Sam nodded. “And then maybe when someone cleaned out the house, no one remembered what the trunk was for. It could’ve just gotten lumped in with everything else.”
“That could be,” Father Frank agreed. “Mrs. Quillen moved to Tall Pines a few years ago. She’s almost ninety, you know. Before she moved, her children had a big estate sale. Maybe in the shuffle of selling off items and cleaning the house, the trunk found its way to Mrs. Perkins’s attic.”
“Mrs. Quillen? She’s still alive?” Sam queried, eager to follow the trail.
Father Frank nodded. “Yes. Her name is Ellen. Her children have moved away, but she’s still here and sharp as a tack, though she needs help with mobility.”
Bunny’s eyes widened, her excitement reaching a new peak. “Sounds like we need to go to Tall Pines. It’s late tonight, but maybe we can take Andie and the gift tomorrow.”
Father Frank’s eyes twinkled even more brightly if that were possible. “It would truly be a holiday wonder to reunite the gift with its intended recipient.”
As they stood up to leave, Father Frank offered a final blessing. “May your journey be filled with discovery and your hearts with fulfillment.”
Bunny felt a wave of serenity wash over her, mingling with her excitement. She made a mental note to zip a text off to Andie and arrange a time. She couldn’t wait for tomorrow.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
The next morning at Sandcastles, the café was a cozy hive of activity. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the aroma of cinnamon and sugar from the pastries cooling on wire racks. Claire and Hailey were in their element, moving seamlessly from the counter to the tables, their aprons filled with orders. A display of buttery croissants, crumbly blueberry scones, and decadent chocolate chip muffins beckoned to customers from behind the glass case.
Claire’s spirits lifted even further when she saw Rob walk in, a cheerful expression on his face. Through the café’s large window, she noticed Spot tied securely to a post. He was sitting obediently, his eyes keenly following Rob.
“Hey,” Rob greeted as he approached the counter, “just stopping by for my usual, and maybe a little something for Spot?”
While Hailey steamed the milk for Rob’s latte, Claire couldn’t help but ask, “How did Spot do on the way to the store? He was a lot of fun last night. I can tell someone trained him well.”
“Yeah, he’s a good boy.” Rob glanced out at the dog. “He didn’t mind the ride and is already acting like he owns the place even though he has to stay in the office.”
Claire handed over Rob’s latte, a small bag with the Beach Bones, and one of Rob’s favorite pastries, a cheese danish. “The cat was a bit miffed when I went home to feed him this morning. I think he sensed that I’ve been spending time with another animal.”
Rob chuckled. “Jealous, is he?”
“A bit.” Claire laughed. “But he’ll get over it.”
The door chime jingled, and in walked Marie, dressed in her usual animal-themed attire. She looked around the café, spotted Rob, and headed straight for him.
“Rob, I wanted to thank you again for fostering that dog,” Marie started, her eyes warm and appreciative.
“You mean Spot,” Rob grinned, his eyes meeting Claire’s for a brief second. “I’ve decided to name him Spot.”
“Spot, huh?” Marie chuckled. “Well, don’t get too attached just yet. We’re still trying to locate his owners.”
“But if we don’t?” Rob asked, raising an eyebrow.
Marie looked at Spot and then back to Rob and Claire, a twinkle in her eye. “If we don’t, I have a strong feeling that Spot has already found himself a good home.”
Claire couldn’t help but smile at the thought. Then, switching gears, she turned to Marie and said, “Could I have Sandee’s phone number?”
Rob looked puzzled but didn’t say anything as Marie quickly scribbled down Sandee’s number on a piece of paper and handed it over to Claire.
“Thanks, Marie,” Claire said. “Would you like anything? A raspberry almond croissant? Or perhaps an apple-cinnamon scone?”
“You know, both sound delightful,” Marie answered, pulling out her wallet. “One of each, please.”
After ringing up Marie’s order and watching her leave with a smile, Rob finally asked, “So, why’d you ask for Sandee’s number?”
Claire sighed a little, gathering her thoughts. “I think you and Tammi might be on to something. Maybe I’ve been too hard on her, misjudged her. Plus, the dogs seem to prefer her red Beach Bones biscuits, so it could be a smart business move.”
Rob looked at Claire, his eyes glowing with pride and love. “That’s my girl,” he said, pushing his fist over the counter.
