Page 74 of Key West Promises

"We stayed up so late! Kaitlyn showed me all these pictures from Paradise Harbor House, and we made lists of our favorite movies—we like all the same ones! And she told me about college, and I told her about my friends back home, and—" Sarah paused to take a breath, her face glowing with happiness.

"Did either of you sleep at all?" Chelsea asked, amused by Sarah’s enthusiasm.

"Maybe two hours?" Kaitlyn admitted, hiding a yawn behind her coffee cup. "There was just so much to talk about. We thought about renting a movie, but by the time we did, we could barely keep our eyes open."

Gretchen loved seeing the two girls having so much fun together, her heart full at their easy connection. Despite their age difference, despite the years apart, they'd fallen into a natural rhythm of sisterhood.

"We should do something fun today," Tess suggested, reaching for another croissant. "The weather's perfect for the beach."

"Can we?" Sarah turned to Kaitlyn, her eyes bright. "I packed my swimsuit just in case, and I've never been to a Key West beach."

"Smathers Beach would be perfect," Leah said. "It's not too crowded."

Jeffrey appeared in the dining room doorway, looking slightly uncertain about joining them. Before he could speak, Sarah waved him over.

"Dad! We're going to the beach. You should come!"

He glanced around the table at the women, and at his daughters sitting close together, their matching features animated with excitement. "I actually have some work to catch up on," he said carefully. "Seems like more of a girls' day. Maybe we could all have dinner together later?"

Kaitlyn's expression remained neutral, but Sarah's face fell slightly. "Are you sure? It could be fun…"

"Let him work, honey," Chelsea said smoothly. "We've got plenty of sunscreen and beach umbrellas to share between us."

"And snacks," Tess added quickly, seeing Sarah's disappointment. "We'll stop by Harbor Lights and get Jamie to pack us a proper beach picnic."

"Jamie makes the best key lime pie," Leah told Sarah. "And he always gives Tess extra slices."

"Because she makes googly eyes at him," Chelsea teased, making Sarah giggle.

Jeffrey shifted awkwardly. "Well, I'll let you all enjoy your day. Sarah, your mother would like you to call her when you get a chance."

"I will," Sarah promised, but her attention was already back on her sister. "Kaitlyn, can we get one of those big floaty things? I saw them in a shop window on Duval Street."

"You mean a pool noodle?" Kaitlyn laughed. "For the ocean?"

"Is that weird?" Sarah asked, suddenly self-conscious.

"No, it's perfect," Kaitlyn assured her. "We'll get two. And maybe those ridiculous straw hats Aunt Chelsea pretends not to love."

"I do not love those hats," Chelsea protested. "I merely appreciate their practical application."

"You have three of them," Gretchen pointed out.

"In different shades!" Chelsea defended, making everyone laugh.

Jeffrey nodded a quiet goodbye and slipped away as the women continued planning their beach day.

No one seemed to notice his departure except Gretchen, who caught the flash of regret in his eyes. But she turned her attention back to Kaitlyn and Sarah, watching as they finished their breakfast in a bubble of shared excitement.

"We should probably change," Kaitlyn said, eyeing Sarah's sundress. "Beach clothes and lots of sunscreen. The Keys sun is no joke."

"I've got extra sunscreen in my bag," Leah offered. "The good kind that doesn't feel sticky."

"And I've got beach umbrellas in my car," Chelsea added. "Don't give me that look, Gretchen. Of course I keep beach umbrellas in my car. I live on Captiva."

Sarah looked around the table at these women who had so quickly included her in their circle, who treated her like she'd always been part of their family.

"Thank you," she said suddenly, her voice small but sincere. "I mean it. You all have been so kind to me."

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