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For the first time, his smile reached his eyes. “Well. That’s refreshing.” He set the folder aside and leaned forward, elbows on the desk. “You get the permits, I’ll make sure the town website and visitor center push your event. We could all use a headline that doesn’t mention poltergeists or murders.”

Relief eased through Amy’s shoulders. “Thank you, Mayor. Really.”

He waved a hand, but his tone was kind. “Just make sure this ball shows folks why we love this island.”

Amy stood, shaking his hand. “That’s exactly the plan.”

They talked over the details a bit more. The concept that Amy would hold a fundraiser at the ball with proceeds going toward preserving the island’s historic society funds were well received. And to top it off, the mayor pledged to attend in costume. That alone made her laugh all the way home.

Before she left, she caught her reflection in the polished door—still a little nervous, but smiling now. For once, she hadn’t had to beg. She’d simply told the truth, and that had been enough.

A week later, the pace of Amy’s life had shifted from panic to purpose.

Every morning started the same—coffee, a call list, and a growing tower of envelopes stacked neatly on her kitchen counter. Invitations to the Widow’s Point Masquerade Ball had been mailed, and replies were already trickling in. The enthusiastic responses told her she was on the right track. What had begun as a desperate idea was turning into something real.

She was perched at Mac and Kelsey’s kitchen island, her old headquarters whenever life demanded coffee, advice, and unconditional love. The smell of grilled cheese and tomato soup floated through the air while Noah and the dogs circled each other across the floor, the boy narrating along to the baseball game on the TV like an announcer.

“He’s been so excited since Mac agreed to help coach his little league team.” The two sisters looked at Noah, both with smiles and love in their eyes.

“He’s grown so much,” Amy muttered, turning back to her sister.

“So,” Kelsey said as she stirred the pot of soup on the stove, “we’ve gone full haunted masquerade. Lanterns, ghosts, pirates, probably fog machines?”

Amy grinned. “Period costumes optional. Guests can donate to either the community foundation or the historical society—whichever they want most, or both. I met with the mayor last week, and he’s agreed to let us promote it as a joint benefit. We’ll have stations for both causes.”

Mac leaned against the counter, scrolling on his phone. “It’s genius, Ams. You’ve turned that place into the event of the year. People are really interested. And by the way, a few heavy hitters actually RSVP’d to me—people who never come to these things in person. They’re dressing up and everything. I’ll send you their emails.”

Amy blinked. “You’re serious?” Mac had sent invitations to lists of wealthy businesspeople he knew personally.

“Absolutely. One even asked if he could sponsor the music. Folks are excited—real engaged people, not just check-signers.”

That made her laugh shakily. “Okay, that officially terrifies me.”

“Good,” Kelsey said, smiling. “Means it matters.”

Amy took a sip of her coffee, letting the steam cloud her glasses. “It’s just—I want this to succeed on its own merit. Not pity, not novelty. Just… because people believe in it.”

Mac and Kelsey exchanged a look.

Kelsey put down her spoon. “Come outside with me.”

They stepped onto the porch where the breeze carried the smell of cut grass and brine from the harbor. Noah’s laughter echoed faintly through the screen door.

“You know we’d help if you needed it,” Kelsey said gently. “Mac and I—we’d cover whatever you came up short on. You’ve already done more for me, for us than I can ever repay.”

Amy shook her head, smiling, but she knew this was what she didn’t want. “I appreciate it, but I need to see if I can stand on my own. If I take help now, I’ll always wonder if I could really do it.”

Kelsey studied her for a long moment, then nodded, her eyes blurring with sudden tears. “I just want you happy, Ams. After everything you did for me when my life crashed—you deserve a little ease, not more stress.”

Amy pulled her into a tight hug. They stood there for another moment, quiet except for the faint chatter from inside.

When they went back in, Mac was engrossed in the baseball game while Noah paraded through in a pirate hat, wooden spoon raised like a sword. Both dogs trotted behind him, tails wagging. His loyal crew.

Amy looked around with a full heart. Her family, with one person missing.

Sully.

The sun slipped lower over the harbor, throwing bands of gold across Amy’s porch. She, Kelsey and Kaitlin had claimed their old spots on the wicker chairs, shoes off, a chilled bottle of white wine sweating on the table between them. Laughter carried over the sound of gulls and the quiet lap of water on the rocks below.