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"Marvelous! I'll message you my address. I'm looking forward to our chat, Charlotte."
"Thank you, Agnes," Charlotte said softly, touched by the genuine warmth and kindness she heard in her cousin's voice. "I'll see you tomorrow."
As she ended the call, Charlotte stared at the phone in her hand, feeling a mixture of disbelief and elation. She had finally found a family member who seemed eager to connect with her, someone who could shed light on her father's past and help her understand where she came from.
The shadows of doubt receded, replaced by a warm glow that filled her chest. In that moment, as the grandfather clock continued its gentle ticking, Charlotte felt more at home than ever before.
Charlotte sat there for a moment, cradling the device in her hand. Her heart thudded in her chest, anticipation and curiosity growing within her like vines reaching for the sun. The room seemed to hum with energy, as if it sensed the significance of this new connection. Tomorrow's meeting loomed large in her imagination, a door opening onto a world of possibilities.
Outside, the wind brushed against the windowpanes, whispering secrets that only the trees could understand. Charlotte's thoughts wandered to the conversation that lay ahead, hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. She envisioned faded photographs and worn letters, tender moments and shared laughter, all the memories that had been lost to time but not forgotten.
She rose from the armchair, feeling lighter than she had in years, as if the weight of her unanswered questions had been lifted ever so slightly. A tentative smile played at the corners of her mouth as she moved toward the window, where the last rays of sunlight painted the clouds in shades of gold and lavender.
"Charlotte," she murmured, testing the sound of her name on her lips like a talisman. "Henry's Charlotte."
Her thoughts danced around the unknowns of tomorrow's meeting. What would Agnes be like? How much did she know about their shared past? For now, those questions remained unanswered, suspended in the air like fireflies.
"Finally," Charlotte breathed, her voice barely audible even to herself. "I might find the missing pieces."
And maybe—what if it turned out that Agnes knew where Henry was?
She needed a distraction, and she couldn’t call Roxanne again. Maybe a little trip to the harbor was in order.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Charlotte's heart raced with anticipation as she made her way to the harbor, her mind buzzing with thoughts of Simon. She had been looking forward to this moment all day, eager to "casually" run into Simon and see his rugged, handsome face once more. It was a warm afternoon in Chesham Cove, perfect for a walk.
As she approached the harbor, Charlotte was greeted by the bustling activity of fishermen unloading their catch for the day. The salty air mingled with the scent of fresh fish, carried along by a gentle sea breeze. Seagulls soared overhead, their raucous cries filling the air as they swooped down to snatch any morsel they could find.
Charlotte's eyes scanned the docks, searching for Simon among the busy fishermen. Her heart pounded a little faster with each step she took, her excitement growing as she drew nearer to the water's edge. She could almost picture him there, his strong hands expertly navigating his boat through the waves, his sun-kissed skin glinting in the sunlight.
The sound of laughter and chatter filled the harbor as fishermen exchanged stories of their latest catches and discussed plans for the evening. It was a lively scene that Charlotte was drawn to, even as her thoughts remained preoccupied with Simon.
A flurry of seagulls dove and swooped around the fishing boats, their cacophony of squawks blending with the fishermen's jovial banter. Charlotte inhaled deeply, absorbing the salty scent of the ocean mingled with fish, seaweed, and the faint aroma of fresh bread from a nearby bakery. She hoped that Simon would be among the sea-hardy fishermen unloading their catch at the harbor.
Her eyes darted from one boat to another, heart skipping a beat each time she thought she found his. But so far, Simon's familiar vessel eluded her. The vibrant colors of the boats bobbed gently on the water as they kissed the edge of the dock, their names painted boldly on their hulls. She chewed her lip in anticipation, her gaze continuing to search.
"Come on, Simon," she muttered under her breath, fingers drumming against her thigh in an anxious rhythm. "Where are you?"
As if answering her silent plea, a weathered boat with peeling paint carved its way through the sparkling waves, steering toward the dock. The name 'The Mariner' was emblazoned across its side, and as it drew closer, Charlotte recognized Simon's strong figure at the helm. His windswept hair danced in the breeze, and he maneuvered the boat with practiced ease.
"Ah, there you are," she whispered, her heart doing a somersault in her chest. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as excitement surged through her veins. Relief washed over her, like the tide kissing the shore – though maybe she shouldn’t be thinking of kissing, after that embarrassing faux pas the other night.
Charlotte stared at him as he deftly steered his boat into position alongside the dock. Her pulse raced, warmth spreading across her cheeks. She clutched her hands together, trying to contain the giddiness that threatened to bubble over.
"Okay, Charlotte," she thought, taking a deep breath. "Stay calm. You can do this. Just be casual."
As Simon's boat came to a gentle stop, Charlotte felt her excitement reach new heights. She couldn't wait to see his sun-kissed face up close once more and exchange playful banter with the rugged fisherman who had captivated her heart. As Simon secured the boat to the dock, his green eyes met Charlotte's, and a playful grin appeared on his face. He stepped onto the wooden planks, closing the distance between them with effortless confidence.
"Charlotte," he greeted her warmly, his voice as smooth as the sea that surrounded them. "What a surprise to see you here. I had no idea you were so interested in the local fishing industry."
Simon's teasing tone sent a shiver down Charlotte's spine, and she felt a blush creep up her cheeks. She met his gaze head-on, determined not to let him get the better of her.
"Simon, I didn't realize you had an exclusive claim to this area," she retorted playfully, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Besides, I'm merely appreciating the beauty of Chesham Cove. It's a shame it took me so long to find it."
"Ah, yes," Simon chuckled, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "The beauty of the cove. That must be why you're standing here, watching the boats with such... intensity."
Charlotte laughed, her heart skipping a beat at his teasing. She knew he was onto her little scheme, but she refused to back down. Instead, she arched an eyebrow and shot him a coy smile.
