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Roxanne laughed. "I know, I justcouldn't wait. I hope it's okay that I showed up ahead of schedule."
"Of course!" Charlotte said."I'm just happy to see you. I won’t stay. I’ll let you have yournap."
“Oh, I think I’m too excited to fallasleep,” Roxanne said. “Come sit. Tell me everything. How's it been going withbusiness?"
Charlotte smiled as she sat across fromRoxanne, pride in her voice. "Really well, actually. We just finished therenovations on the west wing last month." She went on to describe some ofthe inn's recent guests, including the Smiths, who were in England celebratingtheir 50th anniversary.
"They were so sweet,"Charlotte said wistfully. "Reminded me of Grandma and Grandpa."
Roxanne nodded, then asked tentatively,"And how are you doing...since the divorce is official and all?"
Charlotte paused. "Better,"she said finally. "The inn has been a good distraction. And Amelia seemsto be thriving at school. And there’s Simon, who is definitely helping."
"I'm sure he is," Roxannesaid saucily. "I can’t wait to meet him. And as for Amelia, she’ll befine."
Charlotte nodded, pushing down thefamiliar pang of missing her daughter. She knew Roxanne was right – but havingAmelia here at Chesham Cove so recently only made Charlotte miss her more.
Roxanne gazed out the wide nearbywindow. Outside, the ocean sparkled under the midday sun. "It's sopeaceful here," she remarked. "Coming from the city, I'd almostforgotten what real quiet sounds like. I can see why you were drawn to thisplace. It's like the ocean washes your stress away."
Charlotte nodded, thinking of thetumultuous months leading up to her move. The divorce, the painful decision tosell the New York house she’d shared with her ex-husband. But that had fundedher renovations here, and now, sitting with her sister overlooking the sea,Charlotte regretted not a penny of the investment. This village, this inn - itwas paradise.
Charlotte reached over, giving hersister's hand an affectionate squeeze. "I've missed you."
"Me too. It's been too long,"Roxanne replied. She looked pensively at Charlotte. "You seem happy here.More yourself."
Charlotte smiled softly. "I am.”She knew Roxanne worried about her being alone so far from home—she’d said asmuch on their many phone calls. It was funny, since Chesham Cove was a far cryfrom the crowded streets of New York City. "Tell me, how are things in thecity?"
Roxanne sighed, her shoulders slumpingslightly. "Oh, you know. Work, home, work. Same old grind." She gavea rueful laugh. "I envy you this escape."
"You could always come joinme," Charlotte said lightly. “There’s plenty of work here, even if it’snot as exciting as investment banking.”
Roxanne's eyes widened in surprise."You're serious?"
"Why not? I could use the helpwith the inn, and I hate being so far from family. Do you think your firm couldspare you? You could always just up and leave it all behind, like I did."
Roxanne looked thoughtful. "Let mesleep on it," she murmured. Then, grinning, she said, “Does this familyreally need two rebels?”
They sat in comfortable silence for awhile, listening to the breeze rustle the leaves of the tree outside thewindow. Just as the peaceful ambiance began to settle in the room, Charlottenoticed a flicker of worry in Roxanne's eyes. It was a subtle change, but onethat Charlotte had learned to pick up on over years of sisterly connection. Shecontemplated her next move, debating whether to pry into her sister's concernsor let them be.
Charlotte knew that Roxanne was goingthrough something, even though she had put on a brave face and tried to hideit. The lines of tension etched across her forehead and the faint trembling ofher fingers betrayed her true emotions. Yet, Charlotte also understood thedelicate balance of giving someone space when they needed it. Heck, Roxanne hadsupported Charlotte in putting half a world of space between herself and NewYork. She watched as Roxanne absentmindedly traced patterns on the table withher fingertip, lost in a sea of thoughts.
Finally, unable to contain her concernany longer, Charlotte gently broke the silence. "Roxanne," she begansoftly, "is there something else? I can tell you're worried about morethan just work."
Roxanne's gaze snapped up, surprisemingling with vulnerability in her eyes. For a moment, she hesitated, seemingto grapple with the decision to open up or keep it locked away. “Just workstress, Lottie. You have no idea—it’s always go, go, go. Produce, earn, push.I’m burned out big time.” Roxanne’s eyes glistened. "Thank you for thisvisit. I didn't realize how much I needed it."
Charlotte squeezed her hand, heartfull. "That's what sisters are for."
As they sat and relaxed, Charlotte felta glimmer of hope about Roxanne possibly moving here, but didn't want to getahead of herself. Much like Simon’s proposal, Charlotte had to have patience.Still, the idea of having her sister by her side as she continued rebuildingher life was incredibly appealing.
But underneath the laughter and easybanter that made up the next hour, Charlotte couldn't help but study hersister’s still-drawn face. There was more to Roxanne's worries than just workstress.
CHAPTER THREE
Roxanne ended up taking that nap afterall—and after a heavy tea of scones, cream, sausages, and warm, milky EarlGrey. The respite let Roxanne rest and Charlotte tend to a few more inn-relatedchores, and by the time Roxanne was up again, Charlotte noticed a markedimprovement in her mood.
And that meant it was time for thegrand tour. They started in the front yard. Charlotte looped her arm throughRoxanne's and led her up the stone steps into the inn's grand foyer. Sunlightfiltered in through the tall mullioned windows, illuminating the dark woodaccents and ornate crown molding.
"It's absolutely stunning,Lottie," Roxanne murmured, craning her neck to take in the high ceilings."I can't believe how much history is in this old place."
