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“Fair enough,” said Charlotte, aware of Livy’s discomfort.
When they’d finished with the food preparation, Charlotte said, “I’m going to change my clothes. I’ll be back later.” On her evenings off from hosting the cocktail hour, Charlotte didn’t always attend. But tonight, she wanted to be part of it.
On her way to Gran’s house, Austin trotted up to her. “Have you met the parents?”
“Yes, I checked them in this afternoon. They seem very pleasant.”
Austin grinned. “I’m glad you like them. After meeting my mother, you need to know she’s not like the rest of the family.”
“Yes, sadly, that’s true. Did your brother, Brent, find you?”
Austin grinned. “We’ve already played several computer games. Smart kid. Emma, too.”
###
Guests easily mingled with the few residents of Sanderling Cove, adding a buzz of excitement to the event. Charlotte watched Granny Liz and Savannah chatting and was pleased that they got along. She couldn’t imagine Granny Liz and Diana together.
Henry walked over to her. “I’m glad for us to have the chance to speak privately. My mother has told me how you saved Shane’s life. I can never thank you enough.”
“Honestly, I just happened to be there at the time.”
His gaze settled on her. “Do you really believe that? My mother said it’s all part of why you and Shane are meant to be a couple.”
Charlotte returned his steady look. “It certainly brought us together,” Charlotte began. She turned as Shane entered the room. He gazed at her, and she felt a smile fill her face.
Henry chuckled. “You don’t have to say more.”
Shane walked over to them, gave Charlotte a quick kiss, and gave his dad a man hug. “Great to see you, Dad. Glad you two are getting to know one another.” He put his arm around Charlotte, drawing her close. “I think Savannah and Charlotte are going to get along just fine.”
“Me, too,” said Henry, grinning when Savannah walked toward him. “Sorry about the luncheon with your mother.”
“She’s a mess,” said Shane, his voice full of disgust. His face brightened when he caught sight of his stepmother. “Hi, Savannah.”
She hurried into his embrace. “Shane, it’s been way too long. You know we don’t get to spend enough time with you.” She indicated Charlotte with a smile and a nod of her head. “But I see you have a meaningful reason to stay here.”
Shane grinned, stepped back from Savannah, and wrapped his arm around Charlotte. “Averygood reason.”
Austin joined them. “What’s everyone smiling about?”
“Shane and Charlotte,” said Savannah, taking hold of Austin’s hand and giving him a loving hug.
Henry said, “Thought we’d go fishing tomorrow, You two, Brent and me. How does that sound?”
“Excellent. I haven’t been fishing in a long time. Too busy,” said Shane.
“I want to hear what’s happening with your charity project,” said Savannah.
“It’s doing well. Charlotte is helping us with a new publicity campaign,” said Shane. “Charlotte used to work for a big PR company in New York, and she has lots of excellent ideas.”
“I’m also working on something for the Inn,” said Charlotte. “My cousins, Livy and Brooke, and I are handling the management of the Inn while Gran and John are gone on their summer trip.”
“I understand they’re married now,” said Savannah. “How sweet.”
“My mother and her sisters are happy they’ve finally made it official. Gran said the only reason they did it was to handle legal and health issues.” Charlotte chuckled. “She’s such a free spirit.”
“It’s nice that she’s that way, but I hope when the time comes, I’ll be present for my children’s weddings,” said Savannah. “I want to see them all happily married and settled one day.”
Charlotte avoided looking at Shane and waited for him to respond.
