the dock, coffee carrier in hand.

"Cuban roast," he announced, passing out cups. "Brain fuel for party planning."

"You're a lifesaver," Chelsea declared, accepting hers. "Some of us needed this after staying up late sorting auction items."

“Where’s Elena?” Kaitlyn asked.

“She wanted to stay back at the house to get breakfast ready for everyone, so she said she trusted us to handle this.”

The boat was magnificent in the morning light, its white hull gleaming. Captain Mike met them at the gangway, his weathered face creased in a welcoming smile.

“Thank you so much for helping us with this fundraiser,” Kaitlyn said.

"Jack's told me all about Paradise Harbor House," he said, shaking hands. "My daughter volunteers at a women's shelter up in Tampa. When Jack mentioned this fundraiser, well…" He shrugged. "Seemed like fate."

They followed him aboard, Kaitlyn's breath catching at how spacious the deck was. Tess immediately started calculating table arrangements while Leah pulled out her ever-present notebook.

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