Page 78 of Key West Promises

Kaitlyn watched her sister's joy, feeling a surge of protectiveness and love. In just twenty-four hours, Sarah had carved out a permanent place in her heart, filling a void she hadn't even known existed.

As they approached Sunset Key, the restaurant came into view, its lights twinkling against the darkening sky.

The hostess led them to a prime table on the terrace overlooking the water, where the sunset would soon paint the sky in brilliant colors.

"This is fancy," Sarah whispered to Kaitlyn as they settled into their seats. Crystal glasses, and white linens gleamed against the wooden tables.

"Just wait until you taste the food," Jamie said, pulling out Tess's chair. "They have an amazing chef here."

Jeffrey cleared his throat. "I took the liberty of pre-ordering some appetizers. I remember Kaitlyn always loved crab cakes."

"You remembered that?" Kaitlyn asked, surprise evident in her voice.

"I remember a lot of things," Jeffrey said quietly.

An awkward silence fell, broken by Chelsea asking Sarah about her favorite foods. Soon, the table was alive with conversation again.

Will told stories about filming in Key West that made Sarah laugh, while Jamie and Tess discussed the menu in the kind of detail only restaurant people would appreciate, and Jack, amiable as he always was, only had eyes for Leah.

"Look," Sarah touched Kaitlyn's arm, pointing toward the horizon. The sun was beginning its descent, turning the sky into a canvas of orange and pink.

"Make a wish," Gretchen said softly. "That's what we used to do when you were little, remember, Kaitlyn?"

"I remember." Kaitlyn smiled, watching her sister close her eyes briefly.

"What did you wish for?" Leah asked Sarah.

"Can't tell." Sarah grinned. "But I think it might already be coming true."

The evening unfolded around them, filled with good food and better company. Jeffrey tried to include both his daughters in conversation, asking Sarah about school and Kaitlyn about Paradise Harbor House and her future.

Though there was still tension, it felt less sharp than before. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed and seemed to bridge the gap just a little, knitting together the fabric of a family long separated by circumstance and secrecy.

As the dinner plates were cleared and dessert was brought out, the evening air buzzed with the sounds of the ocean and the quiet chatter of contentment.

Jack, ever the romantic, raised a glass. “To new beginnings,” he toasted, his voice carrying over the table.

Everyone raised their glasses in agreement, the simple act sealing their collective commitment to mending and growing together.

And as the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, Kaitlyn leaned back, a contented sigh escaping.

Tonight wasn't just about rekindled family ties; it was a celebration of hope, of the possibilities that lay in the everyday moments, and of a future where the past no longer held them back but pushed them forward.

CHAPTER 30

Chelsea, Tess, Leah and Gretchen stood on the veranda of The Gardens Hotel, watching the scene in the courtyard unfold. They’d already said their goodbyes to Sarah and Jeffrey and left Kaitlyn alone to have her last moments with her sister.

Sarah loaded the last of her things into the trunk of her car, the cool morning air filled with the salty tang of the sea. Kaitlyn stood beside her, wrapped in a light sweater against the morning chill.

"I can't believe you're leaving already," she said, her voice thick with emotion. “I’m glad you came but it wasn’t long enough.”

Sarah leaned against her car, her eyes tracing the lines of the palm leaves above. "I know, but Dad wants to make sure I get back before we miss the college visits," she replied, trying to mask the tremble in her voice.

Jeffrey, standing a few feet away, pretended to be busy with his phone but Kaitlyn could tell he was listening.

"Hey." Kaitlyn touched Sarah's arm, drawing her back from her thoughts. "This isn't goodbye, okay? It's just…see you later."

Sarah nodded, a small smile breaking through. "See you later," she echoed. She glanced over at Jeffrey, who now approached, his expression softening.

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