Page 5 of Serenity Harbor

For a moment, sadness flickered across the woman’s lovely features, but she appeared to make an effort to wipe it away.

“I’m afraid I’m not coming back to Haven Point Elementary right now.”

“Why not? Don’t you like being a teacher? You’re so good at it! I liked having my third-grade teacher last year, Mrs. Morris, and I learned my multiplication tables really good from her, but you’re still my favorite.”

Miss Bailey—at least he had that much of a name—looked touched. “That’s very sweet of you to say, Hannah. Thank you. I’m afraid I’m not back to stay, only for a month, for my sister’s wedding. I’ll be gone again before school starts up in the fall.”

“Oh. That’s too bad.” Hannah looked as if she wanted to say more, but her mother called her over with a smile and friendly wave at Miss Bailey. “I’d better go. My dad’s waiting in the van, and we told him we would only be a second. Bye.”

“Good to see you, sweetheart.”

She hurried away, and Bowie finally spoke. “You’re a teacher. That’s why you knew just what to do with Milo.”

She looked down at the boy, who was fully concentrating on trying to twist together three ties from the produce bag rack.

“Iwasa teacher. I taught second grade at Haven Point Elementary School for three years. Well, I guess I’m still a teacher. I’ve spent the last year teaching English in South America. I’m sorry I didn’t introduce myself before I took off with Milo to buy cherries. I’m Katrina Bailey.”

“Bailey. Any relation to Mike, who runs the auto body shop?”

“That’s my uncle—and my stepfather. It’s a long story.”

He held out a hand. “Bowie Callahan. You’ve met my brother, Milo.”

She shook his hand, not bothering to hide the surprise in her expression. “Your brother.”

“Half brother. That’s an even longer story.”

“Well, Bowie and Milo, it was nice to meet you. I should go finish my shopping.”

He didn’t want her to leave suddenly. “Thank you for stepping in. Milo can be...difficult.” That was an understatement that didn’t begin to describe his obstinate sibling.

“No problem. Welcome to Haven Point.”

She started to push her cart away, but Milo raced after her and held out the tangled twist tie.

“Thank you,” she said, taking it with a soft smile toward the boy. “Goodbye.”

Milo didn’t return her smile—Bowie would have been shocked if he had, since he rarely did—but he wiggled his fingers in return, which Katrina Bailey seemed to find charming.

She pushed her cart away, reaching for a bag of green onions on her way. As she did, Bowie’s brain sifted through the information he had just learned from and about her, and he realized in an instant that she could be exactly what they needed.

If he were the churchgoing sort, he would have called her the answer to his prayers.

“Wait,” he exclaimed.

Katrina turned at his overloud call. “Yes?”

“Did I just hear you’re only in town for a month?”

“That’s right,” she said warily. “My sister is getting married in a few weeks.”

“I don’t suppose there’s any chance you might be looking for a temporary job while you’re in Haven Point.”

She stared at him. “A job.”

“I’m in the market for a temporary nanny.” He turned around, away from Milo, and lowered his voice. “As you probably figured out, my brother has some issues. He’s autistic.”

“He has autism.”

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