Page 122 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

The memory of that party flashed through Everleigh’s mind. “Harlowe, they talked to me because I was new.” She pressed her lips together and waved her off. “And your boyfriend at the time was a creep. He wound up cheating on you, and you were better off without him. Besides, you have no reason to be jealous of me. You’re pretty and talented, andyou’rethe one with the husband.”

“You don’t realize just how magnetic you are. Everyone loves you. You’re sweet, funny, kind... You’re a ray of sunshine, and I always wished I could be like you.” She rested her chin on her palm. “And don’t even get me started on your hair, Everleigh. What I would do to be a real redhead.”

“What?” Everleigh touched her hair. “I’d do anything to have hair like yours! I’ve always wished I looked more like you and Mom. I was teased mercilessly in school for having hair the color of orange crayons.”

“Why would you want to look like me?” Harlowe asked. “You’re stunning, Evie. Exotic, even.” Then she laughed. “I never told you I tried to dye my hair red in college. It was a disaster. Thankfully, I convinced one of my sorority sisters to fix it for me.”

“I need to see photos of that!”

“Hopefully none exist,” Harlowe said.

Everleigh laughed, and Harlowe joined her. Something inside Everleigh warmed. It felt so good to laugh with her sister. For a moment, she was certain she was dreaming.

Harlowe wiped her eyes. “When I found out that you got the inn, I thought I was going to lose my mind.” She chose a napkin from the holder on the island and began shredding it. “Branson and I have been struggling financially for a while, and that news... Well, it was the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

Everleigh took Harlowe’s hand in hers. “I’ve been saving money for a long time, and I can help you. How much do you need?”

“I can’t take your money, Evie.” Harlowe rubbed her eyes. “We’ve just spent a lot of money trying to get pregnant. We’ve been doing fertility treatments, and we haven’t had any success yet.”

“Oh, Harlowe,” Everleigh whispered. “I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I was too embarrassed.”

“But I’m your sister, Harlowe. You should trust me.”

“You’re right, and I’m sorry for that.” Harlowe gave her a tremulous smile.

Everleigh’s heart twisted. “Please let me help you.”

“I can’t do that.” Harlowe sat up straighter. “But thank you. Branson’s folks are helping, and we’ll be okay.” She gave Everleigh’s hand a squeeze. “I’m really sorry, Evie. You’re my sister, and I shouldn’t have let my petty jealousy come between us.”

“It’s okay. You’ve been going through a lot.” Everleigh wiped her wet eyes. “I just wish you’d told me. I could’ve been a sounding board for you. A support.”

“Can we start over?”

“Of course we can.”

Harlowe gestured around the kitchen. “You’re the one who was always here with Alana, and you deserved the inn. I knew that in myheart, but admitting it to myself was hard.” Tears spilled down her cheeks, and she brushed them away. “Can you forgive me?”

“Always.” Everleigh hopped off her stool and pulled her sister in for a hug, and it felt so good. She’d dreamed of this day, and it had finally arrived!

Harlowe held on tight. “Thank you,” she whispered.

“Do you have to get back to work?” Everleigh asked.

“No. I took the day off. I wanted to see you before you left.” Harlowe climbed off the stool. “Do you need any help?”

“Sure.” Everleigh led her back to the bedroom, where Quinn was loading books into boxes.

For the next hour they continued to pack. Once everything was loaded into her car, Everleigh hugged Quinn and Harlowe and said goodbye, promising to keep in touch. The three of them were still wiping their eyes as Quinn and Harlowe drove away from the inn.

Everleigh was climbing the steps just as a black Toyota pickup truck pulled into the driveway and parked. She wasn’t exactly surprised to see Trevor and Valerie climbing out together.

She set her jaw and jammed her hands on her hips as Trevor and Valerie reached the bottom of the steps. “What do you want?”

“We heard you got an offer on the inn,” Trevor said.

Valerie nodded. “We’re here to counteroffer. Whatever they’re giving you, we’ll give you another $100,000.” Her smile was smug. “What do you say?”

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