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“Your grandfather is Bernard Copperfield?” Charlotte looked aghast.
Anna winced. “So, everyone knows him?”
“Everyone knows him,” Charlotte affirmed. “He’s mythologized around Martha’s Vineyard.”
“The nerve of that Marcia Conrad,” Everett shot. “I can’t believe she’s not in jail for what she did.”
Anna sighed. “I know. It’s horrible, isn’t it? But my mom led the charge in proving my grandfather’s innocence. She’s the one who published his book, as well.”
“You come from a pretty impressive family,” Everett complimented. “But I have a feeling you didn’t use any of their names to get to where you are today.”
Anna thought back to her studio apartment back in Seattle, where she couldn’t even make ramen noodles on the stove. “I like the idea of being recognized for my own talent rather than my connections to my family.”
No way would she mention her father, Jackson Crawford. It was almost a sure thing they’d heard of him, as he’d been the most-viewed nightly news anchor throughout the late winter and had been instrumental in putting cousin Scarlet’s boyfriend, Owen, behind bars. But Jackson was someone Anna wanted to wash her hands off completely. It just had to be that way.
“And what do you do, Charlotte?” Anna asked.
Charlotte laughed and squeezed Everett’s upper arm. “I’m just a wedding planner.”
Everett scoffed. “She’s not just a wedding planner. She’s planned some of the most elaborate weddings I’ve ever experienced. She’s in such demand that she’s booked months in advance. She’s just being modest. It’s actually how we met. I was on Martha’s Vineyard to photograph Ursula…”
“Pennington?” Anna shrieked. “That was such a dramatic-looking wedding! I was fascinated with it when it happened.” Anna had been in college at the time and had scoured magazine pages, obsessing over the celebrity wedding with her girlfriends. It had been a different time.
“Ursula had plenty of money to play around with,” Charlotte breathed. “But ultimately, she and her fiancé were married in a tiny church, not far from the swankier location they’d initially picked.”
“And Charlotte and I were the only ones in the audience,” Everett said, eyeing Charlotte lovingly.
“That’s beautiful,” Anna said, dropping her gaze.
“And you, Anna? Are you seeing anyone?” Charlotte asked brightly.
Anna felt herself gushing. “I started seeing a middle school teacher last summer. He’s from Ohio originally but moved out to Seattle for college. He swept me off my feet.”
Charlotte’s eyes were alight. “If you ever need a wedding planner, just say the word.”
“Thank you. I don’t know how we could ever afford you, but thank you.” Anna’s heart swelled.
The food came soon afterward, taking their minds off of the far-away islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Anna ate her weight in salmon, mussels, roasted potatoes, savory salads, and a tantalizing creme brûlée, and then admitted she was stuffed full.
“I’ll be back tomorrow,” Anna said after they’d paid the bill. “I can try the rest of the menu, then.”
“How long are you staying?” Everett asked as they stood to leave.
“I’ll be here for about a week,” Anna explained. “My editor wants me to get a good feel for the island and scout for more stories.”
“Let me know if you need any help,” Everett said. “I don’t like the idea that journalists are so secretive about their stories and tips. We need to help each other, you know?”
“That’s wonderful,” Anna replied. “I have a hunch you’re one of the only journalists who feels that way.”
“He is,” Charlotte said, wrinkling her nose.
On the street, Charlotte hugged Anna goodbye, and Everett shook her hand, congratulating her again on her previous article and her newfound career. Anna then floated back to her hotel, sensing that this was one of the best nights of her entire life. She was on top of the world.
ChapterTwo
Anna entered the Harbor Inn reception area, shivering from the sharp chill of the April evening. The woman behind the desk greeted her by name and smiled. “Hello, Anna. I hope you had a wonderful dinner?”
Anna paused and smiled back, grateful for the friendly welcome. “It was absolutely delicious. This place is pretty magical, isn’t it?”
