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After pulling her leather gloves out of her pocket, she put them on before shifting into gear. Wind whipped through the rips in her jeans as she sped down the road.
After a few miles, the left side opened up revealing the crashing waves against a rocky shore. This was Shattered Cove. No matter how much of the world she traveled and toured, this was the only place that would ever be home. Jasmine and her boyfriend Atlas’s restaurant, Atlantis, whizzed by as she made her way to The Lighthouse Inn.
Another couple minutes and the white, Victorian-style building came into view. She parked her bike on the side of a gravel parking lot and grabbed the small backpack tied on the rear before she took her helmet off. Salty wind rushed against her, sending her pink-and-blue-highlighted blond hair tumbling into her face. Pressing it behind her ear, she took a deep breath, preparing herself to walk in and pretend everything was okay—just like always.
She just needed to say hello and then get settled in her room, where she could finally lie down and wallow.
The front door banged open as a little girl came rushing out. “Auntie Emma!” Zoey screeched before hugging her waist tight.
Emma wrapped her arm around her niece. “Hey, kiddo.”
Zoey pulled back, her cheeks rosy, her dark hair twisted into two Dutch braids. “Mommy said you were coming. Can I take a ride on your mower-circle while you’re here?”
Emma smiled at her niece and walked towards the inn. “Maybe. If your mom says it’s okay.”
Movement drew her gaze to the front door. Jasmine, her close friend since her teen years, leaned against the entry with her arms crossed. “Where is your coat, little miss?” Jasmine asked Zoey.
The girl ran ahead to her mom. “I forgot. Me wanted to see Auntie Emma!”
Jasmine patted her head and sent her inside before rolling her eyes.
“She gets more adorable every time I see her.” Emma walked through the doorway and into the reception. High ceilings stretched above her, and a giant painting of a ship at sea adorned the wall to her left. Dark grey wood floors contrasted with the white walls perfectly, leading to the main desk of the inn.
“She keeps me busy, that’s for sure.” Jasmine shut the door behind them. “I’m so sorry about Solomon.”
Emma nodded, her nose stinging at the reminder. Just hold it together for a few more minutes.
“Daddy! She’s here!” Zoey’s voice came from the kitchen.
Emma cut a questioning glance towards her friend.
Jasmine gave a cautious smile. “She asked Atlas if she could call him that a couple months ago.”
Emma reached out and drew Jasmine into a hug. “I’m so happy for you. You deserve this.”
“Are you hungry?” Atlas’s deep voice interrupted their moment. Emma released Jasmine and turned to him. She’d only met the man a couple times over the holidays, but seeing the light in Jasmine’s eyes for the first time spoke louder than any words of adoration for him could.
A pang of longing flit through her chest. I wish I knew what it was like to be loved like that.
“Em? Want a snack?” Jasmine’s voice brought her back to the conversation. Sympathy glistened in her eyes.
“No. Sorry. I’m just really tired.”
“Of course you are.” Jasmine walked over to the desk at the other end of the room before grabbing something off of it and returning. “Here.” She placed a set of keys in Emma’s hand. “You’ve got the best suite all to yourself. Do you need anything special?”
Emma shook her head.
“Come by Atlantis anytime. Dinner’s on me,” Atlas said, picking up Zoey.
She forced a smile. “I appreciate it.”
“Do you want help getting settled in your room?” Jasmine asked, reaching for Emma’s backpack.
Emma shook her head and tugged her bag higher on her shoulder. “No, thanks. I just need some sleep.” And to be alone.
Jasmine offered her one more tight hug and released her. “If you need anything, I’m here.”
Emma walked past the desk and turned right into the common room with the L-shaped couch, turquoise pillows, and beach decor. She made her way up the grey wooden staircase to the Lighthouse suite. She put the key in and turned the knob.
