PROLOGUE
Eleanor “Ellie” Weatherby, now Ellie Rizzo, sat on the patio of the small inn in Provence, France, thinking about her latest message from her friend and co-conspirator, Liz Ensley. Liz and the other three women who lived in Sanderling Cove on the Gulf Coast of Florida, grandmothers all, had decided to make it a special summer for their beloved grandbabies by bringing them all together. With only three great-grands in the bunch, it was time for action, and who better for their grandchildren to marry than other cove kids?
They were trying to be discreet about their matchmaking, of course, but the grandmothers all had reasons to ask their grandchildren to spend time at the cove. For Ellie, it was truly important. She’d married her long-time business partner and lover after years of living and working together, so that each could provide guidance on health decisions going forward. In her seventies, Ellie had decided it was time to choose between selling the Sanderling Cove Inn or finding someone in the family willing to keep it going.
Her granddaughters—Charlotte, Brooke, and Olivia—were a marvelous trio of smart, capable young women. Her hope was that somehow one or the three of them together would be willing to keep the Inn in the family. After spending the summer managing the Inn while she and John enjoyed a long-awaited auto trip and honeymoon through Europe, the three young women should be able to give her an answer.
As for the other business at hand, Charlie had already found the love of her life in Liz’s grandson, Shane. She wished them all the loving luck in the world. Brooke and Livy? More time would tell if they’d be as lucky.
CHAPTER ONE
BROOKE
Brooke Weatherby sat on the beach in the early morning light in a complete funk. She was tired of being the dependable one, the boring one out of everyone at Sanderling Cove. She’d agreed to come to the cove unaware her two cousins, Charlotte “Charlie” Bradford and Olivia “Livy” Winters, would be there. All three had been invited to help Gran and John with The Sanderling Cove Inn over the summer while Gran and John went on a long road trip in Europe. She loved her cousins and was happy to have the summer with them. But being with them sometimes made her own failings all too apparent.
She wiggled her toes in the sand, wishing she was different, that she’d find the freedom she needed to be herself. She was filled with determination. They might seem like only sandy wishes to others, but she was going to make them come true.
Gran had especially wanted Brooke to be able to spend the time away from her mother. Though sweet, her mother, Jo Weatherby, suffered from fibromyalgia and depression and depended on Brooke to be her caretaker at times and her friend at other times. It was an exhausting situation that had cost Brooke a relationship in the past. She didn’t want that to happen again.
“Time to kick up your heels and have fun,” Gran had told her. “You deserve it.” She’d gone on to say that the co-dependent relationship with her mother wasn’t healthy for either of them.
Later, leaving their small town in upstate New York and arriving in Florida had felt to Brooke as if she’d been given wings. But it would take more than a stay on the Gulf Coast of Florida to change things permanently. Brooke had to decide just who she wanted to become away from the past. She wanted to add some much-needed freedom to her life.
Brooke studied the waves washing into shore for a quick kiss before pulling away again. The ageless pattern was soothing to her. Sandpipers and sanderlings hurried past on tiny feet, leaving their marks behind in the sand. That was one thing she wanted for herself—to leave her mark behind. Something stronger than that of caring for a sick mother.
She looked up as Livy joined her and sat on the sand beside her.
“What are you doing up this early?” Livy asked. “You’re not on duty today.”
On the short side with curly, strawberry-blond hair and blue eyes full of mischief, Livy was everyone’s favorite. The fact that she was a fabulous baker was another reason some of the men in the cove gravitated toward her. That, and the fact that Livy was always up for a fun-filled adventure. But she was a hard worker too. She handled the kitchen duties for breakfast, along with Billy Bob, an ex-con who’d worked alongside John for years.
“I was restless and needed some time by the water to collect my thoughts,” sa
id Brooke.
Livy frowned, concern etching her brow. “Is everything all right?”
“I guess.” Brooke shrugged. “I’m contemplating the future and trying to decide what I want out of life. A lot of deep thinking for sure.” She brightened. “On a different, edgier note, I’m thinking of getting a tattoo. Something to prove I’m not still caught in a rut.”
“A tattoo?” A smile spread across Livy’s face. “You know what? You, Charlie, and I should each get one. Something always to remember this summer. What design would you choose?”
“I’m not sure. What about you? A cupcake? Or cookies?”
Lily laughed. “I like the idea of a small cupcake. You could choose something like a seashell because you and Skye spend so much time looking for them.”
Brooke cheered up. She and Adam Atkins’ four-year-old daughter Skye had become shell-seeking buddies. Adam was a wonderful single father who intrigued her, but they were simply friends. If Skye wasn’t adorable and hadn’t attached herself to her, Brooke might not spend much time with them. But when Skye ran to her for a hug, Brooke would never turn her away.
Livy checked her watch and rose. “I’d better get to the kitchen. It’s a slow morning, but I can’t let Billy Bob think I’m not serious about my job.” With Gran and John gone for the summer, Livy’s task was to oversee the kitchen staff for the breakfasts for which the Inn was well known.
Billy Bob was a giant of a man, an ex-con who was frightening until you got to know him. The scowls on his face softened only slightly around other people. Tic Tacs seemed to be the only things that made him happy enough to smile. That, or one of Livy’s chocolate chip cookies.
After a while, Brooke decided to go to the Inn herself. She wanted to work on the upgrade to the guest registration program Austin Ensley had set up for them. All information from there flowed to their financial reports. She’d been observing the process for a while, and she wanted to make some changes to the new s
ystem. Having worked for years in an accounting office, Brooke’s role was to help with the financials for the Inn alongside Jake McDonnell, the Inn’s accountant and financial advisor.
She and Jake had hit it off from the beginning. A self-made man who’d been raised by a friend of Gran’s after his mother died of an overdose, Jake was a kind, ambitious, handsome man who’d never forgotten his roots. Brooke admired him for more than his looks.
When she entered the Inn, she saw Charlotte was in the dining room chatting with a couple who’d risen early and were getting their own coffee from the sideboard before breakfast was served. Tall and slim, with auburn hair tied back in a low ponytail, Charlotte was a striking young woman. She, like Livy and Brooke, was in her late twenties. Recently, Charlotte had become engaged to Shane Ensley. Their relationship had bloomed early and grown quickly into a deep love. Everyone in the cove thought they were perfect together.
Charlotte greeted her with a wave and walked over to her. “What’s this about tattoos? Livy says we’re all getting one together, and mine has to be of a mermaid.”
“Mermaid? That’s perfect for you,” said Brooke. “Yes, let’s do it. I’ll do some research and set something up.”
Charlotte grinned. “Okay, but mine is going to be small. Nothing that could show in a wedding dress.”
“That’s cool. Mine will be small too, but I don’t care. It’s something different. I’m in such a rut.” She emitted a long sigh.
Charlotte’s expression grew serious. “Are you all right?”
Brooke nodded. “Just full of wishes, I guess.”
“Anything I can help you with?” Charlie asked.
“No, but thanks. It’s something I have to decide for myself.” Feeling better, Brooke headed to the office with a cup of coffee. There, numbers were easy to work with. They were either right or wrong.
###
Brooke was still working on numbers sometime later when her cell rang. She checked caller ID. Jo Weatherby.
“Hi, Mom,” said Brooke. She hadn’t talked to her mother in days, and though they’d agreed to limit their conversations this summer, Brooke was uncertain about her mother’s response, hoping she wouldn’t be sent on a guilt trip.
“Hi, Brooke. It’s been so long since we’ve talked that I had to call. How are things going with the Inn? Are you bored to tears?”
“Bored? Anything but,” she quickly replied. “Gran and John have done an amazing job of managing the Inn. Charlie, Livy, and I are all busy trying to do the same plus make some improvements.”
“I keep thinking of you in that hot, humid summer climate,” said Jo.
Brooke knew what her mother was doing—making it sound as if she was concerned for Brooke when actually it was a lead-in to asking her when she was coming home.
Sure enough, Jo said, “I can’t wait for you to come home. The house is empty without you.”
“Mom, you know I’m committed for the summer and, perhaps, beyond. Nothing is going to make me change my mind.” Brooke
took a deep breath. “How are you feeling?”
“I’ve been better, but nothing for you to worry about,” her mother said. “If it gets any worse, I’ll call the nursing service and have them send someone to stay with me.”
Guilt, like a prickly porcupine, poked Brooke in all her sensitive places. She shook her head. She couldn’t go back to past behavior, rush home to help. “I’m sure they have capable people on their staff. We’ve used that nursing service once before. Remember?”
“Yes. They were good. Not as great as having you here, but acceptable.”
“That’s how we’ll leave it, then. Sorry but I’m in the middle of working on financials here, and I’d better go. Jake is due to arrive soon, and I want my work done before he gets here.”
“Okay. Love you, sweetie. Talk to you later.” Her mother clicked off the call, and Brooke let out a huge sigh. She and her mother had always been a twosome which made her fight for independence more difficult. Her father had died before Brooke was born, leaving Jo to fend for herself. Rather than move closer to her family, Jo had opted to stay in the house in New York she and her fiancé had purchased together.
Brooke went back to her work, but her emotions were still churning. When Jake arrived, she was happy to see him. She had a few ideas she wanted to share.
###
After agreeing to the changes Brooke wanted to make to the registration process, Jake left the Inn. Brooke paced the office, her mind going over the conversation she’d had with her mother. She desperately wanted to do something to prove her independence. The tattoos would have to wait. She needed to do something now.
She drove to a hair salon nearby. She was tired of being the same person day after day, the one everyone depended on, the one who couldn’t seem to relax and just enjoy life.
She entered the salon, and when the owner offered a few surprising suggestions, Brooke smiled. This was more like it.
Later, purple streaks accented her brown highlighted hair. Brooke studied her image with surprise, staring at the way the purple in her hair made her hazel eyes change hues to something browner. She knew that for some people, doing something like this was no big deal. But for her, it was a daring move. She’d been programmed always to do the right, the ladylike thing.
She left for Gran’s house proud of her new bold statement.
In her bedroom, she studied her reflection in the mirror still surprised by what she’d done. She was of medium height, and her features were a cross between Livy’s and Charlie’s, both cute and classic.
Lily peered into Brooke’s room. “Wow, a new ’do. I love it! Wait until Charlie sees it. She’ll be as surprised as I am,” said Livy. “Are we meeting downstairs like always?”
“Yes.” Brooke held up the papers she’d prepared for the meeting. “I’ve got a few new ideas for the registration of guests. That, and a quick review of where we stand on our budget.”
“Great,” said Livy. “I want to talk about something too.”
Brooke liked that her cousins were as sincere as she about doing an outstanding job for Gran and John. She, probably more than they, enjoyed managing the Inn enough to consider doing it in the future. It was a fascinating business.
She and Livy went downstairs to the kitchen.
When Charlotte entered the room for their meeting, she took one look at Brooke and squealed. “What did you do to your hair? Turn around. Let me get a better look.”
Brooke twirled in a circle.
“I love it,” said Charlotte. “With my auburn hair, it wouldn’t work. But on you, it looks great.”
Letting out the breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding, Brooke felt more confident. Charlotte was more reserved than Livy, and if she liked Brooke’s attempt to be different, it was an important sign.
Livy took fresh lemonade from the refrigerator and poured them each a glass before she took a seat at the kitchen table.
“What new things do we have to discuss?” asked Brooke. As the financial manager for the Inn for the summer, she’d been designated to oversee the renovation budget.
“I’ve done some mockups of brochures I need to show you and Livy for approval,” said Charlotte.
“I’d like to get a new grill for the kitchen,” said Livy.
“Okay, let’s take a look at the budget,” said Brooke. “We’ve completed almost everything on the list of updates. The PR budget is still pretty open. The funds for the kitchen are mostly spent. Livy, how much would the grill cost? And why do we need it?”
Sitting back, listening to Livy, Brooke liked being in charge. She knew she was a capable accountant, but at her job in New York, her work had never been given the respect it deserved. She’d hoped for a partnership one day, but now the thought was unappealing. Another reason not to go back to her old job, her old life.
Charlotte agreed that Livy could have some of her PR funds for the new grill. And when she showed them the new brochures and pamphlets she wanted to have printed, Brooke and Livy eagerly gave their approval for Charlotte to take them to a printer to be produced.
Satisfied things were running smoothly, Brooke ended the meeting.
Charlotte and Livy each had plans for the evening, so Brooke decided to take a walk on the beach. The salt air, the rhythmic sound of the waves rushing to shore and retreating, and the antics of shorebirds skittering along the sand always lifted her spirits.
As she crossed the lawn and entered the sandy beach a small figure raced toward her crying, “Brooke! Brooke!”
Brooke’s lips curved. She held out her arms, and Skye rushed into them. An adorable four-year-old with blond curly hair and blue eyes that missed nothing, Adam’s daughter and Brooke shared a special relationship.
Skye’s arms loosened around Brooke’s neck. She stared at Brooke, and then a huge smile spread across her face. “You’ve got purple in your hair. How did you do that? I want purple too.” She patted Brooke’s head gingerly, her face alight with excitement.
Brooke laughed. “I love your hair just the way it is. Like Livy’s.”
“But I want …”
Before a real whining session could occur, Brooke said, “Did you find any new shells today with Mimi?”
Skye wiggled to get down and ran over to a bucket nearby, picked it up, and carried it back to her. “We found a scallop shell this morning.”
Impressed, Brooke said, “You’re learning the names of the shells. That’s good.”
“Mimi is showing me. She has a book,” said Skye proudly.
Skye’s great-grandmother, Mimi, walked over to them. She glanced at Brooke’s hair and grinned. “Time for something new, huh?”
Brooke returned her smile. Mimi was a lovely woman, upbeat, social, easy to talk to. “Yes. I thought it was time I did something totally different for me.”
“Well, I like it,” said Mimi. “How are things going with your mother? Is she getting used to having you gone?”
“It’s a work in progress. I talked to her earlier. She has her ups and downs.”
“Ellie was especially anxious for you to spend the summer here, hoping it would change the situation for you both. I know you’re working hard at the Inn, but have fun too, hear.”
Brooke grinned. “That’s exactly what I intend to do.”
Dylan Hendrix, Adam’s cousin, walked toward them. “Hey, what’s up?” He stopped when he noticed Brooke’s hair. “Purple?”
She grinned. “Yes.”
“I like it. A shade of amethyst.”
She laughed. Only Dylan, who was a well-known artist, would use that word.
“I’m thinking of going out tonight. Want to join me for dinner?” When Dylan smiled as he was doing now, his blue eyes lit.
“That would be great.” She studied him. His brown hair was tied back in a man-bun, which accented the features of his face and matched his well-toned body. Dylan was a few years older than she, and his bold paintings had caught the eye of a number of famous people, sending their popularity and their prices into the stratosphere. Yet he was as humble a man as she’d ever met. She liked that about him.
Maybe like her hair, her future was about to change color, become brighter. She wished it would all come true.
CHAPTER TWO
CHARLOTTE
The next morning, with a day off and after delivering the brochures and pamphlets to a printing service in St. Petersburg, Charlotte headed south on I-275 toward its intersection with I-75 and the drive to Miami. She’d promised Shane to accompany him to visit his mother’s house on Star Island to help Sophia, his mother’s companion, sort through everything inside. With his mother’s unexpected death and all the emotions that occasion had brought to the surface for everyone in the family, Charlotte understood how important it was for her to be there with him.
His mother, Diana Ensley Perez, had been a troubled woman who was cruel at times to her two sons, Shane and Austin. Charlotte had met her just once. That one visit for lunch was enough to make her understand how his mother had affected Shane’s life in an unhealthy way.
As she drove, Charlotte thought about Shane. He was everything she’d ever wanted in a man—strong but sensitive, kind, smart, and very loving. She’d felt so alone growing up, and his family’s easy acceptance of her was a true blessing.
She smiled at the memory of Gran’s elated email to her upon hearing of her engagement to Shane. Her connection to Shane was something Gran and her friend Liz had longed for. Having that kind of support was important to her. Even her mother had been pleased to hear of her engagement, although Shane didn’t meet her mother’s usual standards of a wealthy, successful, socially elite male in New York. Charlotte knew her stepfather, Walter Van Pelt, would get along well with Shane. They were both smart, interesting men.
###
When she pulled into the garage at Shane’s condo, she sighed with pleasure. This place was beginning to feel like home. Sitting in Coconut Grove nearby the CocoWalk development, it had a perfect location. The condo itself was comfortable and easily accommodated her presence. Shane had rearranged closet space for her, so she now left a selection of clothes and dressier items there, ...
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