Emily’s heart fluttered and rippled and sang the “Hallelujah” chorus. “Me too. Same. I think I’ve fallen in love with you, too, but you live in Sacramento, and I’m moving back here.”
His expression said, I have more good news. “Yeah, about that. As luck would have it, Tag has found another hotel on the island in need of my consulting expertise. The place is a mess. So it looks like I’ll be sticking around the island for a while. Sacramento will just have to do without me.”
“Sticking around? For how long?” Please be a long time. Please be a long time.
His shrug was coy but very encouraging. “It’s going to take me months, maybe even years to get that place back in shape.”
His answer made joy burst inside her chest like a firework because it was the best news she’d heard since . . . since forever. She rose up on her toes to get closer to those lips of his. “It gets mighty cold here in the winter. I’d be willing to keep you warm, if you’re interested.”
“Oh hell yes to that. I am. I’m very interested.”
He scooped her up, carrying her over to the red velvet sofa and covering her face and neck with tickling kisses until laughter overtook them.
She smiled up at him, happiness flowing through her body. She was home. Back with her family. She had a place to live, a job to do, a wonderful daughter, and a man to love. Life was good. She reached up and traced her fingers along his jaw. “I can’t believe you’ve done all this for me,” she said softly.
His eyes were full of tenderness. “I’d do anything for you, Peach. Anything and everything. Except, maybe . . . square-dance.”
AUTHOR’S NOTE
I hope you enjoyed your visit to Trillium Bay! Some readers may recognize similarities to Michigan’s Mackinac Island, which was the inspiration for the setting of this series. Naturally, I took some creative liberties with the details since Wenniway is a fictionalized island. Nonetheless, Michigan natives may find clues to well-known landmarks and island activities, and I offer my thanks to the many Mackinac Island families who shared their experiences with me.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
To my tribe of awesome women who supported me through each day of writing this book. Melody Guy, thank you for being on Team Tracy. Your support and expertise guided me. Kelli Martin, thank you for your continued support, for always bringing me joy, and for joining me on spa day. Nalini Akolekar, thank you times infinity for holding my hands when days got tough, even if it meant you had to hold them over the keyboard.
Thank you to Webster Girl and Tenacious D for believing in me, for bringing me waffles, and for lighting up my life every single day. But I can’t believe I let you talk me into getting a Great Dane.
Thank you Catherine Bybee and Tiffany Snow for laughing with me (and at me) and for your listening ears and helpful advice. Love you, girls, and all your rock-star ways.
Thank you Kimberly Kincaid, Alyssa Alexander, and Darcy Woods for all the encouraging calls, emails, texts, smoke signals, and carrier pigeons. Knowing you have always been in my corner helps me come out of it once in a while. I heart you big. So big.
To my dear friend Jane, for reading, rereading, and then rereading again. You are the shiny gemstone in the tiara of my life. Or rather, you would be if I had a tiara. Which I don’t, but I should. And so should you.
And finally, to my wonderful, supportive, energetic readers. You are the reason I do what I do. I hope this story brings a smile to your face, a single tear to your eye, and a few hours of blissful escapism. If you keep reading, I’ll keep writing!