Page 79 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

“A really good friend, huh?” Declan nodded, looking unconvinced.

“What’s your wife’s name?” Cade asked.

“Stephanie.” Declan settled back on the seat. “We met through mutual friends. We dated for a few years before I finally found the courage to propose. Ever been married?”

Cade moved his fingers over a loose piece of wood on the arm of the worn bench. “Almost. At the last minute, my fiancée decided she had other plans. Better plans, I suppose.”

“Ouch.”

“That’s an understatement.” Cade gave him a wry smile. “I was living in Alabama. After the breakup I decided to move home to Coral Cove, and that’s when I got the job at the inn.” He explained how Alana had passed away and left the inn to him and Everleigh.

“I noticed it’s for sale.”

Cade nodded. “Everleigh wants to sell. She’s convinced Alana left it to us so we could use the money to make our dreams come true. But I still don’t want to sell it.” Eager to change the subject, he asked, “Did you grow up in Elizabeth City, Declan?”

“Nearby in Moyock. I went to Elizabeth City State and then just settled there. I was never very adventurous. How about you?”

“I joined the army after high school. I didn’t have the grades or interest in college.” He shrugged. “Then I wound up in Alabama, almost got married, and came home.”

Everleigh turned toward them and waved.

Cade couldn’t help but wave back at her. She was just so cute. Actually, she was radiant with her thick red hair swinging in a ponytail and a pair of pink sunglasses shielding her eyes.

He turned his attention back to his brother. “Did you have a good childhood?”

Declan rested his right ankle on his left knee. “Thankfully, yes. My folks are great. My mom taught second grade but retired a few years ago. Dad works in finance, and that’s how I got my start. I work for his firm, and he wants me to take it over when he retires—orifhe retires. But we spent a lot of time at the beach swimming, sailing, fishing, and all that. I was an only child, but my folks have always made it clear that I was a blessing to them. They spent years trying to conceive and then went to an adoption agency. We’re grateful to have each other.”

Declan turned his attention toward the crowd, but he seemed lostin thought. “They told me I was adopted when I was about ten.” He was silent for a few moments, and a family moved past them. Three identical toddlers rode in a long stroller, pushed by two haggard-looking parents. “I’ve always wanted to know where I came from. And with the baby coming and all, it seemed like the right time to start my search for answers.”

“How’d you find me?” Cade asked.

“It wasn’t that difficult.” Declan’s expression seemed sheepish. “I started out with that Family Tree website and tried contacting you through there, but you didn’t answer.”

Cade grimaced. “Sorry. My ex signed me up for it, so when we broke up, I sort of forgot it existed.”

“Makes sense. When I didn’t hear back that way, I searched social media. I sent you a friend request.”

Cade held his hands up. “Sorry again. I don’t spend much time on social media anymore.”

Declan laughed. “Well, I get it. But your email address is set to public on your page.” He winced. “I sound like a stalker, don’t I?”

“Not a stalker, just a determined sleuth.”

Declan pointed at him. “Exactly. That sounds less creepy. Anyway, after you didn’t answer my email, I searched the internet and found your name on the inn website.” He tapped his chin. “Also, thanks to social media, I found the connection to your mother and quickly figured out she owned a store here in Coral Cove.” He tapped his fingers on his thigh. “I just kept digging until I found you both.”

“I’m glad you did,” Cade said softly. He was once again overwhelmed with emotion for this new person in his life.

Declan smiled. “I appreciate that.”

“I’m sorry I haven’t reached out to you since we first met. I just wasn’t sure...”

“I get it.” Declan nodded. “Really, I do. This is uncharted territory for me too.”

“I hope you like Coke, Declan.” Everleigh appeared in front of them balancing a drink tray with three large cups, along with three baked pretzels. “And pretzels.”

Cade popped up. “Let me help you.” He took the tray from her, and when their fingers brushed, a zip of heat raced through his body.

“Thanks.” She smiled at him.

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