Page 49 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

“Mrs. New—” Everleigh began. “I mean, Maggie, let me pay you for all of this.”

Maggie shook her head. “Not a chance.” She gestured around the kitchen. “This inn has brought Henry and me so much joy over the years. Giving you and Cade a basket of jam is the least I can do.” Her eyes glistened. “Alana was so special, and she loved you dearly.”

Everleigh nodded as sadness rolled in like a heavy fog.

“She bragged about you all the time and talked about your adventures as a nurse. She was so proud of you.”

Everleigh sniffed. “Thank you,” she managed to say.

“Henry and I love coming here to Coral Cove,” she continued. “We’ve often talked about moving here. How wonderful would it be to live on the coast year-round? And it’s much closer to our grandchildren than where we are now in Upstate New York.”

Everleigh found her smile again.

Mrs. Newton waved off her own idea. “But we talk about a lot of things and never do them. I suppose coming to visit is less of a hassle than packing up and moving.” She pointed toward the window. “I saw the sign out front though. You’re selling the inn?”

“We are.”

Mrs. Newton’s face lit up. “We?” She inclined forward as if sharing a juicy secret. “Did you get married?” She took Everleigh’s left hand in hers. “I don’t see a ring.”

“No, no, no. Alana left the inn to Cade and me. We’ve put it on the market.”

Mrs. Newton frowned. “That’s a shame. It’s such a lovely place to visit. I’d hate to see it sold.”

The front door opened, and Cade trudged past the kitchen with two suitcases.

“Let me carry one up the stairs, son,” Mr. Newton told him.

“No, sir, I got it,” Cade insisted.

The two men disappeared, and soon footfalls sounded on the steep staircase.

“That Cade is such a nice young man. I always look forward to his breakfast.” Mrs. Newton grinned. “Please tell me he’s cooking for us tomorrow morning.”

“I’m sure he has something delicious planned for you.”

“Oh, good.” Mrs. Newton clapped her hands. “He’s so talented. Alana said she knew he was special when she first met him. She said he’s just a sweet soul who’s had a tough time. She always believed he just needed some time to shine and find his courage again. Then he would make some young lady a wonderful husband.”

Everleigh nodded, glad to take in these details about Cade.

“And what about you? Do you have a special fella in your life?”

“No, ma’am.”

“I’m sure you’ll meet someone soon.” She cupped her hand to her mouth to shield a yawn and then pointed toward the doorway. “But enough about that tonight. We’ve had a long ride, so I’ll see you in the morning, sweetheart.”

“Good night,” Everleigh told her. “Let me know if you need anything for your stay.”

Mrs. Newton disappeared through the doorway, and Everleigh began examining the jars of jam—apple, grape, strawberry, apricot, cherry, peach, and blueberry. She picked up a jar of apple jam and read the label: Alana’s Apple Jam. Memories of sharing breakfast with Alana swirled through her mind, and her eyes felt wet again.

Footsteps sounded behind her, and Everleigh set the jar down and wiped her eyes.

“What’s in the basket?” Cade’s deep voice was close to her ear, sending a chill up her spine.

“Mrs. Newton’s jam.” Everleigh stepped aside. “She named the apple jam after Alana.”

Cade examined it. “What a generous gift.”

“I know.” Everleigh pushed against the anguish threading through her and perked up. “Do you need any help with breakfast tomorrow?”

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