Page 77 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

“Oh.” She faced the window again. “It’s been years since I’ve gone to this festival.”

“Oookay.” He had a feeling it was more than that, but he’d gotten used to how excited Everleigh got about mundane things and even found it endearing. He parked in one of the last free spots a couple of blocks away from Main Street, and together they started down the sidewalk.

Everleigh consulted her phone and then stuck it in the back pocket of her jean shorts. Then she picked up speed.

“What’s the rush?” he asked.

“No reason.” She continued to walk briskly.

She was up to something, but he couldn’t imagine what.

They reached Main Street, and the enticing scents of popcorn, funnel cakes, nachos, and fresh-baked pastries greeted him. Booths lined the middle of the road, selling everything from food to jewelry to collectibles, and groups of people moved around them. Pop music floated out of nearby speakers. A gigantic inflatable slide sat at the end of the street, and children took turns hurling themselves down it while shrieking at the top of their lungs.

Everleigh placed her hand on his bicep and nudged him along. “Follow me.”

“Where are we going?”

“To have fun.”

“Can you be a little more specific?”

“Just hurry up!” she exclaimed.

He sighed. “Yes, ma’am.” She steered him past nearly a thousand families with strollers until they reached the sidewalk in front of Beach Reads. Then she searched the crowd as if looking for someone.

“Care to clue me in on who we’re looking for?” he asked.

“No one,” she sang.

“Everleigh,” he began, “I can tell you’re up to something.”

She beamed and grabbed his arm. “Look! There’s Declan! What a coincidence.”

He followed her gaze and spotted Declan milling about near a group of kids eating cotton candy.

Sothatwas what she’d been up to. He couldn’t stop his smile. It was the perfect day, and he was with his gorgeous friend. And now, his brother too.

His brother.

His heart felt light.

“Declan!” She cupped her hands around her mouth and hollered, “Declan! Over here!”

His brother turned and waved before sidestepping the kids and joining them on the sidewalk. His expression was sheepish. “Hi there. This festival is crowded.”

Everleigh’s smile bounced between Cade and Declan. “Let’s enjoy it.”

Chapter 19

The sky above them was dotted with dark clouds as they began walking around the festival together. Everleigh continued to grin, appearing as if she might burst with happiness that her plan to bring Cade and Declan together had succeeded. Silence extended between them though, and Cade tried to think of something to say to his brother.

“Where are you from, Declan?” Everleigh finally asked.

“Elizabeth City,” he said. “It’s about four hours from here, depending upon traffic.”

“That’s near the coast by the Outer Banks, right?” she asked.

Declan nodded.

---