As they enjoyed their breakfast, she found herself relaxing into an easy conversation with Randy. The gentle clink of coffee mugs and the soft sound of the waves provided a soothing backdrop to their chat. It felt natural, sitting here on the porch, sharing stories and laughter. The cottage was beginning to feel more like home to her.
But it wasn’t home, she reminded herself. She had a place back up north. And she really needed to get back there and find another job.
Her fingers tightened around her mug as she considered the reality of her situation. Not many high-tech jobs here on Belle Island, so it was silly to think she could live here. She glanced around at the lush greenery and listened to the sound of waves, feeling an unexpected tug of longing.
Live here? Permanently? Where had that thought come from? She blinked, surprised by the direction of her thoughts.But it was a silly notion anyway. She pushed it away, focusing instead on the last of her delicious scone.
As they finished their meal and sat sipping their coffee, the conversation lulled into a comfortable silence. She found herself stealing glances at Randy, wondering what he was thinking. He leaned back in his chair, looking completely at ease.
Finally, she set her mug down with a soft clink. “I guess it’s time. Let me go get the box.” She stood and stretched slightly before heading inside. When she returned, she set the box on the table between them, her fingers lingering on its worn edges for a moment before she pulled away.
“Go ahead. Pick one.” He nodded toward the box.
She stared into the box, her fingers hovering over the various wrapped items as she debated which one to choose. Why did it seem like such a big decision? She finally made up her mind and took one out. She gently untied the twine and unwrapped the tissue paper to reveal a small, carved box. As she opened the lid, a tinkling, melodic waltz filled the air.
She listened, entranced, as the delicate melody of “The Skater’s Waltz” filled the air. The familiar tune brought back memories of Nana playing it on her old stereo, the music floating through the cottage on lazy summer afternoons.
When the tune stopped, she passed the music box to Randy, watching as he examined it closely. His eyes lit up as he turned it over. “Look, it’s engraved. To Lula, all my love. Fred. 3/2/1908.”
“Oh.” She leaned closer to see. “1908? It’s over a century old. I wonder who Lula and Fred were.”
He pulled out his phone. “Let’s see what we can find online.” But despite his efforts, searching for Lula and Fred on the island yielded no results. Even the date didn’t bring up any significant events.
“I’m not sure we can solve this one,” he said as he set his phone down.
She let out a sigh. “We were on a winning streak, but it’s unrealistic to think we’d find out the significance of all these items.”
“Maybe, but even if we don’t know all the details, it’s clear Miss G saw something special in each of these items. That’s what really matters, isn’t it?”
“Yes, you’re right. That’s what matters.” She was still disappointed they couldn’t figure out the story behind the music box though.
Randy handed the box back to her. “You know, hearing the music, it reminded me. There’s the Christmas dance tonight at the town center. It’s our official kickoff for the Christmas Festival. Would you like to go?”
“Oh, that sounds like fun.”
“It’s kind of a chance for everyone to dress up fancy for a change.”
“Oh, I didn’t bring anything nice to wear.”
“I’m sure anything you wear will be fine.”
Spoken like a true male. Maybe she’d have time to go shopping. At this rate, she was never going to get Nana’s cottage sorted out.
Randy stood. “I should go get some work done. I’ll pick you up about seven?”
“Sure. And thanks for bringing breakfast. The scones were delicious.”
“Thanks for sharing the opening of another piece from the Christmas box.” With a quick wave, he clambered down the porch steps and jogged over to his cottage.
She picked up their dishes and carried them inside, then brought the Christmas box in. Maybe she should head into town to try to find a dress to wear.
She sighed, knowing she was procrastinating on what she needed to be doing. She really,reallyneeded to do something—anything—toward sorting out the cottage first.
She’d been avoiding Nana’s room, but she couldn’t avoid it forever. Now seemed like the time. Squaring her shoulders, she headed into Nana’s bedroom. The closet. She’d start there.
She stepped into the closet as sunlight from the far window partially illuminated the space. She flipped the switch, and soft light filled the rest of the area.
With a deep breath, she began sorting through the clothes, carefully folding tops and slacks into a box. “Someone will appreciate these,” she said out loud to no one, imagining Nana’s approving smile at the thought of her clothes finding new homes.
