Page 17 of Return to Lovett Cove
Monica blinked. “I’m sorry? You’re quitting?”
Kennedy bit her lower lip and clutched her hands in front of her as she watched the scene. Jasmine smiled at her. “My mother left me some property in Lovett Cove, and I’m going to be moving there. But I want you to consider Kennedy for a promotion. Without her, I never would’ve completed this project. She deserves this office, and I hope you will agree.”
Monica smiled knowingly. “This job demands your soul. I’m glad you decided not to pay that price.” She looked at Kennedy and extended her hand. “We have noticed you, Kennedy, and if you’re not quitting, let me be the first to offer you Jasmine’s old job.”
Behind Monica, Jasmine nodded eagerly for Kennedy to accept. She would be among the youngest marketing directors at the company. It would fast-track her to a vice president position, if she wanted that for her future.
Kennedy shook Monica’s hand. “Thank you, Monica. I accept.”
Monica wished Jasmine well and left her alone with Kennedy.
“Jasmine, what have you done?” Kennedy hissed.
Jasmine shrugged. “I decided for myself. Not for what I thought people wanted. Or even what my mother wanted.”
“But she wanted you to move to Lovett Cove. And that’s what you’re doing.”
“Yes, you’re right. But I want to move forme.”
Kennedy’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “And River?”
Jasmine laughed until she groaned from the pain in her stomach. “Before you redecorate this office, I’ll need you to email myformerclients and let them know I’ll be leaving the company. Then, if you could book me a mover and plane tickets?—”
“Consider it taken care of, boss,” Kennedy said as her thumbs furiously pounded her phone.
“No. You’re the boss now.” Jasmine gripped Kennedy in a tight hug. “I’m going to miss you.”
“I’m sure I’ll be calling you about everything.”
Jasmine stared into Kennedy’s eyes and squeezed her shoulders. “Call me anytime, but you know the job. Don’t doubt yourself. I’m the one who needs help. I know absolutelynothingabout running a B&B!”
CHAPTERTEN
Three Weeks Later
Jasmine waved to the movers as they drove the truck down the path away from the B&B. She sold most of her furniture and brought only essentials from her minimalist condo in Philadelphia so she wouldn’t need to rent a storage unit in Lovett Cove. She’d grown to love the pieces her mother had put into the rooms and would eventually add more custom coastal charm.
After the sound of the truck faded into the distance, Jasmine inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of pine wrapped in hydrangeas from the full bushes on the side of the home. Her ears picked up the sounds of woodpeckers and chortles from more local birds. No screaming at computers and banging against printers. No boardroom arguments and incessant notifications pinging from needy clients.
Only the peace her mother promised would be in Lovett Cove.
Until Jasmine turned around and saw the work that needed to be done.
And for that, she would need her sisters.
Magnolia was on board to design the interior and promised to be in town within the week. The work River had done to keep the place livable for her mother was amazing, but after the generous severance package her former employer offered, Jasmine had enough to renovate and update the home. Not to mention the new garden that Rose was designing. Eventually, Poppy would move to Lovett Cove to be the chef. How to get her other two sisters, Daisy and Violet, here would be a problem Jasmine planned to tackle another day.
Right now, she’d unpack and create a vision board for this place.
About an hour later, Jasmine’s stomach grumbled. It was almost two o’clock. She’d skipped breakfast, and her stomach begged for lunch. Jasmine looked around her bedroom. She was surrounded by moving boxes she’d broken down after emptying them and plenty of books and clothes she’d have to find room for.
Jasmine heard a car driving up the road. She wasn’t expecting anyone. In fact, she had told no one she was moving to Lovett Cove except the realtor when she asked her to delist the B&B. Jasmine moved the curtain aside and looked below to see River’s truck parked in front of the home.
Jasmine pulled back and sucked in a breath. She knew she’d see him eventually; she just wanted to be confident in her speech she hadn’t prepared. Now, there was no avoiding him.
“Hello? Is anyone here? This is private property.”
His deep voice reverberated throughout the house. Jasmine closed her eyes, imagining what it would feel like to hear him every day.
