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“You know, Mike, selling this place just doesn’t sit right with me,” Harry said, running his fingers over the spines of the books. “Angus was like a second father to me. This store was his life.”
Mike sighed, feeling torn. “I know, Harry, but I can’t help but think about the practical side of things. I live and work in Miami now. Jade has her life there too, and running a bookstore on Marco Island seems impossible.”
“But this place meant so much to Angus,” Harry persisted. “It was more than just a bookstore to him; it was his connection to this island and its people.”
“I understand that, Harry,” Mike replied, feeling the weight of the decision on his shoulders. “But I have to be practical. I have my own life and responsibilities in Miami.”
“You keep saying that,” Mike pointed out. “Which makes me wonder who you’re trying to convince: me or yourself!”
“I’m not sure, my friend.” Mike sighed and looked through the doors.
The bookstore fronted Tigertail Beach, which stretched its white sandy shores into the deep blue ocean, painting a tranquil picture as the backdrop for Sully’s Corner.
“Remember when your sister, Trinity, and her husband, Brian, died, and you were left shell-shocked by their deaths and having to care for a nine-year-old girl?” Harry reminded him. “Angus stepped in without hesitation and offered to take Jade.”
Mike nodded, feeling a lump form in his throat. “He loved Jade as if she were his own granddaughter. He was the only family we had left, and he took that role seriously.”
“Yeah, I know,” Harry said, a small smile forming. “Well, look at Jade now. She’s grown into a fine young woman. She’s smart, talented, and passionate about reading and horses, just like her great Uncle.”
“Hey, I’d like to think I had something to do with that.” Mike smiled at the thought of Jade, his heart swelling with pride.
“Of course, but Angus made it much easier for you,” Harry said.
“She’s doing so well in school.” Mike jumped at the opportunity to turn the conversation away from Angus and Mike’s choice to sell the bookstore. “While Jade doesn’t have a lot of friends, she has a select few.”
“I see she’s really found her place here on Marco Island while you’ve been back this past week.” Harry marked off a few more books on the list he had stuck to his clipboard.
“Jade is loving her time here.” Mike agreed with Harry. “She’s been spending a lot of time at the stables, and she’s made some friends who share her love for horses.” He frowned, tapping his pen against his chin. “Which is surprising as Jade doesn’t usually make friends so quickly.”
“But that’s a good thing,” Harry said, genuinely happy for Jade. “I’m glad she’s finding happiness here.” He raised an eyebrow. “Maybe you’re supposed to be here for her!”
“Nice!” Mike looked at Harry and shook his head. “Use my niece to try and guilt me into not selling the store.”
“It was worth a try.” Harry shrugged.
“If you’re so worried about the store, then you should buy it,” Mike suggested.
“Trust me, I’ve thought about it,” Harry admitted. “But Sam would kill me. She’s busy planning our retirement with no commitments other than where to sail next.”
“You’ve only just turned fifty,” Mike reminded him. “It’s a bit early to be planning your retirement.”
“Are you kidding me, dude?” Harry stopped and gaped at him. “We’ve hit the halfway mark to one hundred. For the past twenty to thirty years of our lives, we were like squirrels gathering enough nuts to tie us over for retirement. Now that we’ve hit fifty, we’re taking stock of those nuts to ensure we have enough for our golden years.” He raised his brows. “So yeah, we’re planning our retirement.”
“I’ve got retirement plans.” Mike put some books back on a shelf.
“Yes, but you have a very large supply of nuts for yours.” Harry laughed and patted Mike on the back. “We’re not all as successful as you, my friend.”
“You’re successful,” Mike reminded him. “You own a chain of hardware stores. So, I reckon you, too, have more than your fair share of nuts gathered for your retirement.”
“I also have three kids!” Harry stated. “Two of which are currently at college.” He shook his head and blew out a breath. “Do you know how expensive it is to put one child through college?”
“I do, actually,” Mike said, pride puffing up his chest. “Jade and I have already started speaking about it.”
“We still have another one to put through college.” Harry sighed. “You know you’ve finally gotten the hang of parenting when you secretly hope your lastborn wants to flunk out of school and join a rock band.”
Mike laughed at his friend as he thought of Gemma, Harry’s youngest child and only daughter, dropping out of school to become a rock star.
“I’m sure Sam would love that.” Mike walked into the small kitchen area at the back of the store and took two beers from the refrigerator, handing one to Harry. “Her only girl and her baby, running off to get tattooed and become a drummer.”
