Before she knew it, they’d reached the end of the market. Randy turned to her with a warm smile. “Well, that’s the grand tour,” he said. “I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.”
Evie grinned, feeling a genuine connection to both the island and its friendly inhabitants. “It was wonderful. Thank you for showing me around.”
“It was my pleasure,” he replied. “If you ever need anything, just ask. Everyone is always willing to help here on the island.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you again.”
With a final wave, Randy disappeared into the crowd. She stood for a moment, basking in the warmth of the sun as memories of times here with her Nana flitted through her mind. Why had she not made it a point to come back here every year? Instead, she’d always insisted she was so busy that Nana had to make the trip to come see her.
As she walked back toward Nana’s cottage, she realized she wasn’t here just to organize her grandmother’s possessions but also to rekindle her connection to the island. The one she’d had when she was younger and her parents would send her to the island each summer. After her parents died when she was in college, Nana made sure that Evie spent every Christmas with her, never leaving her alone.
Until this year.
CHAPTER 3
That evening, Evie stood at the edge of the shore, her feet sinking into the cool sand as the sun began to set, painting the sky in vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples. The gentle lapping of waves against the shoreline created a soothing rhythm over her feet. Breathing deeply, she savored the salty sea air even as she wrapped her arms around herself against the evening breeze.
She gazed out at the horizon, and memories of long walks on this very beach with Nana flooded her mind—collecting seashells, building sandcastles, and watching the sunset together. A bittersweet smile played on her lips as she recalled how Nana would always say, “The sky’s putting on a show just for us, Evie-girl.”
The ache of loss mingled with the warmth of happy memories, leaving her feeling both comforted and melancholy. She wondered what Nana would say if she could see her now, standing on their favorite stretch of beach, trying to find her way forward without Nana’s guidance.
As she stood there, lost in her thoughts, she looked down the beach and saw a lone figure approaching in the dimming light.
As the person drew closer, she recognized Randy from their encounter at the market earlier that day. His tall frame and easy gait were unmistakable, even in the fading light. She felt a blend of surprise and curiosity at seeing him again so soon, wondering what he was doing on this stretch of beach.
“Evening, Eve,” Randy called out as he came within earshot, his voice carrying on the sea breeze. “Fancy meeting you out here. It’s a beautiful night out, isn’t it?”
“Randy, hi.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “It is a beautiful night. I was just out watching the sunset.”
“Looks like the sky’s putting on a show just for us.” He motioned toward the sunset.
Her eyes widened in surprise, and a gasp escaped her lips. “Oh, my Nana used to say that very thing to me.”
He looked at her closely, his brow creasing. “Are you Miss Genevieve’s granddaughter? Evie?”
“I am.” She turned and motioned to the cottage. “I’m here trying to sort out her things.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry for your loss.” His voice softened with genuine sympathy. “Miss G was a wonderful person.”
“You knew her?”
“I did. I’m her neighbor.” He pointed to the cottage next to Nana’s. “I moved to the cottage about ten years ago, although I’ve lived on the island my whole life. Your grandmother and I had some great times together. She’d always bring plates of cookies she made or ask me over for dinner. We lost a great woman.”
“We did.”
“I’m surprised I haven’t met you before. But your grandmother spoke of you often. I should have realized it was you when you told me your name was Eve, although Miss G always called you Evie.”
“I… I haven’t been here in a very long time. Life got… crazy.” Like her longtime boyfriend who hated for her to leave town and a demanding job. Neither of which she had anymore. Luckily, she’d responsibly saved her earnings and had a bit of money inherited from Nana, hopefully enough to tide her over until she got her feet back under her.
“You going to keep the cottage? Miss G said that she was leaving it to you.”
She looked at him for a long moment and shrugged. “I don’t know. I mean, I still have my place in the city. It seems a bit silly to keep both places.”
“It would be hard to give up that cottage. Your grandmother made it such a welcoming place, and it has a great view.”
“I know. And it holds so many memories. But… it’s not the same without Nana here with me.” A pang of loss filtered through her.
His eyes filled with understanding. “I’m sure it’s not.” He reached out and lightly touched her arm. “If you need any help with anything, please just ask. I’m sure it’s an overwhelming job to sort through her things.”
