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For a moment, that was all she needed. All she could hear was Gram’s big laugh. She could only feel the warmth of the hug and breathe in the comforting scents of the bakery that always clung to Gram.
Gram held her at arm’s length. “You look amazing.” She frowned a little. “Skinny, but amazing.”
Lila chuckled. “Skinny is an asset on a yacht.”
“Well you’re back where you belong now.”
“That I am.” The truth in those words sank deep into her heart. Deeper still into her bones.
Gram squeezed her tight once more. “Welcome home sweetheart. I can’t wait to hear all about life on the yacht.”
Lila wasn’t sure there was much more to cover. She kept her grandmother apprised with alarming regularity for a grown woman. Then again, they had so much in common and a close friendship that only strengthened their family bond. Lila had never felt quite so lucky and blessed as she did in this moment.
She had a place to call home. Family who wanted only the best for her life. She had a town she was proud of and she’d learned the skills necessary to make a vibrant career in a field she was passionate about.
“Thank you,” she murmured, dropping her head to Gram’s shoulder.
“For showing up?”
Lila straightened and knuckled away an errant tear. “That, yes. And all of it, Gram.”
“Don’t you dare make me cry.” Gram pressed Lila’s hands between her own. “You get me started and it’s bound to ruin the evening.”
“Did you make plans?”
Gram beamed at her. “You’re lucky there’s no parade.” Her eyebrows snapped together. “Though I tried, the school marching band wouldn’t go for it.”
“Only you,” Lila said with a laugh.
“I almost convinced the police chief to give us an escort, until his lieutenant pointed out we’d only create more of a traffic problem.”
“You’re incorrigible,” Lila managed. She didn’t mention that a police presence would’ve scared the heck out of her. Part of her still expected Travis to pop up and arrest her on grand theft charges any minute now.
She wondered how things were going with the decoy bag. Was it still in with the potatoes or had the thief tried to retrieve it? She probably would never know how any of that turned out. A result that was for the best, to be sure.
“Hey! Don’t forget your luggage.”
Lila turned to see the woman who had made her uncomfortable earlier. She was rolling Lila’s suitcase closer. “Oh my gosh. I was so excited I just left it in the way. Thank you so much.”
“Happy to help,” the woman said. With another sharp-edged smile, she walked away. “Take care.”
“Made a new friend?” Gram asked.
Lila fought off a strange shiver. “I guess so. We chatted for a minute before the boat docked.”
“Hm.” Gram hooked her arm though Lila’s. “Let’s get home. I’m parked over this way.” She patted Lila’s hand. “And the Lowcountry Gold barbecue is waiting.”
“You’re the best!” Lila’s stomach growled.
“I know my girl,” Gram said with a smile.
The ferry dock was a short walk from Brookwell’s town center, but Gram had been doing more driving due to her aching knees.Lila hefted her suitcase into the back and then settled into the passenger seat, knowing Gram would want to give her a tour and update on the way.
They passed the Bread Basket on Central, snugged in between a few other shops that were also closed for the day. She breathed in the familiar scents of home and eyed the softly lit display in the flower shop window next to the bakery. Across the street, business at a couple of the newer restaurants was picking up. “That looks promising,” she said.
“The new spots do bring in loads of visitors. Unless we want to trash the island neighborhoods in favor of fancy hotels, this is a good compromise to keep Brookwell flush.”
Gram drove on and they passed the Inn, all lit up with sparkling lights and what appeared to be a private gathering out front. After dinner, Lila could come back and check in. She was so excited about the surprise.
