Page 95 of Waves of Hope

“His dad and family are arriving at the cove in a couple of days. I’ll meet them all then,” said Charlotte. “Are you coming over this weekend?”

“Shane asked me to come for the weekend to meet up with his dad, who’s been sort of like a father to me.” He grinned. “Livy and I are going out on Saturday.”

“I’m sure you’ll have a great time.” Livy was always fun to be with.

Charlotte stood and prepared to leave. As she’d told Shane, she wanted to make sure the Inn was in excellent shape when his father arrived. In many ways, he’d be the perfect test for all the new things they’d put into place both in the Inn’s interior and in new management.

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Back at the cove, she unpacked and went downstairs and over to the Inn to see what had happened in the short time she was gone.

A new second dishwasher had been installed in the kitchen, and a couple of new cutting boards sat atop the stainless-steel kitchen counters. At the entrance to the dining room, she stopped and studied the effect of the new white-painted walls and gave a nod of satisfaction. The room seemed brighter, bigger even, offsetting the contemporary paintings that they had added. The rich wood tones of the tables and chairs looked better too against the stark white.

The gathering room had taken on a more modern look with new and newly painted white furniture mixed in with the rich woods of the older furnishings. Livy and Brooke had added a few touches with new lamps, pillows, and a white leather love seat they’d placed along the back wall of the room, facing the television.

Charlotte went into the office and discovered Brooke there. “Hi. What are you doing?” she asked.

“I didn’t know you were back. I’m working on our renovation budget. Did you notice the new things in the gathering room? I want to make sure we’re keeping within the budget. The most expensive items coming up have to do with publicity. You’re working on the website. We’re going to print up some new pamphlets, and while you were gone, Livy and I took a look at the roadside sign for the Inn. It needs repainting, but we thought maybe it was time to come up with a logo to be used on the website and pamphlets too.”

Charlotte smiled and held up the computer she had in her hand. “Funny you should mention that. I’ve drawn up several samples of logos while waiting for Shane to come home last night.”

“How did your visit go?’ said Brooke, giving her a teasing grin. “Any signs of a ring yet?”

“Brooke, we just started dating,” said Charlotte, laughing.

Brooke shook her head. “We all know that’s what you’re calling it, but it’s obvious it’s much more than that. It’s like you’re engaged already. Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about it.”

Charlotte sighed and sat in a chair facing her. “Of course, I have. I didn’t expect to find something this intense, this perfect, so quickly. It seems a little surreal.”

“It’s like a fairy tale—your saving Shane and his falling in love with you,” said Brooke. “Like a mermaid story or something.”

“Now, you’re sounding crazy,” said Charlotte laughing. No way would she mention that Shane called her his special mermaid after making love with him. “What about you? Did you go out last night?”

Brooke beamed at her. “Jake and I worked late and decided to go out to supper. Nothing fancy, but nice. He makes me feel comfortable around him.”

“What about Adam? Any chance of dating him?” Charlotte asked.

“No, that’s not going to happen. In fact, he’s leaving in a couple of days to go back and check on his business. Skye is going to stay here. Her grandmother and I will see that she’s busy.”

“You’re awfully nice to Skye,” said Charlotte.

“I try to be,” said Brooke. “She reminds me a lot of myself at that age.”

“How about Livy? Is she going to join us for our meeting?” said Charlotte.

“Livy said she would. I expect her any minute,” said Brooke.

Just then, Livy entered the office carrying a blender full of margaritas and three glasses. “Hi, you two. Thought we’d have a little refreshment while we meet. Charlotte, did you see the new dishwasher and the new furniture in the gathering room?”

Charlotte nodded and smiled. “It looks nice. The finishing touches too. A lot can happen around here in just two days.”

“Don’t you know it,” said Livy. “Dylan and I are going to scout out Grace’s restaurant to see just how I can fit in some baking for her. Who knows? After Gran and John come back, I may stay here in Florida and set up my own business.”

Charlotte accepted the glass Livy handed her. “I’ve had some similar thoughts. Maybe setting up a consulting business. It’s too early to make any definite decisions, though.”

She took a sip of the tart, tangy drink and let out a sigh. There was a lot to think about.

Brooke studied Charlotte and Livy. “I’m not sure what I want to do. I do like running the Inn. We’ll see.”

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