She felt a tiny bit of the weight she’d been carrying around lift from her shoulders. “I guess I’ve been so focused on what I might be losing, I haven’t thought about what I might gain.”
“That’s the spirit.” Beverly smiled. “And remember, you’ve got a whole island full of people who love you and want to see you happy. You’re not alone in this, hon.”
“Thanks, Beverly.”
“And it wouldn’t hurt to try and work things out with Brent, either.” She gave one more piece of advice before turning back to their meal.
They ate their lunch and their conversation turned to the weather, some new books that had been donated to the lending library here at the cafe, and a predicted cool front. Just simple, everyday conversation. And so welcome. And so… ordinary. She craved more days just like these.
As they finished their meal, she felt a glimmer of hope. She might not have all the answers yet, but she felt excited about the possibilities ahead.
And she knew the first thing she needed to do. Let the school know she wasn’t returning.
Felicity practically skipped back to the B&B, beaming the entire time. She couldn’t wait to talk to Gran. She flung open the door and burst into the kitchen. “Gran? You here?”
“Right here.” Gran emerged from the pantry, wiping her hands on her apron. “Oh, before I forget, There’s a letter for you on the counter.”
She went to the counter, her smile fading as she recognized the school district’s logo. She tore open the envelope, scanned its contents, and set it down with a small exhale.
“Who’s it from?”
“The school district. They’ve lost some funding and they’re making more budget cuts.”
“Oh, that’s too bad. That’s terrible news.” Gran’s face creased with concern.
A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth and she saw the surprise in Gran’s eyes when it turned into a grin. “Actually, it’s perfect timing. They need to let teachers go, and… I’m going to be one of them.”
“They fired you?” Gran’s eyes widened.
“No, no. But I had a heart-to-heart talk with Beverly. She’s really wise, you know?” She grinned again. “And I made a decision. I’m not going back to teach this year. I’ll call them to tell them. I’m thinking they’ll be glad to have one less teacher to let go. And I believe this letter is a sign that I’ve made the right choice.”
Gran hugged her. “I’m so happy you’ve made a decision. I know it’s been weighing on you since you got here.”
“It’s been weighing on me for a few years now.” She frowned. “Of course, I don’t know what I’m going to do with my life now.”
“You’re going to stay right here—if you want to. You can work here at the B&B until you decide what you might want to do. I love having you here.”
“You sure, Gran?”
“Oh, I’m so sure. I can’t think of anything I’d love more.” Gran reached out and touched her cheek. “You bring such joy to my life, Felicity. I still remember the very first time I held you in my arms. It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. And my love for you has only grown stronger over the years.”
Tears sprang to her eyes, and she cupped her hand over Gran’s. “I love you too, Gran. So much.”
Gran cleared her throat. “Okay, now that all of that’s settled. I’ve got some bread to bake.”
“Oh, can I knead the dough?”
Gran chuckled. “Some things never change. It always was your favorite part of bread baking.”
Chapter20
“Why aren’t you getting ready?” Gran frowned at Felicity when she saw her in shorts and a tee shirt.
“Ready for what?” Though she knew exactly what Gran was talking about.
“You’re going to Brent’s talk, aren’t you? Going to support him?”
She let out a long sigh. “I’m sure he’d rather I not go. He’s done a great job of avoiding me. Things are just so awkward between us now. And he wouldn’t listen to me when I asked him to drop the whole Vera and Lawrence thing.”
