Page 1 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

Chapter 1

Everleigh gripped the door handle in the back seat of the gray Tahoe and consulted her phone: 4:18p.m.Thunder rumbled, then rain began pattering on the SUV’s roof. Nineties alternative rock sang softly through the speakers while the wipers began their rhythmic humming.

She took in the line of traffic in front of her and forced a smile despite the tightening in her belly.

It’s okay. I’m only eighteen minutes late. It’s not like it’s an hour. Surely the attorney will understand. And if not, Mom will explain it to him.

Her flight from Atlanta had been delayed, and now there was a rush-hour rainstorm—but surely she’d be there soon. This Uber driver seemed experienced. She could trust him to get her there safely and promptly.

Her phone buzzed with a text message:

Mom: Are you close?

The traffic picked up speed, rolling closer to twenty-five miles per hour now as the Welcome to Coral Cove sign came into view. They were making progress. Everything was going to be just fine!

Everleigh: Getting closer. A few more blocks.

Mom: The receptionist said they’ll give you another ten minutes. If you don’t make it, then we’ll have to reschedule with the lawyer.

Everleigh’s leg bounced as she typed:Be there in five.

Scenery that had been the backdrop of her childhood came into view—her elementary, middle, and high schools sat in a cluster not far from the library, main fire station, and town hall—and her head began to pound. It had been more than a year and a half since she’d been home. In fact, two Christmases ago was when she’d last seen her parents and her two siblings.

And it had been more than a year since she’d hugged Alana—her godmother, favorite “aunt,” and confidante.

But now Alana was gone.

Everleigh tried to swallow the lump of grief that expanded in her throat. She and Alana had spoken just two weeks ago. Or was it a month ago?

Why couldn’t she remember?

Their last conversation came into focus in her mind: a discussion about the nonprofit they wanted to start together. As a traveling neonatal intensive care unit nurse, Everleigh had met plenty of parents who struggled to make ends meet while their children stayed in the NICU. For a long time, she’d dreamed of starting a charity to help parents of critically ill children. Some of those children needed care for several months, and the parents neededassistance with not only the cost of care but also their household expenses.

When Everleigh first shared these stories with Alana, her godmother immediately volunteered to help, and they began putting together a business plan. They had named their nonprofit Helping Angels. Everleigh had spent the past three years searching for financial backers, and during her last conversation with Alana, she’d told her she wasn’t giving up. Their dream, Everleigh insisted,wouldcome to fruition.

But she’d run out of time. Alana was gone.

And Everleigh had let her down.

Her eyes felt wet, and she swiped the back of her hand over her face. Alana had shown up for every milestone—every birthday party, every dance recital, every graduation—all the way through nursing school. Everleigh couldn’t think of a holiday or event that Alana hadn’t attended.

She held her breath to choke back a sob.

What would her Uber driver think if she started bawling in the back seat?

Keep it together, Everleigh! You have to be strong—especially for Mom.

One of Alana’s favorite sayings echoed through her mind:“Smile through your tears,”she often said. Yes, Everleigh could smile through her tears. Shehadto.

The rain came down harder, and large drops dotted the windshield as the SUV splashed through puddles. The Tahoe motored to an intersection and stopped at a red light. She checked her phone: now four twenty-four.

She stared at the traffic light, willing it to change, and nibbled her lower lip. She even considered pretending to blow the traffic light out, just like the game her mom had taught her when she was little. But if she did that, then the driver wouldreallythink she was nuts!

Come on. Come on! Turn green already! We can make it!

Seconds ticked by.

At four twenty-six, she had four minutes before the lawyer would insist they reschedule. She rubbed her eyes. She was going to get there on time.

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