Maybe Gran was right, but the idea of sitting idle made her uncomfortable. “I know, but I feel better when I’m doing something productive.”
“I get it, honey. But sometimes the most productive thing you can do is take care of yourself. Why don’t you go for a walk on the beach? The weather’s perfect for it.”
She glanced out the window. The sun was shining brightly and it did look inviting. “I suppose a little fresh air wouldn’t hurt,” she admitted reluctantly.
Gran smiled. “That’s the spirit. Go on, enjoy the sunshine.”
She hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “All right, Gran. I’ll go for a walk. But promise you’ll let me help with breakfast tomorrow?”
“Deal,” Gran said with a wink. “Now scoot. I want to see some sand between your toes when you get back.”
With a small laugh, Felicity headed for the door. As she stepped outside, the warm island breeze caressed her face, and she felt a tiny knot of tension in her shoulders begin to unravel. Maybe Gran was right.
Wasn’t she always right?
Maybe what she needed most right now was simply to breathe.
Chapter3
Felicity woke early the next morning to the gentle sound of waves on the shore. Despite Gran’s insistence that she take it easy, she quickly got dressed, eager to help with breakfast preparations.
“I told you to rest,” Gran said, shaking her head as Felicity entered the kitchen.
“I am rested,” she insisted, tying an apron around her waist. “Besides, I promised I’d help with breakfast, remember?”
Gran sighed but relented, handing her a bowl of muffin batter. “All right, I guess There’s no use standing here arguing with you.”
They worked side by side, the familiar routine of preparing breakfast for the guests bringing her a feeling of purpose. As she stirred the batter and poured it into the muffin tins, she found her mind drifting away from the stress and uncertainty that had plagued her in recent months.
The guests trickled in, filling the dining room with quiet chatter and the clinking of dishes. She moved between the kitchen and dining room, refilling coffee cups and ensuring everyone had what they needed, a routine she easily fell into after years of helping Gran when she came to visit.
As the morning wore on, the guests gradually departed until only Brent remained, nursing a cup of coffee and poring over some papers spread out on the table.
He looked up from his papers when she came in with the coffeepot to refill his mug. “Would you like to take a break and join me?”
She glanced back toward the kitchen. “I guess I could for a few minutes. Then I want to help Gran finish cleaning up the kitchen.”
She grabbed a cup of coffee and sank into the chair. “How’s the research coming along?”
“Fascinating, actually,” he replied, his eyes lighting up. “I’ve uncovered some intriguing details about the early settlers of Magnolia Key. Did you know that?—”
“Now, now,” Gran interrupted, bustling into the room with a plate of muffins. “Don’t go spoiling all your stories before your talk, Mr. Dunn. We want to leave some surprises for the audience.”
Brent laughed. “You’re right, of course. My apologies.”
Gran set the plate down on the table. “Fresh from the oven. Help yourselves.”
Brent reached for one. “I thought I was full after that delicious quiche, but I can’t pass up these muffins.”
“Gran, sit and join us. Then I’ll help you clean up.”
“I could do that.” Gran got a cup of coffee, sat down, and looked over at Brent, nodding toward the papers spread beside him. “So, what made you decide to come to Magnolia Key for your research?”
“The island has a rich history. All the areas around here do. I want to go over to Belle Island for some research and also to the Moonbeam Bay area.”
“All lovely places.” Gran nodded.
“I’m looking forward to exploring all of them.”
