Page 16 of Love In Harbor Falls

“You’ll always find the freshest of everything here. Scott always makes sure of that.”

“Scott?” I cocked my head.

“My best friend and brother-in-law. His parents own the place, and he runs it.

“What?” Her brows furrowed. “Your brother-in-law?”

“Yep. He’s married to my twin sister Katherine.”

“I didn’t know she was your twin.”

“Yeah.” The corners of his mouth curved upward. “Anyway, bring your friend by the bar. Food and drinks are on me. You can tell her about the lobster rolls.”

“She is a he, and I’m not sure he’s ever had a lobster roll.”

“Then let me introduce him to them.” He smiled. “I have to pay for these and get back to the bar. It was good to see you.”

“Good to see you too, Colin. Have a nice day.”

“You too, Adalyn. I’ll see you around.”

* * *

Alight breeze blew through the windows while I took the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies out of the oven. Luis loved chocolate chip cookies, and making a double batch was the least I could do for him. Glancing at the clock on the stove, he was scheduled to arrive any minute, and I couldn’t wait. As much as I loved living in Harbor Falls, I desperately wanted some New York familiarity.

The doorbell rang, and I beamed excitedly when I saw Luis holding a bouquet of sunflowers. Throwing my arms around him, he hugged me tight and kissed my cheek.

“It’s so good to see you, darling,” he said.

“I’m so happy you’re here.”

“These are for you.” A wide grin crossed his face.

“Luis, I love them. Thank you. Come in.”

I took the flowers and headed to the kitchen, where I grabbed a large white vase and filled it with water.

“Look at this place. It’s gorgeous, Addy.”

I placed the sunflowers in the vase and set it on the dining table. Sunflowers represented something special to both of us and back in New York. We’d had many personal conversations while sitting on the bench before Van Gogh’s Sunflower painting. Sunflowers are a powerful and sturdy plant, and every time I was feeling unsure or down, Luis always gave them to me as a reminder of strength and that I could handle anything life threw at me.

“Thanks, Luis. It’s definitely different from the penthouse.”

I showed Luis to the guestroom so he could get settled. Then, I took him on a tour of the rest of the house.

“I’m in love with this pine flooring,” he spoke. “What you paid for this four-bedroom house would have got you a two-bedroom apartment back in New York if you’re lucky.” He smirked.

“I know. But let me show you the real reason why I bought this place.”

I led him downstairs and out the sliding door to the deck.

“Oh my, Addy. This—this—” He held out his arms. “This is life. Now I totally understand why you wanted to move here after your visit.”

Luis and I went on a tour of Harbor Falls. When we arrived downtown, he was overwhelmed by the charming views. The trees and flowers were in full bloom, and according to Annie, so were the tourists. I took him to the gallery and showed him what had been done so far.

“This is going to be spectacular!” he said. “And I know this gallery will do amazing. I’m so proud of you, Addy.” He grabbed both my hands and held them up. “This is what you were meant to do all along.”

After leaving the gallery, we walked around town and shopped. When we came across Rodale’s Creamery, an ice cream shop with fifty different flavors, we went inside, got an ice cream cone, and took it under a large dogwood tree in the park across the street.

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