Page 91 of Meet Me at the Grand

“No.” He leaned his forehead against hers. “You’re here with me. That’s all I need.”

“Liam Stone. Are you saying that I’m your home?” Dani sniffed. “Because if so, that’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying, Dani. You and God—you’re my safe places. Whether I have four consistent walls surrounding me or not, I know exactly where I belong.”

And leaning in, he kissed her, making the first memory of what he hoped would be many, right here.

* * *

Bonus Epilogue

Thank you for readingMeet Me at The Grand. We hope you loved this story. Return to Jonathon Island for more love and laughter in book 2,Meet Me on Lilac Laneby Andrea Christenson.

He was her late husband's best friend, but for him she'd always been the one.

Mia Jonathon Franklin has been living a nightmare for the last two years—ever since her husband and high school sweetheart died in a fishing boat accident, leaving her to care for her two young kids on her own. She's managed to stay afloat, but her husband's paltry life insurance money is gone—and if she can't find a way to support her family, she may lose the cozy cottage she and Troy had meant to grow old in.

So when Mia is offered a chance to buy her own house for a dollar if she can find business owners to move to Jonathon Island, it seems like the answer to her prayers. That is until she learns the ridiculous quota required to complete the deal. She’s in over her head...until her late husband's best friend offers to lend a hand.

Cody Hart has been haunted by survivor's guilt since the boating accident that claimed his best friend's life. Torn between his own dreams of reopening his family's fishing business and his desire to help Mia, the woman he has loved since their youth, he steps up to help. She needs him and he’s not going to let her down…or let his heart cause her more pain.

As Mia and Cody work together to breathe new life into the island's Main Street, their shared history and undeniable connection threatens to reignite long-buried feelings. Can they overcome the obstacles that stand in their way and find the courage to embrace a second chance at love, or will the weight of their pasts and the uncertainties of the future keep them from the happiness they both deserve?

Pre-order your copy from the Sunrise Shop for exclusive early access, or from your favorite retailer.

Keep reading for a sneak peek…

Meet Me On Lilac Lane | Jonathon Island #2

Chapter 1

Under the beauty of the sun banking to the west in a brilliant May sky, Mia Franklin could almost, almost believe her life wasn’t about to fall apart. She grimaced and pushed harder on the pedals of her bike, the colorful two-child trailer attachment bouncing empty behind her.

In between the shops dotting Main Street on Jonathon Island, Mia caught glimpses of Lake Huron sparkling in the sun. If only each sparkle were a diamond, then her problems would be solved. She knew better though. Knew just how deadly that deceptive lake could be.

Patrick Kelley waved at her from the doorway of his bar and grill. “Hi, Mia.” The fifty-something’s wiry mustache curved up as he smiled. “Got Finn and Maggie back there? I just got a shipment of peanuts in the shell, and I know how much they like them.”

“Nope, sorry.” She slowed to a stop in front of Kelley’s. “I dropped them off at Mom and Dad’s.”

“Come by anytime. I’ll give them a bag. My treat.” He waved again before disappearing back into his building.

Sometimes her life felt like an art piece. She pictured a museum curator explaining to a tour group, “Observe this portrait of Mia Jonathon Franklin. Widowed two years ago at twenty-two, mother of two children…”

Everyone on this island had their own way of showing their pity for her plight.

Too bad pity didn’t pay the bills.

Her phone alarm buzzed; five minutes until her meeting at the bank.

A chilly breeze floated in off the water and between the buildings as she biked her way down the cobblestone street, ending up at a graying clapboard structure.

Her belly rumbled as she pushed her way into the bank. Crammed into the handbag slung over her shoulder were three months’ worth of overdue notice letters sent to her from Great Lakes National Bank. Three months where she’d needed to choose between paying the mortgage or clothing her growing kids. Three months of keeping the heat on. Three months of avoiding Mr. Michaelson on Sundays at church.

She hated that she even needed to make these choices. She shifted the bag on her shoulder, the strap rubbing her through her jacket. Dark paneling lined the walls of the bank’s interior.

“Mia, come on back.” Mr. Michaelson poked his head out of the office bearing his name.

Gray-haired, tall, and slim, he hadn’t changed much in the almost twenty years she’d known him. His thin lips didn’t curve into his normal, cheerful smile. Kyle, her sister’s husband, worked for this bank too. For a fleeting moment, Mia wished she’d scheduled this meeting with him at his branch in Port Joseph, but ferrying there and back would add so much extra time away from her kids. Not to mention the expense of the ferry ticket.

---