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ChapterNine
“Okay, everyone, we have approximately four hours to transform this place into something magical. Let’s get to work, people,” Cora issued from the newly built deck at the back of the inn. Jamie had finished putting it together just last night, and now with its height, it overlooked the water perfectly. This was where their mother would be sitting as the highlight of the party took place. Aqua and pink silken curtains adorned the backboard just behind it.
Andrea had taken Becky shopping to get her hair and nails done to keep her occupied and away so she wouldn’t figure things out. In her mind, the highlight of today would be the reservation for dinner at the inn. Jo couldn’t wait to see the look of surprise that was bound to cross her face. She couldn’t wait.
Jo helped Cora hang the birthday banner on the backboard while the girls blew up the purple, white, and gold balloons to be used to finish adorning the deck and the rest of the space. Jamie had commissioned his men to set up the tables and chairs and any other heavy-duty lifting.
Jo looked over at her daughter, who was sporting a frown and looking out across the water with her arms folded across her chest. Something was definitely wrong.
“Hey, honey.” She bumped her daughter’s shoulder with hers in greeting.
Tracy looked over at her mother and quickly plastered on a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Hey, Mom,” she greeted her back. “What’s up?”
Jo turned to her daughter and reached out to run her fingers through her sandy brown hair. She searched her light brown, almost amber eyes, trying to figure out if something was wrong with her? “Are you all right?” she finally asked.
“Yeah, Mom… I’m fine. I’m just a little tired,” Tracy answered.
Jo couldn’t help the nagging feeling that there was something her daughter was keeping from her. “Are you sure?”
“Mom, I said I’m fine. Can you give it a rest?”
Jo reared back slightly, surprised by her daughter’s forceful tone and words.
Tracy’s eyes widened in surprise before they shuttered. “I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to talk to you like that,” she apologized.
“It’s okay, honey. You said you were fine, and I still pushed. I’m sorry,” Jo responded, soothing her hand down her daughter’s arm. “I just want you to know that you can talk to me about anything,” she reminded her daughter.
“I know. Thanks, Mom.” Tracy gave her mother a small smile.
Jo left her daughter feeling torn. There was obviously something she wasn’t telling her, but she wouldn’t push her. She would wait on her to come to her. That didn’t mean she couldn’t talk to the one person that possibly knew what was going on with her, though.
“Hey, Josh. Can I have a minute?”
Josh’s hazel eyes shifted from where he was unpacking chairs up to his mother-in-law.
“Sure thing, Mrs. B,” he answered, straightening up to walk over to her.
Jo looked back to see her daughter was preoccupied, talking to her cousins.
“It’s about Tracy,” she spoke as quietly as she could.
“What about her?” Josh asked, perplexed.
“I don’t know. She seems a bit off, and I can’t help but wonder if something is the matter.” Jo looked at Josh seriously. “As a mother, I am asking you, is my daughter all right?”
“She’s fine,” Josh reassured Jo.
She still couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong, but for now, she would have to let it go. She made her way over to the restaurant to see how things were going and to help Daniel finish the preparations.
“Hey,” she greeted the man as soon as she entered the kitchen.
“Hey,” he returned with a smile.
“Everything on schedule?” she asked, reaching for an apron to tie over her clothes.
“Yes, everything is going as planned,” Daniel answered.
“Great. Tell me what you need me to do,” she offered.
