Page 132 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

You’re not at work, silly!

She padded toward the nearby sitting room, where Cade’s mother sat on the love seat holding her brand-new grandson, Jake. Stephanie smiled over at her mother-in-law, and the scene made Everleigh’s heart swell. She’d been so sorry when Cade shared what his mom had gone through when she’d gotten pregnant with Declan, but she was grateful Trisha was healing from her past and had embraced Declan and his little family.

Not wanting to interfere, Everleigh moved back into the hallway.

Quinn appeared beside her and handed her a can of Diet Coke. “How was your shift?”

“Long, exhausting, and wonderful.” She popped it open and took a long drink. The cool carbonation was just what she needed. “Looks like the event is going well.”

Quinn pointed toward the back door. “You need to see for yourself.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here to help, but when Wendi asked me to take her shift, I couldn’t say no.”

“We all admire how dedicated you are to your job.” She started toward the back door and beckoned Everleigh to follow. “But for real. Come see how great the tent looks. The fairy lights were a great touch.”

“Where’s Cade?” Everleigh asked while following her friend toward the back door.

“He’s around here somewhere.”

They stepped out into the cold night air, and Everleigh’s eyes widened as she took in the large white tent decorated with thousands of twinkling white fairy lights and hundreds of red roses. Inside the huge tent were beautiful round tables, each one seating guests who appeared to be enjoying the delicious meal. More of their friends hurried around carrying trays and delivering their orders. Heaters provided warm air, and soft instrumental music addedto the romantic atmosphere. Friends and acquaintances hustled by delivering food and taking orders. All of these people had come out to support Alana’s Angels, and the entire event had been Cade’s idea. Her heart swelled with appreciation and love for her wonderful boyfriend.

“You okay?” Quinn asked.

“Yeah.” Everleigh sniffed and then laughed. “I’m just really happy.”

And she’d felt that way ever since that afternoon when Cade had insisted she stop at a rest area on the highway. After he’d declared his love for her, she returned to the inn and moved back into Alana’s former suite. Later that day, they had called Maggie and Henry Newton to renege on their gracious offer. Thankfully, the older couple had been understanding. Everleigh couldn’t have imagined a better outcome.

Everleigh and Cade reopened the inn for visitors, and they fell into an easy routine. She got a job working part-time in the local NICU, and they ran the inn together. Cade also put the finishing touches on his new menu, hoping to start serving suppers for guests as well as larger events for the public. Tonight’s dinner was their first time hosting a public event, and the response had been incredible.

Cade also wasted no time brainstorming fundraisers for Alana’s Angels. Their first event, a polar plunge at the beach in late January, had raised several thousand dollars. With the help of his brother, they’d secured one financial backer and were working to find others. Everleigh also decided to keep Alana’s Jeep, sell her Trailblazer, and donate the money to the nonprofit. So far they’d assisted two families who were struggling to pay bills and care for their ill children, and Everleigh couldn’t wait to help more.

It seemed all of her and Cade’s dreams were coming true. She and her sister had forged a new relationship, and she was enjoyingweekly coffee dates with her as well as frequent suppers together. She and Harlowe had celebrated when Harlowe found out she was pregnant, and Everleigh couldn’t wait to meet her niece or nephew in the fall.

Cade and Declan were also getting closer, and Everleigh was delighted at how well Declan, Stephanie, and their new baby fit into the family. Landon had finally proposed to Amber on Christmas Eve, and they were planning a spring wedding.

And Everleigh felt herself falling more and more in love with Cade every day. She cherished how he kept her laughing, how he supported her efforts with the nonprofit, how he cooked the most delicious meals ever, and how he took such good care of their inn guests. Not to be outdone, there were those kisses...

“Everleigh!” Maggie Newton waved her over to their table.

“Mr. and Mrs. Newton!” She gave each of them a hug. “I wasn’t expecting to see you tonight.”

Maggie playfully swatted Everleigh’s hand. “I told you to call us Maggie and Henry,” she scolded. “We just got to town a few days ago. We bought a little house a few miles from here, and we’re so happy to finally call Coral Cove our home.”

“You and Cade need to come by for supper sometime,” Henry said.

Everleigh beamed. “We’d love to.”

Maggie pointed to her lasagna. “Your fella is quite a cook.”

“Yes, he is,” Everleigh agreed.

Maggie held on to Everleigh’s hand. “The inn looks lovely, and this fundraiser is spectacular.” Her amber eyes glistened. “Alana would be so proud of you and Cade.”

Everleigh’s own eyes felt wet. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Enjoy your supper.”

“I can’t wait for dessert,” Henry declared. “I love tiramisu.”

Everleigh zigzagged past the tables greeting familiar faces. She continued around the tent, searching for Cade. Where on earth was her boyfriend hiding?

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