Maybe.
Darlene returned to the living room, settled into her favorite chair, and picked up her knitting. Soon she was back into the flow, her needles clicking a steady rhythm as she shaped the heel of a Christmas sock for Felicity. Yes, the holidays were a ways off, but it always paid to get a jumpstart on holiday knitting.
Her fingers moved deftly as she knitted, her mind drifting to their newest guest. Mr. Donovan’s arrival had aroused feelings of curiosity and concern. She’d noticed the weariness etched on his face and the slump of his shoulders as he’d carried his bag up the stairs.
There was a certain sadness in his eyes that reminded her of Felicity when she’d first arrived at the B&B this summer, burned out and in need of a reprieve. But Mr. Donovan’s exhaustion seemed to run even deeper, as if he carried an invisible weight.
She paused her knitting, her gaze drifting to the window. He’d barely said two words during check-in, his responses polite but clipped. In her years of running the B&B, she’d encountered all types of guests, but there was something different about Mr. Donovan. He seemed to be holding something back, guarding a deep sadness or secret.
She shook her head, chastising herself and reminding herself not to get too invested. He was just another guest, after all. It wasn’t her place to pry into his personal life or try to solve whatever troubles he might be facing.
Still, she couldn’t help wondering what brought him to Bayside. Was he running from something? Searching for inspiration? Or simply in need of a change of scenery?
She resumed her knitting as the gentle click of her needles filled the room. She’d seen many lost souls pass through the B&B over the years, each one carrying their own burdens. Some found what they were looking for during their stay, while others left just as lost as when they arrived.
She hoped, for Mr. Donovan’s sake, he’d find some peace here at Bayside. But she knew better than to interfere. Her job was to provide a comfortable, welcoming space for her guests, not to solve their problems.
As she finished another row of stitches, she made a mental note to ensure Mr. Donovan had everything he needed for a comfortable stay. She’d keep an eye out, as she always did, but she’d respect his privacy. Sometimes, all a person needed was a quiet place to sort through their thoughts.
Chapter3
Eleanor adjusted her grip on Winston’s leash as they made their way down the street. Her cavalier dog moved slower these days, but their daily walks remained a treasured routine. A routine they both could count on. And she firmly believed routines were important.
She glanced down at Winston, his tail wagging as he sniffed along the sidewalk. “You’re taking your sweet time today, aren’t you?”
Winston looked up at her with those soulful eyes she’d grown to love over the years.
The familiar streets of Magnolia Key spread before them, and she considered her route. She rarely varied from walking the exact same streets. Though, Jonah had mentioned his new place on Wisteria Street when he’d called last night and said today was moving day for him. It wasn’t far from her house—just a few blocks over. That wouldn’t vary their routine that much.
Should she just stop by? Although, she didn’t like surprises. Didn’t like people dropping in without calling first. She paused at the corner, uncertain.
“What do you say, Winston? Should we see how Jonah’s settling in?”
The dog’s steady pace answered for them both as he tugged on her leash. They turned the corner and made their way toward Wisteria Street.
When they got to the street, she spotted the moving trailer right away. Jonah stood at the back, swinging boxes out and stacking them on the drive. His silver hair caught the afternoon light as he worked, and she allowed herself a brief study of him. He’d aged some, but in that way that some men had of just getting more handsome. His broad shoulders stretched the simple shirt he had on.
Winston’s tail picked up speed, wagging excitedly back and forth at the sight of someone he knew. She let him set their pace as they approached.
Jonah turned at the sound of their footsteps, and his whole face brightened with a warm smile. “Well, hello, Ellie. And Winston, good to see you too, fella.” He leaned down and patted Winston’s head.
“Winston and I were just taking our walk and saw your trailer. Are you getting all moved in?”
Jonah laughed. “Not really. How can one man have so many boxes? Do I really need all this?” He motioned toward the stack of boxes.
She didn’t think one measly trailer was really classified as too many possessions. She thought of her own home filled with furniture, paintings, rugs—every room brimming with items.
He stepped back. “Would you like to come inside? See the place? I still have lots of work to do on it, but it has good bones.”
She frowned. “Shouldn’t your landlord be taking care of all of that?”
His forehead creased. “No, I’m not renting. I bought the place.”
“You what?”
“I bought it. Got a good deal on it since it needs work.”
“But buying a house here—even though I know you said you were moving here…” She paused. “I guess I thought you meant you’d rent for a bit. Not make a permanent move like this. Before we…” She let the thought trail off. Before they even knew what was going on between them now, all these years later.
