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CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
BROOKE
After spending time with Eric sitting by the bonfire the group had been building every night, Brooke headed back to Gran’s. Eric was an interesting man, she decided—a skilled physician, a nerdy guy who was a gentle soul attuned to people. She knew what it was like to take care of others and loved that he did it with such grace and attention to detail.
Others had joined them by the fire. Even though her pulse raced at the sight of Adam walking toward them, she reminded herself not to get involved. He’d made it clear to everyone he was glad to see them, but that’s all this break was to him—a chance to heal after over two years of being on his own with a small child.
When Eric asked, she quickly agreed to help him move his sailboat from Tampa to the cove. He wanted to moor it inside the cove, safely away from swimmers. When she and her cousins were little, Gran kept a sunfish for them so they could learn how to sail. With more than one sunfish in the cove, a lot of races had taken place. She’d forgotten how much she’d loved it.
Brooke found Charlotte reading on the porch. “Good evening,” she said, lowering herself into a chair next to Charlotte. “You didn’t want to join us at the bonfire?”
“No, I’m reading an interesting book and need the break. You know how that is.”
“Yes, I do,” Brooke said. “Nothing better than a book.”
“Unless it’s Adam Atkins?” Charlotte asked, giving her a saucy smile.
Brooke chuckled and shook her head. “He’s off limits. But I’m going to help Eric move his sailboat here to the cove tomorrow. I can’t wait to get aboard. Should be a fun way to spend a Sunday.”
“I’m glad we’re all getting along so well,” said Charlotte. “It’s been marvelous to remember all the happy times we’ve had here at the cove.”
“At the time, I didn’t realize how special it was,” Brooke admitted. “But now I see why Gran is so excited to have us here helping her. Hopefully, the Inn will stay in the family, a tribute to all we’ve been given.”
Charlotte straightened in her chair. “That’s such a nice way to look at it.”
“I mean it,” said Brooke, suddenly tearful at the thought of losing this place, having others take it over.
Charlotte stood and hugged her. “Thanks for the reminder.”
Brooke hugged her back, hoping she’d never have to go back to her old life.
