“You’ve got a point there. What about you? No husband, no boyfriend, or love interest. Honest to goodness, is that all you did down there? Spend your days mothering a son, searching for your sister, and writing books?”
“Yes.” Luna stood toe to toe with him, smiling into his eyes. “And it’s not because I was against it; I just never found it. Forget that nonsense. I’m home, and I’ve missed everyone so much.”
“Oh, blessings be, it’s Luna! Goodness me, come here and give me a hug. I think I’ve shrunk a bit.”
Looking at the petite, red-haired Emma, she couldn't believe she was married to Shaun, who looked like he could crush any man flat like a soda can.
Luna and Emma had never met face to face, but she’d seen pictures of their wedding and talked via video chat. She knew her like a sister already. “It’s so good to finally meet you face to face, Emma!”
“Come on in. We have food ready and I’m making this new lasagna. It’s part Irish and Italian. You have to try it.”
Glancing over at Shaun, his raised eyebrows offered thatI told you soLuna knew she’d get.
“Bonnie is waiting at the table. We have a few locals in the house today. You might know a few of them, and a bunch of newcomers. Despite Enchanted Cove’s outdated appearance, we get some outsiders here. I remember one saying it was likeThe Twilight Zone. They thought we’d never let them leave.”
Luna grinned. Her eyes studied every square inch of the restaurant, and she realized that Shaun had started from scratch. Once an old deli when they’d grown up, it couldn’t survive on meager customers, as the sandwiches they served were horrible.
After it went up for a tax sale, Shaun snagged it and went to work, turning it into the best restaurant in town after the Ocean’s Inn closed its doors many years prior.
With its misty sea-swept appeal, the silver, blue, and green decor was the backdrop for the sturdy, wooden candle-lit tables. The dining room was massive, and each table had a beautiful view. Diners could stare out the windows at the gorgeous waters and boats that lay beyond while making plans, talking shop, and professing love.
Emma steered her past the gorgeous dining room, with Shaun in tow, and into the kitchen. “So, here is the lasagna, and I have this lovely salad. It's got lobster, scallops and potatoes with it. Try it.”
“Oh, this is delicious!” She sampled the lasagna first, highly impressed. “But how did you know I was coming?”
“I told her, of course. But even if I didn't tell her, she always has food to sample for anyone that might stop by at a moment’s notice. Luna…I got a letter from Ronan.”
Luna’s heart sank, hearing his name yet again. She thought she’d be free of it, and the feelings stirred deep in her belly as Shaun sent Emma a look.
“It's okay, I’ll look at it later.” Luna said.
It felt good to be back on land after the awful flight. It was so miserable that Ronan had to spend the entire time soothing Olive in her seat.
Before he reached Enchanted Cove, he had a few things to deal with. He’d already sent word to Shaun that he’d be coming home. He’d kept in touch over the years as they’d been good friends. Seeing him again would be like seeing his long-lost brother.
“First, we have to stop in the city, Olive. I have to get my money. It’s been sitting in that deposit box for years. I’m not sure how I’m going to get you into the bank, but we will figure it out when we get there.”
Half an hour later, he stood outside the bank in Manhattan with Olive in her mesh, duffel bag-style carrier. “Excuse me, kind sir. Can I bring my dog inside while I attend to business?”
The man standing at the entrance seemed less than thrilled to see him, or the dog. However, Ronan was unbothered. “Makes no difference to me, but the bank manager might have an issue with it. Is the dog a support dog?”
“Support dog?” Confused, Ronan raced across ideas in his head about what that meant, then landed on one. “Oh, no, I cansee, hear, and do all physical things just fine, and I’m not sick like a diabetic. So, no, she’s not a support dog.”
The man’s irritated glare told Ronan he’d messed up. “Is the dog an emotional support dog?”
Blinking that usual thought away, Ronan smiled. “Sure she is. I cry on her shoulder plenty.” Inside, he was dying of laughter, but he kept it to himself so he could get his money and assets.
Bored, the man yawned. “Well then, you're in luck; the manager had a support dog. You can take her in.” He turned away to help the next customer just as easily as if he’d not been there.
Annoyed but pushing forward, Ronan clutched Olive in her bag closer, prepared to prove her emotional support skills if needed at a moment's notice.
Thankfully, the visit at the bank went as smoothly as possible. No one stopped him or asked questions about Olive and he was out of there in a flash. “God, that was easier than I thought. Now we just have to head out to Enchanted Cove. I think we might spend the night here, though. I’m tired.”
Olive had been Ronan’s sole companion for a long time, and he spoke to her as a dear friend would another.
Smiling to himself as he lay on the bed, he opened his arms, and Olive curled up to rest, too. “Sleep well, Olive.”
Three
