Page 5 of Love In Harbor Falls

“Of course.” A small smile crossed my lips. “But I think I need to do this alone and take some time to reflect on everything that’s happened.”

“I don’t blame you. Just try to find some peace while you’re there.”

“That is exactly what I intend to do.” I hugged Hannah goodbye before heading to the long line at the security checkpoint.

CHAPTER4

Adalyn

I pulled into the tree-lined winding drive to Rosie’s Bed and Breakfast, the Inn I’d be staying at for the next three nights. After parking the car, I took my bag from the trunk and smiled as I walked through the Victorian-style bed and breakfast doors.

“Welcome to Rosie’s.” An older woman behind a small white desk smiled.

“Hi. I’m checking in. The name is Adalyn Richards.”

The older woman held out her perfectly manicured hand. “Nice to meet you, Adalyn. I’m Rosie, the owner of this fine establishment.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Rosie.” I lightly shook her hand.

“Follow me up the stairs, and I’ll take you to your room. You can leave your bag here, and I’ll have Carl bring it up.”

I followed Rosie up the long winding staircase, taking in the pristine Victorian-style décor. When we reached the top of the stairs, Rosie led me down the hallway to room three. Sliding the key into the lock and opening the door, I stepped inside. Immediately, I was enthralled by the quaint room. Two wingback reading chairs, an all-season fireplace, and a lawyer’s bookcase/desk made up the room. Adding to the charm of it all were the mint green walls and floral comforter draped across the four-poster queen-sized bed.

“Over here is the en-suite bathroom.” Rosie opened the door. “Complete with our finest collection of bath amenities.”

“Thank you. It’s perfect.” I grinned as she stepped over to the window and admired the immaculate garden view.

“You’re not from around here, are you?”

“No. I’m from New York City. I just needed to escape it all for a few days.”

“Well, my dear, you’ve come to the right place. We serve a gourmet breakfast in the dining room every morning at nine a.m. We also have freshly brewed coffee throughout the day in the living room until six o’clock.”

“Thank you, Rosie.”

“If you need anything at all, just ask.”

A knock came on the door, and when Rosie opened it, a tall and older gentleman stepped inside with my bag and set it on the floor.

“Adalyn, this is my husband, Carl. Carl, meet our newest guest, Adalyn.”

“Nice to meet you.” He held out his hand.

“And you as well.”

“We’ll leave you to get settled,” Rosie spoke as she and Carl walked out of the room.

Picking up my bag, I set it on the bed and began putting away some of my clothes in the chestnut dresser that sat next to the desk. I’d already felt more peace than I had in a very long time.

* * *

As I drove along the South Carolina coast, memories of when Hannah and I visited our grandmother filled my mind. My phone ringing startled me back to the present, and I was pleasantly surprised when I saw my mother calling.

“Hi, Mom. How’s Italy treating you?”

“Adalyn, I’m back in New York only to find that you’ve gone on a trip alone. What is going on? Your sister won’t tell me a thing.”

“Why are you back already? Did something happen?”

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