Willa is only thirty-seven.
My husband had an accident that left him unable to father children.
I was lucky to be blessed with a daughter like Willa. Not “we” were lucky.
June had chosen her words carefully, it seemed, when talking about her marriage to her second husband.
He frowned as a rogue thought struck him, then shook it off and pushed the math that was not quite adding up out of his mind. But as Rad stepped into the house and turned to look at the empty road for another moment, the numbers refused to leave him alone. If his father and June had divorced roughly thirty-eight years ago, and Willa was only thirty-seven…
“Rad?” His grandmother’s voice drew him out of his thoughts, and he pushed them aside, turning toward her.
3
RAD
Mina stood in the doorway in her robe, her silver hair braided loosely over one shoulder, one hand holding the door open while the porch light spilled around her.
“Where have you been?” she asked. “I was about to call the police.”
“Sorry, Gran.” Rad smiled warmly at his grandmother. “We went to look at Teacups with Margo.”
“Oh.” Mina nodded in understanding. “I can understand that. But I think you may have overdone it a bit, sweetheart. You look tired.”
“I’m fine, really,” Rad assured her. “Is Tyler in bed?”
Mina studied his face for a second, then apparently decided not to press. “Tyler is still awake.” She smiled. “I think he’s on his game console.”
“I’ll go see him,” Rad told her. “I feel like I haven’t seen him at all since we moved here.”
“I know,” Mina said. “But when have we ever seen him this happy? He has friends and a supportive community here.” She walked toward him and hugged him, kissing his cheek. “I’d say Tyler was thriving.”
“I know.” Rad sighed and leaned down to kiss her cheek. “Thanks for being here this summer. It means a lot while we’re still settling in and finding our feet. It’s nice to have one of the town’s founding family members here to make our transition smoother.”
“Of course,” Mina said. “That’s what grandmothers are for.” She patted his arm. “Now go see your son, and then I think you need to get a good night’s sleep.”
“I’ll try,” Rad promised. “I just have so much on my mind with what’s been going on around here lately.”
“I know, sweetheart,” Mina replied with a nod. “But I have every confidence in you, your father, and Chief Morrison to get it figured out and sorted in no time.”
“I hope so, Gran. I really do,” Rad answered honestly. “And before anyone else gets hurt. Being the height of the tourist season, this is not a good time for this to be happening.”
“Well, our new mayor is handling the publicity and has been great at keeping the masses calm,” Mina told him. “I’m so glad Noah took over from my brother Abe. He was the best choice and has already done so much for our town.” Her smile grew. “And I believe he has a lot more changes he wants to implement that will make our little town boom once again, and I’m excited to have been asked to help with them.”
“Really?” Rad’s brows rose. “That’s great, Gran.” He tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. “Does this mean I can go ahead and get plans drawn up to build that cottage next door for you?”
“I’m still thinking about it,” Mina said. “But so far I’m leaning toward yes.”
“Gran, that would be the best thing.” He watched her closely. “I know both Tyler and I would love to have you sell up in Miami and move here with us.”
“I just never wanted to be a burden on you or your father,” Mina told him honestly.
“Gran, you could never be that.” Rad stared at her in astonishment. “Good grief, you are nothing but a help to us, and I don’t know where we would be without your influence and support over the years.” He kissed her cheek again. “We love you and want you to come and live here with us.” He gave her a cheeky grin. “Besides, you’re not getting any younger, and we worry about you all alone in Miami in that big house.”
“That is so sweet of you,” Mina said, her eyes suspiciously shiny. “There would be a lot to do if I did move.”
“And we’ll be right there to help you with everything,” Rad promised her. “Now, I’d better go see my son.” He turned to go but stopped. “But this conversation about you moving here, we’ll pick up again.”
“I know,” Mina said, her eyes shining with love for her grandson. “Now go to Tyler. And I love you too.”
