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CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
CHARLOTTE
Early the next morning, Charlotte stood with Savannah and Emma wishing the men a nice day as they left to go on their fishing trip.
After the car pulled away with the four of them inside, Savannah turned to Charlotte and Emma. “Let’s make a special day of it ourselves. Emma and I are going shopping and out to lunch. Care to join us, Charlie?”
“I’d love to join you for lunch, but I can’t do more than that. I have work to do here. I hope you understand,” said Charlotte. She already felt guilty about Livy and Brooke covering for her for the next few days.
“Not a problem. I think it’s wonderful that you and your cousins are managing the Inn so your grandparents can have such a marvelous trip,” said Savannah. She took hold of Charlotte’s hand. “I’m pleased that Shane is serious about you. For the past couple of years, well, probably always, he’s struggled with his mother. You’re like a ray of sunshine in his life.”
“That makes me happy. From the first moment we met this summer, we connected in a way I’ve never felt.”
“So, when are you going to get married?” asked Emma, smiling shyly at her.
Charlotte laughed. “I haven’t even been asked.”
“Why did you say that to Charlie?” said Savannah, smiling at her daughter.
Emma shrugged. “I just know it’s going to happen.”
Savannah drew Emma close, hugged her, and smiled at Charlotte. “We have a romantic on our hands.”
Charlotte returned the smile. “I like romance as much as anybody else. But right now, I have to do some unromantic work like greeting guests for breakfast. Please let me know when and where to meet you for lunch, and I’ll be there. Thanks for asking me.”
Charlotte headed inside the Inn. Breakfast was about to begin.
Greeting guests and talking with them about the upcoming day, Charlotte felt more at ease, better able to remember names and stories. It was something Gran did well, and she didn’t want to fall behind in performing that important task.
Fortunately, everyone came at different intervals giving Livy and Billy Bob time to prepare orders. She and Brooke helped serve. Decisions about adding permanent staff would have to be made after Gran returned. In the meantime, they’d use who they had as much as possible.
After the last breakfast had been served, Charlotte went into the office to work with the new logo for the Inn and add it to samples of brochures she was developing. She gazed out the window. On a beautiful day like this, it would be a perfect time to take photos of the Inn for the website,
Charlotte called Dylan. “Ready to work with me on photos of the rooms and exterior of the Inn?”
“Okay. Give me time to clean up the studio, and I’ll head right over,” said Dylan. “I’ll bring my camera.”
“Thanks.” Charlotte loved how everyone at the cove was willing to help one another.
Dylan arrived, and Charlotte showed him the list of photos she wanted to use in brochures and on the website. More important than showing pictures of the interior, Charlotte wanted to capture the flavor of the Inn as being exceptional for its facilities and location. The Inn offered a large pool, a large spa, and private access to the beach. Guests were able to use the large cove dock and were even able to attend neighborhood beach parties. The gazebo and side garden were often used for weddings.
For the next few hours, Dylan and Charlotte worked together, focusing on photo shoots outdoors before moving inside.
Livy and Brooke joined them, as excited as she about the improvements they’d made to the interior.
Charlotte was shocked to discover the time. “Sorry, everyone, but I have to leave. I’m having lunch with Savannah and Emma.”
“Go,” said Brooke smiling. “We’ll take care of things here.”
###
Charlotte arrived at Gracie’s and almost didn’t find a parking space. Gracie’s had become a favorite in this part of the Gulf coast and with good reason. Their food was delicious.
Worried about not being on time, Charlotte bypassed the carved wooden statue of a sea captain by the entranceway and rushed inside.
Savannah caught her eye and waved.
Charlotte hurried over to Savannah’s table and greeted both her and Emma with an apology. “I’m sorry I’m a few minutes late. Busy morning at the Inn taking photos of it.”
