“Maybe you could come by my workshop and see some of my new work. We’ll see if we can find something your wife might like.”
“That’s great. I’ll be back in town next week. Will that work?”
“It will.”
“Perfect.” The man smiled and walked away.
“See, told you people want your art,” Megan said pointedly.
“And you’re always right, aren’t you, Megs?”
“Pretty much.” Megan took Brooklyn’s hand. “How about we go see what kind of sandwiches Miss Beverly has? We’ll meet you two back here in a bit.” They took off with Brooklyn taking a skip and a hop for each of Megan’s steps. It was just a simple moment, but it warmed Amanda’s heart. It was moments like these that made Magnolia Key feel like home, a place where dreams could blossom and hope take flight.
She pulled her gaze from Megan and Brooklyn and turned to Connor. “Are you… happy? Are you ready to sell your art again?”
“I’m not sure how I feel. Been a long time since I sold a piece.”
“Maybe it’s time to get back in the art world.” She squeezed his hand. “If you think you’re ready. If it’s something you want.”
“Maybe it is.”
Beverly came by later, all smiles. “Biggest turnout we’ve ever had for the festival. Everyone is so pleased. You did a wonderful job.”
“Thank you. I was glad I was here to help.”
“Is it just like the one you went to when you were a girl?”
She looked up at Connor, then back to Beverly. “Pretty much.” She grinned. “But a few changes.”
Connor grinned, and Beverly laughed. “Nothing wrong with a few changes. Good changes.” Beverly shook her head. “Things have a way of working out here on Magnolia. Anyway, I better run. Meeting up with Maxine and Dale. Oh, and I’ll take down all the history items after the fireworks, don’t worry about those. I’ve wrangled some volunteers to take the art back to city hall, too. The artists can pick up their work there. Oh, and so far, the auction has brought in more than ever. The funding for next year’s festival is secure.”
“Oh, I’m so glad.” A pang of melancholy struck her. Not that she’d be there, but at least whoever took over next year wouldn’t have to worry about funds.
They met up later with Megan and Brooklyn and sat on the wall near the boardwalk and watched the fireworks. The crowd oohed and aahed as the display lit up the sky. Each shower of glittering embers reminded her of the magic this island had brought to her life. The grand finale was a masterpiece of colors and booms and sparkles. She snuck a look at Connor, the lights reflecting in his eyes. He turned and smiled at her before looking up at the display again. Joy rose in her, filling her with a senseof contentment. What had begun as a simple respite from the hustle of her city life had become so much more.
After the show, they all headed back to the cottages. Brooklyn yawned, no longer her energetic, skipping self. Connor scooped her up in his arms and carried her the rest of the way.
When they got to his cottage, Megan took Brooklyn. “I better get her to bed. Good night, Amanda. It was a wonderful festival.”
“Thank you.”
Megan and Brooklyn slipped into Connor’s cottage, and he took Amanda’s hand, leading her over to hers. They climbed her deck slowly.
“I’ve been wanting to kiss you all day.” His eyes twinkled like the fireworks.
“What a coincidence. I’ve been wanting to be kissed all day.”
He took her into his arms, kissing her gently. She sighed, feeling like she was right where she belonged.
Beverly and Maxine worked at the pavilion after the fireworks, packing up items. She turned when she felt someone watching her. “Cliff, what are you doing here?”
“I wanted to talk to you. I came earlier and looked at the items you have here in the historical display.”
Maxine came to stand beside her. “Cliff, we’re kind of busy now.”
He nodded over to where the purse and the letter still rested on the table with the painting she’d found in her office propped up behind it. She’d placed a sign near them asking anyone who knew anything about the items to contact her. “You know how you were hoping someone had some idea to help you withunraveling some of the mystery from the items you found? I can’t really help with the painting, but I can with the letter.”
Beverly eyed him suspiciously, doubting she should trust him, but curious anyway. “You can?”
