Page 12 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

“I have to call your sister to see if she’s feeling better today,” Mom said while driving her Subaru Monday morning. “I was surprised she didn’t come to supper last night.”

Everleigh took in familiar landmarks whizzing past the window—the Coral Cove Veterinary Clinic, the pet store, the Surf Shop, Carolina Beachwear, and CeCe’s Toy Chest. Landon and Amber had joined Everleigh, Mom, and Dad for a barbecue last night. Dad had grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, and Mom served her delicious potato salad, along with baked beans and chips. They’d shared some laughs and reminisced about Alana, and their time together had soothed Everleigh’s soul.

Harlowe and Branson had been absent, which wasn’t at all surprising.

“I know why Harlowe ditched the family supper last night.” It was obvious to Everleigh, though Harlowe had cooked up some sob story about having a sour stomach. Everleigh had come to expect nothing less from her older sister, unfortunately.

But she would win her over—somehow.

Mom seemed surprised. “What do you mean?”

“She’s upset with me.”

“She hasn’t seen you for almost two years. Why on earth would she be upset with you?”

“For starters, I didn’t come to Dad’s surprise sixtieth birthday party.”

“But you had a good reason for that. If youhadcome, you would’ve been in breach of contract and then gotten blackballed by that healthcare system. Your dad understood why you couldn’t make it, and he loved the video you made for him.”

“Thanks, but Harlowe’s still upset.” Everleigh shrugged as if it didn’t still sting. “And she’s angry she wasn’t in Alana’s will.” She gave an abbreviated summary of what her sister had said at the memorial service. “She hasn’t spoken to me since.”

Mom patted her hand. “I’m sure she didn’t mean it,” she said. “And I bet she’ll apologize.”

Everleigh nodded, conceding that everyone in her family was probably a little emotional at the moment. Then, as Mom steered them down the road leading to the Sunshine Inn, Everleigh’s pulse began to pound. It would be the first time coming to the inn without Alana being there.

Keep it together,Everleigh told herself.Do what it takes to cope.

The sprawling historic colonial sported bright-yellow siding with white trim, along with a tower and a wraparound porch where Alana had taught Everleigh to roller-skate. Window boxes bursting with colorful flowers greeted them. The house overlooked Coral Cove Bay, where Everleigh and her siblings used to play in the summer. Alana had also added a detached three-car garage with an apartment above it, where Everleigh used to dream of living when she grew up one day and helped Alana run the inn.

Everleigh’s chest tightened, and for one second, she wished she’dstayed home in bed. She wasn’t ready to face the bittersweetness this special place now held. But even though it hurt, Sunshine Inn had been the backdrop to some of her fondest memories. She’d grown up coloring on this porch, and her first middle school crush had been on the son of one of Alana’s repeat summer guests. Then, over cups of hot chocolate in the kitchen, she and Alana had gone over the plans for their next big project. Despite her loss, Everleigh still planned to keep her godmother’s dreams alive. She had promised to get their nonprofit off the ground—and she would find a way to do it in memory of Alana.

Mom parked the car in front of the inn and pushed the door open. Then she turned and gave Everleigh a hesitant expression. “Ready?”

Everleigh took Mom’s hand in hers. “We’ll get through this together.”

“Okay,” she whispered.

Mom started up the front steps, her flip-flops lightly rapping against the wooden boards, but Everleigh hung back and took in the scenery. The early September morning air was humid, and the sky was bright blue. The songs of the seagulls drifted over her, and a warm breeze brought with it the scent of salt water. She hugged her arms against her bright-orange tank top and walked up the path until she came to the fake rock with the hide-a-key.

“It’s still here?” she whispered before picking up the rock and removing the key. She laughed softly to herself and sank down on the bottom step, recalling the many summers she spent at the inn working for her godmother. Those were some of her happiest days, as Alana taught her goddaughter to take reservations and payments. They also cleaned rooms and cooked together. That is,Alanahad done the cooking since Everleigh was never much of a cook. She could burn water without trying.

She looked up toward the porch and saw Mom staring at the front door. Everleigh could feel her mother’s grief coming off her in waves, and her heart squeezed. She bolted up the steps and took her hand. “Mom? You okay?”

Mom nodded, but tears reflected in her eyes.

“You want to sit together for a moment?” She pointed toward the porch swing.

Mom sniffed, and then her lips tipped up. “No, thanks. I’ll be fine.”

“You sure?”

Mom lifted her chin. “Yeah.” She started toward the door. “You coming?”

“I’m going to sit out here for a minute—if you’re sure you’re okay.”

“I am. I’ll see you in Alana’s suite.”

Everleigh blew her a kiss before Mom disappeared into the house.

---