Page 62 of When Summer Returns

“Jesse James, making things difficult? I’m shocked,” Reece commented dryly.

Jessie’s mouth quirked in acknowledgment. “He did have a particular talent.”

Abernathy cleared his throat. “Miss James, I’ll have those additional documents drawn up as we discussed. Given the state of my office, it may take a few extra days, but I should have everything ready by the end of the week.”

“Thank you, Mr. Abernathy. I appreciate your efforts, especially under these conditions.”

The lawyer nodded, gathering his things with methodical precision. “Sheriff, I understand the community center will be distributing emergency supplies again this afternoon?”

“Starting at two,” Reece confirmed. “FEMA finally got additional pallets through on the morning ferry.”

“Excellent. Mrs. Abernathy will be pleased to hear it. We’re running perilously low on certain necessities.” With that oblique reference to personal matters, Abernathy took his leave, navigating between tables with careful dignity.

The moment he exited, Miguel leaned forward with undisguised curiosity. “So? Did old Jesse leave you a pirate map to hidden treasure? A confession to island crimes? A surprise illegitimate sibling?”

“Miguel,” Luke and Maggie said simultaneously.

“What? We’re all thinking it.” Miguel gestured to the bar at large. “The man was Seeker’s Island’s most reliable source of drama for decades. His will is bound to be entertaining at minimum.”

Jessie’s laugh held more genuine amusement than Luke had expected given the circumstances. “No treasure maps, I’m afraid. Though the rest…” She shook her head. “Let’s just say my father managed to complicate things even from beyond the grave.”

“Anything you want to talk about?” Luke asked, keeping his tone neutral despite his concern.

“Not yet.” She glanced at the clock above the bar. “Though I should probably return that call from Winston before he sends a search party. Is the landline still working?”

“For now. You can use the office if you want privacy.” Luke gestured toward the small room off the kitchen that served as Seeker’s Paradise’s administrative headquarters.

“Thanks. I won’t be long.” She started toward the office, then paused. “Miguel, what exactly did Winston say when he called?”

Miguel’s expression turned unexpectedly sheepish. “I may have exaggerated slightly for dramatic effect. He did mention a partnership offer, but the corporate jet was my creative interpretation of his urgency.”

Rather than seeming annoyed, Jessie appeared relieved. “Good to know. Though with Winston, a corporate jet isn’t entirely outside the realm of possibility.”

She disappeared into the office, leaving the small group at the bar to exchange glances laden with unspoken questions.

“Corporate partnerships and jets,” Maggie murmured. “Sounds like someone has options beyond our humble island.”

“Everyone has options,” Luke replied, keeping his tone deliberately even. “It’s about what matters most when making the choice.”

“Deep philosophy from the bartender,” Reece observed. “Next you’ll be telling us that home is where the heart is.”

“More like home is where the generator keeps the beer cold,” Miguel corrected. “Let’s not get too existential before noon.”

The banter continued, but Luke found his attention drawn repeatedly to the closed office door. Behind it, Jessie was navigating whatever complex career opportunity awaited her on the mainland—a life he knew little about beyond the broad outlines she’d shared. Finance. Success. Achievement. Words that described a world far removed from Seeker’s Island and the life he’d built here.

“She’ll make the right choice,” Maggie said quietly, having shifted down the bar to stand beside him while Reece and Miguel debated the merits of various emergency generators. “For her.”

“I know,” Luke agreed, though uncertainty lingered beneath his confident tone. “That’s what matters.”

“Is it?” Her perceptive gaze studied his profile. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re preparing yourself for her departure rather than considering she might actually choose to stay.”

The observation struck uncomfortably close to his private fears. “I’m being realistic. Her life is over there. Her career. Everything she’s built for fifteen years.”

“People rebuild all the time,” Maggie countered. “Sometimes in unexpected places.”

Before Luke could respond, Jessie emerged from the office, her expression thoughtful but not distressed. She approached the bar with measured steps, accepting the glass of water Miguel slid toward her without commentary.

“Everything okay with the mainland?” Luke asked, unable to fully disguise his concern.

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