“She left us more than we’ll ever need,” he replied. “It seems my mother had socked away a real estate portfolio that I knew nothing about. Don’t worry about us.”
Sam released Charmaine and rubbed her wet cheeks with her hands. “I wish you’d come with us.”
“Sorry, sweetie. I can’t do that. But I’ll visit. Where will you be?”
“We’re going to see Mum.”
Charmaine arched an eyebrow and met Frank’s gaze. “Really?”
His cheeks pinked. “She’s giving us another chance. I told her that we missed her and that my mother died, and she said she’d missed us too and asked us to come and live with her. We’re going to be a family again.”
“I’m so happy for you. That’s the best news I’ve heard in months.”
He grinned. “Thanks. If you’re ever in Sydney, look us up. Okay?”
“I will.”
She waved goodbye when they left, then stood in the middle of the shop and looked around. Her tears dried, and she drew a deep breath. The shop was hers. It was all hers. She couldn’t believe it. She’d never imagined she would have anything so beautiful all to herself.
Twenty-Two
“It’s toocold to sit outside,” Beatrice said as she stepped through the glass sliding door from the porch and back into the house.
“You’ve definitely lived too long on Coral Island if you think this is cold,” Penny replied, waving a hand in front of her face. “I’m hot.”
“You’re always hot,” Bea replied with a laugh. “You’re nine months pregnant.”
“And my ankles are cankles.” Penny crossed her eyes. “I’m enormous.”
“I think you’re retaining a bit of water, so that will go as soon as you have the baby.”
“I hope so. I can’t believe how much bigger I am.”
“You’ll be fine,” Bea replied, although she was a little concerned at how puffy her friend’s face had become. She knew from the experience of several of her friends back in Sydney that it might signal preeclampsia, and hoped Penny would be okay.
“How can I help with dinner?” Penny asked, sliding onto the couch and raising her feet on the footrest.
“You can sit there and sip on a lovely mocktail. I’ve got it covered.” Bea returned to the open kitchen, where platters of antipasto waited on the bench and a pan of enchiladas heated in the oven. “I hope Buck likes Mexican food because that’s what we’re having. Enchiladas with Mexican rice, refried beans, and a fresh salad. Plus margaritas, of course.” She poured a cocktail mixture from a glass jug into a cup and brought it to Penny. “Yours are virgin. Don’t mix the glass jug with the porcelain one, since it has the hard stuff in it.”
“Glass not porcelain. Got it.” Penny took the drink and sipped. “Delicious, thank you. You’re the best friend a girl could have, Bea. I don’t know how I would’ve done this without you. I’m exhausted all the time. Rowan is busy working; he’s supposed to be here by now, but he’s late to everything when he’s on a deadline. And I’m nervous about seeing Buck again.”
“I’m happy to do it. You know how much I love to entertain. Besides, I get it — I’m nervous to see Buck as well, and he’s not my biological father.”
“How is this going to work?” Penny asked. “I say, ‘hey, Dad, it’s nice to see you even though your sister killed my grandmother because you knocked up my teenaged mother. Want to come to Christmas dinner with the family?’”
Bea almost choked on an olive. She coughed it up into a napkin, laughing. “Stop it, you nearly killed me.”
“Sorry. But I’m serious — I don’t know how to handle this. I need some advice.”
“I think you need to take it slow. We’ll have dinner tonight, and don’t put any pressure on yourself for more than that. Think of it as asorry we all thought you were a murderer and told the police to arrest youdinner.”
“Maybe you’re right.”
“Let’s see how it goes. After that, if you ever choose to see him again, it will be up to you. But I doubt you’ll be besties wearing matching PJs to brunch anytime soon.”
The doorbell rang. Bea went to open it and found Rowan holding a bunch of colourful flowers. He handed them to Bea and kissed her cheek. “Thanks for doing this for us.”
“You’re very welcome. Come on in, Penny’s in the living room. Would you like a drink?”
