And then there was Randy. Spending all that time with him. That had been… magical too. She smiled at the memory of his warm laugh and the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. It was getting harder to deny that she was beginning to have feelings for him. The flutter in her chest whenever he was near was becoming impossible to ignore.
But it was kind of pointless, wasn’t it? She’d be leaving soon. She wasn’t even sure she’d stay through the holidays if she could get things wrapped up here at the cottage. The practicalside of her brain insisted she really should get back home and concentrate on finding a new job.
Yet a small part of her heart whispered that maybe, just maybe, there was something worth exploring here on Belle Island. She pushed the thought away, trying to focus on the tasks ahead. She was here to sort through Nana’s things.
But the task of going through all of Nana’s belongings crushed her very soul. The absence of Nana’s presence during the holiday season left an ache that seemed impossible to soothe. Yet even in the middle of the sadness, there was joy. The surprise of the Christmas box. That was an unexpected blessing. Getting to know so many things about Nana that she hadn’t known. And sharing it with Randy made it extra special.
But reality intruded on her thoughts like a cold wave splashing over her. Her time here on the island was limited. And Randy knew she was leaving soon. So there was no reason to think that he had any kind of feelings for her beyond friendship. Friends. That was how she should think of him too.
If only she could convince her heart to think of him in that way…
CHAPTER 13
Evie felt a twinge of disappointment that she tried to ignore when Randy didn’t show up the next morning. She’d gotten used to him coming over early each day to share breakfast and open a new item from the Christmas box.
To fill the void, she meandered through the cottage, sorting through belongings—some destined for packing, others for discarding. The silence hovering in every nook and cranny eventually became too much for her, and she decided to go to Magic Cafe and grab breakfast.
As she entered the cafe, Tally gave her a big hug. “There you are. Did you have a good time last night at the tree-lighting ceremony?”
“I did. It was as wonderful as I remembered from when I used to spend Christmas here. I hadn’t realized how much I missed the island.”
Tally’s eyes twinkled knowingly. “The island has a way of doing that. It wraps you in its charm, tugging back old memories. Welcoming you back, reminding you just how magical it is.”
“I’m beginning to believe that. I’m finding it harder and harder to imagine leaving here again.” There, she finally voicedthe thought that had been twirling in her mind. Staying here on Belle Island.
“Well, that’s simple enough,” Tally said with a grin. “You should stay. You certainly have a lovely place to live.”
She hesitated. “But I work in tech. There aren’t many high-tech jobs here on the island. So I’m not sure how it would work.”
“Bet you could find a way to make it work.” Tally nodded encouragingly as she led her to a table and handed her a menu. “We always do if it’s something we really want.”
She sipped her coffee as she thought about what Tally said. Was Tally right? Could she make it work to stay here on the island?
And then there was Randy. If she stayed here, she would have the chance to figure out just what her feelings were for him.
But still, was it a smart decision?
Evie stirred her coffee absently, her mind churning with possibilities. The idea of staying on Belle Island tugged at her heart, but practicality warred with emotion. She’d built a life in the city with a good career—albeit without a job in hand right now. Could she really walk away from all that?
She glanced around the cafe, taking in the now familiar faces of locals starting their day. It struck her how quickly she’d fallen into the rhythm of island life. The thought both comforted and unsettled her.
Her fingers traced the worn edge of the table, a remnant of countless conversations and shared meals. The decision before her felt monumental.
As she debated the pros and cons of a major life change, she caught sight of a familiar figure entering the cafe. Julie walked up to her table with Tally at her side.
“Hi, Julie. Hope you don’t mind. I’m cheating on you and having breakfast at Tally’s today.” She smiled up at Julie.
Julie’s eyes widened in mock offense. “Tally, I hope you’re not trying to steal my new favorite customer.”
“Hey, you’re coming for breakfast here today too.” Tally shook her head.
“Right, there is that.” Julie grinned.
Evie smiled, feeling a surge of affection for both women. It amazed her how quickly she’d come to care for these island residents, how easily they’d welcomed her into their circle. A sense of belonging tugged at her, making her impending decision feel even more weighty.
“Evie is thinking about staying on the island,” Tally said.
“Really?” Julie turned to her.
