“She did. Oh, and you know that Christmas box of Nana’s I told you I found? I’ve been opening up the items in it one by one. And I’ve figured out the history of most of the items and why Nana might have kept them. There’s still a bit of a mystery around a glass-blown ornament she kept though. I know it was made by Sam Waterman, a man who owned a small glass-blowing business here on the island. He almost lost his business during the depression. But rumor has it some kind person got in touch with a big department store chain and they put in a large order and it saved his business. I wasn’t able to figure out who did it though.”
Tally’s expression softened, her eyes warm with memories. She leaned in closer, her voice lowering to a conspiring whisper. “I can answer that for you. But it’s not really known around town. It was my grandfather.”
“Really?” Nothing about this town truly surprised her anymore. It seemed everyone was interconnected.
“Yes. He wanted to help Sam out, and my grandfather went to school with someone in the upper levels of management of the department store. But he never wanted anyone to know it was him. He did it to be kind, not for any acclaim. Can you keep his secret?”
“Yes, of course I will. But thank you for telling me. He’s like Nana, helping people quietly, behind the scenes, not for the recognition.”
“Did you figure out all the rest of the items?” Tally tilted her head, her expression curious.
“All except for a pretty piece of sea glass. I guess she just might have kept it because it was so unusual.”
Tally’s lips curved into a smile. “Let me guess. Is it in the shape of a Christmas tree?”
Her eyes widened. “It is. How did you know?”
“Genevieve and William found it right on the beach in front of Magic Cafe one Christmas morning. They showed it to me. He asked her to marry him that day.”
Her heart flooded with warmth as she realized what a special memory it held for Nana. And now for her.
Tally drifted off to mingle in the crowd, her laughter blending in with the cheerful hum of conversation. Randy made his way over, slipping his arm around her waist. “Looks like your first party is a big success.”
“It is. And I found out more about our mystery items.” As she told him what Tally had revealed, his face lit up in amazement.
“Well, it looks like we’ve been successful with all the items.” He smiled down at her, his eyes warm with affection.
“As long as we’re lucky with tomorrow’s item.”
“We will be. I just have a feeling.” He tightened his arm reassuringly around her waist, his words carrying a certainty she found it impossible not to believe.
She leaned against him, enjoying his warmth, enjoying having him here to share this night with her.
A steady stream of townspeople came in and out for hours. Their warm greetings and genuine enthusiasm for her decision to stay wrapped around her in a welcoming embrace. They showered her with compliments on Nana’s cookies and how cute the cottage looked, decorated for Christmas just like Nana had done.
Finally, the last guest left, and she sank onto the couch. “That was lovely. I can’t believe how many people came. And they were so nice to me.”
“Of course they were. They’re happy you’re staying here.” Randy settled beside her. “You’re part of the island now. You’re home.”
She swept her gaze around the cottage, taking in the subtle changes that had made it her own, with plenty of Nana’s influence still evident. Her own things mingling with Nana’s.
With a startling clarity, she realized it did feel like home now. Especially with Randy right here beside her.
CHAPTER 24
The next morning, Evie flung open the door to Randy’s knock, excited to see him and share Christmas morning with him. He swept her up in a hug, then set her down and kissed her. She grinned up at him. “That’s a nice way to start a day.”
“Merry Christmas, Evie.” His fingers lightly brushed away a wayward strand of hair away from her face. “I can’t imagine spending Christmas without you. I’m glad you stayed.”
A rush of contentment flooded through her. “I am too.” She squeezed his hands. “Now, let’s go open the last item in the Christmas box. I can’t wait any longer.”
They settled on the couch with the box resting between them. He gave her an encouraging smile as she slowly opened the lid, plunging her hand inside to grasp the last item. She took it out and unwrapped it, gasping as she saw what she held in her hands—a delicate silver bracelet with tiny pieces of light-colored sea glass embedded in it.
She looked up at Randy. “Nana gave this to me when I was a little girl. It was my Belle Island bracelet. I only wore it when I came here to the island. It made it… more special to me. Like a secret Nana and I shared.”
He slipped it onto her wrist and she stared at it, feeling a strong connection to Nana, to the cottage, to the island. Suddenly an idea struck her and she jumped up, tugging on Randy’s hand. “Come on, there’s somewhere we need to go.”
He got up agreeably and followed her outside. “Headed anywhere in particular?”
