Page 43 of Brass Anchor Inn

She shrugged. “I was talking to Birdie and she mentioned that your grandparents used to play cards with her and her husband.”

He glanced her way. “How did you know that? Did Birdie tell you?”

She shook her head. “Agnes Dewey told everyone in earshot before the time capsule unveiling.”

“Did she say anything else about them?”

For a moment, Jo didn’t answer. It was as though she were debating whether she should tell him the truth or not.

As the silence stretched on, he couldn’t take it any longer. “Just tell me.”

She glanced in his direction. “I didn’t think you wanted to know about your family.”

“If everyone else is going to know my family’s history, I guess I should too. So out with it.”

“Even if you’re not going to like it?”

His stomach soured. “Even then.”

“Just remember that this is from Bluestar’s biggest gossip, so I’m sure she embellished some of it. Agnes thrives on making the most boring story into the largest tale ever told. So this might all be false.”

“Jo, just tell me.” He appreciated that she was trying to sugarcoat things for him, but he was a lot tougher than she could imagine. There was nothing she could tell him that was going to crush him.

The path led them to the spot where he’d almost kissed her. It was here that she stopped and turned to him. “Agnes said your mother and Sandra were fraternal twins not identical ones.”

He nodded. “I knew that.”

“She also said their personalities were opposites. While Sandra was quiet and serious, your mother was loud and loved to be the center of attention.”

“That’s not how I remember my mother. Of course, her life had taken a turn for the worse by then.” He didn’t mention the first bad turn was his father.

“Anyway, that’s all she said.”

He had a feeling a lot more had been said, maybe not in front of Jo, but this town was full of information about his family. He sighed. Maybe it was best to leave the rest of it alone. He didn’t think he’d like what he found if he were to turn over too many rocks.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Itwassad.

Josie’s gaze moved around the bungalow. It was a mess of cardboard boxes. She knew this must be done, no matter who won the contest.

Her dear friend was gone, and there was nothing anyone could do to bring her back. Thankfully, Lane was being respectful with the items. After all, he could have thrown everything in the trash, but he hadn’t. He’d tried to find the perfect home for everything.

Josie knew exactly what she wanted to remember her friend. Her gaze moved around the room, happy to find the paintings were still on the wall. And then her gaze came to rest on the painting of the inn. This was what she wanted most of all.

One of their guests had had an extended stay. While they were there they’d painted the inn with the beach in the background. The colors were vibrant while a wee bit of creative leeway was given to the images. It was one of Sandra’s favorite pieces of art. And now it would remind Josie of not only the inn, but the wonderful woman she was blessed to have called friend.

“I would like this painting,” Josie said. “Unless of course you were planning to take it.”

“I had a feeling you would want it.”

“You did?”

“Mm-hm. I can tell how much you love the inn, and this is a great impression of it.” He moved toward the painting. “Where do you want to hang it? In your office?”

She shook her head. “I want it in my apartment.”

He struggled a little taking down the painting as it was large with a wide wooden frame made of driftwood. It was heavier than it appeared. “I think you’re going to need some help hanging it.”

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