Page 79 of Key West Promises

"You have my number now," Kaitlyn continued, pulling Sarah into a tight hug. "Anytime, for anything, all right?"

"All right," Sarah managed, her voice muffled against Kaitlyn's shoulder. As they pulled apart, Sarah wiped away a stray tear, her resolve firming. "I'm going to hold you to that. You’re going to get tired of me."

Kaitlyn shook her head. “Never.”

Jeffrey cleared his throat, stepping closer. "Ready to hit the road?" he asked, though his voice betrayed his reluctance to leave the newfound peace. “I’ll follow behind your car.”

Sarah nodded, taking a deep breath of the sea air one last time before sliding into her car.

Jeffrey looked at Kaitlyn. “Is it okay with you if I give you a hug?”

Kaitlyn managed a slight smile and nodded. “Sure.”

Her father held her tight as she breathed in the scent of his cologne. “Daddy,” she whispered.

Responding to her, he squeezed tighter, and said, “Don’t be a stranger.”

She pulled away, looked down at her feet and nodded, wiping a tear from her cheek. She knew it was all he could manage and for now, it would have to be enough.

He looked at Gretchen and nodded, then got into his car.

Kaitlyn waved from the driveway watching as Sarah pulled out onto the street, Jeffrey’s car following closely behind.

As the cars turned the corner and disappeared from view, Kaitlyn felt a pang in her chest. The goodbye was harder than she'd anticipated, but the promise of new beginnings lingered in the air, like the warmth of the rising sun.

Gretchen’s hand was on her shoulder and her aunts stood beside her.

“How are you doing, honey?” Gretchen asked.

Kaitlyn nodded. “I’m okay. At least I will be.”

One by one the aunts wrapped their arms around Kaitlyn. “You did great,” Leah said.

“You were amazing, sweetie,” Tess said.

“Thanks, everyone. I couldn’t have done any of this without your support. I love you all so much.”

“Group hug!” Chelsea announced. “And then, I hate to say it, but I’ve got to get packing and get on the road back to Captiva.” She looked at Gretchen. “What about you? When are you heading back?”

Gretchen looked at Kaitlyn. “I’m not sure. I was thinking today, but it’s up to Kaitlyn. What do you have on your plate today?”

Kaitlyn shrugged and then smiled. “I guess it’s time I go find Elena and accept her job offer.”

“YES!” Leah and Tess yelled at the same time and then did a fist bump.

Gretchen and Kaitlyn laughed. “Why don’t you go do that while Chelsea and I pack.”

“Sounds good,” Chelsea said. “I’ve just got to see Robert to check Jeffrey and Sarah out of their rooms. Wait a few minutes and I’ll walk back with you.”

Walking out of the courtyard, Kaitlyn felt the weight of the morning's farewell but also the lightness of hope. This was just the start, she reminded herself. The road ahead was long, and their story was just beginning.

"Well," Chelsea announced, hefting her bag, "Captiva awaits."

"Are you sure you won't stay one more day?" Tess asked, though they'd been through this already.

"Can't. I've got a new exhibit opening this weekend." Chelsea turned to Kaitlyn. "But you, my precious niece, better come visit soon. Both of you," she added meaningfully.

"Both of us?" Kaitlyn raised an eyebrow.

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