Page 22 of Love In Harbor Falls

“Adalyn, you haven’t met my twin sister, Katherine. Katherine, this is Adalyn.”

Katherine extended her slender hand. “It’s nice to meet you finally. I’ve seen you in the bar a few times but never had the pleasure.”

“It’s nice to meet you as well, Katherine.”

“I don’t know if you know this, but I was the one who did the interior decorating at your beach house when Mr. and Mrs. Waters renovated it. I helped her pick all the lighting, fixtures, flooring, and cabinets. You should have seen what she wanted to put in there.” She laughed.

“I did not know that. I’m happy you were there to help her, or I may not have bought the house. It’s absolutely beautiful. You did an amazing job.”

“Thanks.” Katherine placed her hand on my arm.

“Dinner is served.” Rosie smiled as she asked everyone to gather in the dining room.

The table setting was lovely. White plates with a light blue rim and blue and white checkered cloth napkins graced the table. The set differed from those she used for the guests who stayed at the bed and breakfast. A roast sat in the middle of the table on a large white platter surrounded by cooked carrots. A bowl of mashed potatoes and homemade rolls sat in a woven basket lined with a blue and white checkered liner. Before we started to eat, Rosie poured each of us a glass of wine and held up her glass.

“To Adalyn. May Harbor Falls bring you much success, peace, love, and happiness.”

“Cheers.” Colin smiled as he glanced over and held up his glass.

I lightly tapped mine against his.

I tried to help Rosie and Katherine clean up dinner, but Rosie wouldn’t hear it. So I took my wine glass and sat on the porch swing outside. A light wind swept across my face as I stared at the lighted path leading up to the house and thought about what Hannah had told me about Darren.

“Hey. Do you mind if I sit?” Colin asked as he pointed to the swing.

“No. Not at all. Have a seat.”

“You looked like you were in deep thought. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. Everything’s fine.” I smiled.

“Can I ask you something?” he asked.

“Sure.”

“Annie was in the bar today having lunch with one of her friends, and I overheard her say you moved here because you got divorced.”

I sighed as I brought the wine glass to my lips. After I told Annie, I knew it would be a matter of time before the whole town knew.

“That is true. I am divorced. What else did she say?”

“That’s all I heard. I was wiping down the table next to them. I had no idea you were married before.”

“It’s something I don’t like to talk about. We were married for four years, and it didn’t work out.” I lowered my head and traced the rim of the glass.

“That’s nothing to be ashamed of,” he said. “A lot of marriages don’t work out. Some don’t even make it to the church before it all falls apart.”

I glanced over at him as he fiddled with his thumbs and noted the hint of sorrow in his voice.

“Two years ago, I was engaged to a woman named Olivia. Wedding plans were all set, and one day, a week before the wedding, she decided she wanted more out of life than just spending it here with me in Harbor Falls. So, she packed up and moved to Seattle.”

“I’m so sorry, Colin.”

“Thanks. But don’t be. It hit me hard, but then I realized I was better off without her. That’s what I meant when I said some don’t even make it to the church.”

“There you two are,” Rosie said as she opened the storm door. “I’m preparing to cut the cherry pie I made this afternoon. Are you two coming in to have a piece?”

“Of course, Aunt Rosie. You know it’s my favorite.” Colin grinned as he stood up.

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