Ava
Fun for her. Was Dad on this season?
Grandma
Not this time, I guess. Your mom is up by one.
She sent a thumbs-up emoji and then powered off her phone. That was enough news for one day.
She took a deep breath and curled her toes in her running shoes. She tipped her face toward the sun and closed her eyes.Be present in this moment.
“Ava? Are you okay?”
Her heart jumped as she opened her eyes and slapped a hand to her chest. “Dani!” Zach’s sister stood in front of her, flanked by an older man in a golf shirt and khaki slacks, his salt-and-pepper hair neatly combed. On her other side was a taller man, closer to Dani’s age, with dark hair perfectly styled. Liam, maybe?
Dani confirmed her suspicions. “Ava, this is my husband, Liam.” She looped her arm through her spouse’s. Liam gazed down on her, his love evident in his eyes. She gestured to her other side. “And this is my dad, Daniel Sullivan.”
Daniel reached out a hand. “Nice to meet you, Ava. You’re one of the judges here?”
She nodded. “Yes, Dani invited me. I’m also writing a few newspaper articles covering the festival. I’m hoping to give your whole island some good press.”
“As the island tourism director, we appreciate it.” Dani gave a little half bow. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Other than having to eat Zach’s terrible sauerkraut sliders, I’m having a good time.” Ava raised an eyebrow.
Dani hooted a laugh. “I’m sorry he inflicted those on you.”
“Eh, they weren’t that bad.” Liar. “I know he can make amazing things. That one was just a miss. I’m trying to be unbiased, but I am looking forward to what he makes next.”
“Yes, we’re all looking forward to what is next for Zach.” Dani gave her a strange look, but Ava shrugged it off.
“Oh, look, there’s Ollie and Eliza.” Daniel waved at a couple holding hands and walking toward them. When they joined the group, Daniel gestured to the man. “Ava, this is my son Oliver and his girl, Eliza. They run the bookstore in town. Ollie is a twin to my daughter Kate. I don’t know if you’ll meet her this week. She’s a photographer.”
“Nice to meet you.” Ollie pumped her hand once. Ava noticed his features were similar to his father’s but more relaxed. His graphic tee advertised the bookstore.
Eliza tucked herself into his side. Straight dark-brown hair swung over her shoulders. Her brown eyes held a friendly curiosity. “Yes, nice to meet you. Welcome to Jonathon Island.”
“Everyone is so nice here. Is it always like this?” Ava liked Eliza’s shirt with its picture of a famous blue box. She’d watched aDoctor Whoepisode or two in college.
“Pretty much,” Dani said. “Of course, I’m being paid to say that.”
“No, you’re right,” Liam said.
Ollie threw an elbow into Liam’s arm. “You have to say that, you’re her husband.”
Ava’s heart pinched. What would it be like to have family where good-natured teasing was part of the fabric of the relationship?
Another man and woman joined their circle. Ava recognized her Realtor, Mia, but didn’t know the tall blond man with her. Mia introduced him as Cody, her fiancé.
“Mia, are you nervous?” Eliza asked.
“Who, me?” Mia’s laugh sounded a little high, but Ava didn’t know her that well. “I’m only getting married next week—what do I have to be nervous about?”
The group laughed.
Mia put her arm around Cody’s waist. “Seriously, though, I think I’m the luckiest girl in the world. I have two beautiful children, and now I get to marry my best friend.”
Cody dropped a kiss on top of her head. “I’m the lucky one.”
