Maybe.
Brent walked along the beach, his feet sinking into the soft sand with each step. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore filled his ears, and the light breeze blew through his hair. But his thoughts were on Felicity and their talk.
She’d made it clear that it wasn’t the right time for a relationship. Maybe she was right, but he couldn’t deny his disappointment. He’d been ready to see where things were heading between them. Over the past few weeks, he’d grown to like her more and more. Her passion for uncovering the island’s history, her kindness, and her warm smile had drawn him in.
But he had to respect her decision. She was going through a lot, trying to figure out her career and find contentment in her work again. He understood that she needed to sort that out before considering anything else. Still, a part of him wished they could be more than just friends.
And he felt like she’d pulled back on wanting to research the prince. He wasn’t sure what that was about. Although she had said she’d help him research his mother.
His mother.
How strange to think she’d visited this very same island, and walked these very same beaches. He couldn’t wait to dig in and research more. He had this burning need to find out more about her. About her childhood. Her family. Any and every little detail.
As he continued his walk, he found himself approaching the lighthouse. The tall structure rose up against the blue sky. He paused and stared at it, then realized he was standing in almost the exact same place his mother had been standing in the photograph. A sense of connection flowed through him. A peace along with the longing to know more.
He climbed the steps leading up to the base of the lighthouse and stood where surely his mother had once been. The view was breathtaking, the vast expanse of the ocean stretching out before him. He wondered what had brought his mother to Magnolia Key all those years ago.
“Hey, Mom. I’m right here. Right where you’ve been before. Walking the same beach. I wish… I wish I had gotten the chance to know you better.”
Sadness swept through him for his loss. For the years he didn’t get to spend with her. For the loneliness that had been his life growing up without her.
A seagull swooped overhead, turned, and swooped back by him, coming to land at the edge of the foamy waves. It turned and looked at him, then scurried down the beach before soaring up in the sky.
He leaned against the railing, letting the warm sun wash over his face. Despite the disappointment of Felicity’s decision, peace settled over him just being here. The island had a funny way of soothing him, and he was grateful for the opportunity to explore its history and his own family’s connection to it.
He knew he needed to focus on his research and the book he was writing. That had been his goal from the start, and he couldn’t let his feelings for Felicity distract him from that. And he didn’t really even know what his feelings were because she didn’t want to explore them.
He would continue to work with her, enjoy her company, and enjoy the friendship they had formed. Maybe, in time, things would change, but for now, he had to accept what was.
With a deep breath, he turned away from the lighthouse and started making his way back along the beach. As he walked, determination crept through him, taking a firm hold. He would uncover the secrets of Magnolia Key and his mother’s past, and he would do it with Felicity or without her. He promised himself that he’d uncover the prince’s secrets and find out everything he could about his mother.
Felicity sat in her room that night, knitting on the scarf she’d started at the knitting club. She really should make some progress on it to show to the ladies at the next meeting. Although, if she were being honest, she was hiding out in her room, not wanting to run into Brent again tonight. She just needed some time to think. And give him some time to think.
A knock sounded at her door, and for a brief moment, she hoped it was Brent.What? That didn’t make any sense. She was avoiding him, remember?
“Honey, it’s Gran.”
“Come in.”
Gran came into the room, carrying a tray with tea and her knitting bag slung over one shoulder. “I made us some chamomile tea. You were quiet at dinner. I thought you might want to talk?”
“Gran, I’m supposed to be helping you. You’re not supposed to be waiting on me.”
“I’ll never quit spoiling you, dear. It’s what grandmothers do.”
She got up and took the tray from Gran, setting it on the small table. “Sit then, and have some with me.”
Gran smiled. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
They settled into the comfortable chairs by the window with their tea, and Gran picked up her knitting. “So, is something bothering you?”
“No. Not really. I just had a talk with Brent. Told him it was the wrong time to get involved with someone.”
“And what did he say?”
“That it was fine with him. That we could be just friends.”
“And did you believe him?” Gran raised an eyebrow.
