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She went on to describe the problem - the short circuit, the sparks, the fallen light fixture. The electrician assured her he could come take a look that afternoon.
Charlotte hung up, feeling relieved. One step down. Now to make herself presentable before he arrived. She looked down at her disheveled appearance and had to laugh. Dirt smeared her cheeks, sawdust sprinkled her hair. Her clothes were rumpled and sweat-stained. Isla had caught her at her absolute worst.
Recalling Isla's poise and elegance in contrast to her own frantic state made Charlotte's cheeks burn. She couldn't imagine what Isla must think of the American who fancied herself an innkeeper.
But Isla had been gracious, not judgmental. She'd even offered to help, as if she saw past the surface mess to something deeper in Charlotte. That small act of kindness buoyed Charlotte's spirit.
Sometimes cold and distant, calculating, and sometimes warm and friendly—Charlotte couldn’t quite read the tall, lithe woman. What was Isla’s secret? And did it have to do with her own past—or the future of something that Charlotte herself held dear?
CHAPTER TEN
Charlotte arrived at the harbor a few hours later, the salty sea air filling her lungs. She spotted Simon on the dock, hunched over a pile of nets. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing tanned, muscular arms that glistened with sweat in the afternoon sun.
"You're hard at work today," Charlotte said, coming up behind him.
Simon jumped, startled by her sudden appearance. "Charlotte! I didn't hear you." He flashed her a grin, his green eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm just tinkering with some new net designs. I think they'll help bring in bigger hauls."
Charlotte studied the intricate knots and weaves. She admired his passion for innovating. His mind was always working.
"It's looking great," she said, squeezing his shoulder. A touch that said both 'I miss you' and 'I'm proud of you.'
"Thanks." Simon wiped his brow, smearing a streak of grime across his forehead. "I got caught up in it and lost track of time. Have you been waiting long?"
"No, I just got here."
They shared a smile, content just to be together. The harbor lapped gently against the hulls of the boats, a soothing rhythm.
"Should we go grab an early supper?" Simon asked.
Charlotte nodded, linking her arm through his. His skin smelled of the sea. "I'm starving. Amelia and I repainted the whole ballroom today, and we had an electrician rewire and rehang the old chandelier.” She left out the part where it had come crashing down, Phantom of the Opera-style.
“Good work,” he said. “And hard. No wonder you’re hungry.”
Charlotte and Simon strolled arm-in-arm along the harbor toward their favorite cafe. The sunshine warmed Charlotte's face, and the salty breeze tousled her hair. Her happy bubble was burst by the sudden ringing of her phone. She fished it out of her bag, seeing Sally's name flash on the screen. Sally, who worked at the bakery see,med to know everyone's business.
"Sorry, I should take this. It's Sally," she said apologetically.
Simon nodded. "Of course, go ahead."
Charlotte answered the call. "Hi Sally, what's up?"
Sally's bubbly voice came through the line. "Charlotte, honey, I think someone just saw your father! He came into the bakery and ordered a coffee and croissant. I didn't get a chance to talk to him, but I could swear it was him. The counter girl described him to a tee."
Charlotte froze, nearly dropping the phone. Her father? Here in Chesham Cove? It wasn't possible. Was it?
She stammered into the phone, "A-are you sure Sally? I mean, it's been so long..."
"I know it seems crazy, but I really think it was him!" Sally said excitedly. "You should come to the bakery right away in case he comes back."
Charlotte's mind was reeling. After all these years, could her father really have just shown up out of the blue? She murmured distractedly into the phone, "Okay...I'll be right there."
Hanging up, she turned to Simon, knowing her shock and confusion must be written all over her face.
Simon noticed Charlotte's stunned expression as she ended the call. "Is everything okay?" he asked gently.
She blinked a few times, as if coming out of a daze. "I'm...I'm not sure," she said haltingly.
Simon furrowed his brow in concern. "What is it? What's happened?"
