He shrugged, snorted again. “Well, it’s done. Taylor and I were left with nothing but her house, or so I thought.”
“Does she know?”
“Sure. She told me it wasn’t worth the fight. That we can find a place to rent. She said at some point we’ll all start getting some profits from the Inn, and in the meantime, she’ll go back to work as a caretaker. She said she kind of misses doing that.” He laughed. “I guess she didn’t marry me for my money, huh?”
Annie waved a hand around the workshop. “Maybe you can turn this place into a two-family; one level for you and Taylor, one for Francine and Jonas.”
“It’s kind of small for that, isn’t it? Besides, I don’t think the selectmen would allow it. It was hard enough to get them to agree we could convert it from an outbuilding to residential space. And they made it clear that once I put together our new workshop over by the meadow, we’ve maxed out the buildings for a three-acre parcel.”
She wanted to be able to tell him not to worry. She wanted to say she could help. But Annie had only recently been able to start saving money from her book sales, and she didn’t have enough to buy her brother a house on the Vineyard. Unless she signed the deal for the TV series. Then there would be plenty.
* * *
By the time Lucy arrived, Kevin was long gone. He’d said that he’d keep Annie posted and asked her not to tell Taylor that he’d shared the Rex crisis with her.
Annie vowed to herself to wait until after the Fair to think about her problems—and everyone else’s. At least the wedding wouldn’t be a problem. She hoped.
Fortunately, Lucy often helped with Annie’s soapmaking venture, including the fairs, so she didn’t need instructions. While they worked, she chatted about school and her boyfriend, Kyle, and the cool classes she’d have next term (specifically, “Principles of Green Engineering” because, in addition to her interest in archaeology and genealogy, she wanted to become part of “framing the earth for the future”). Annie was awed by Lucy’s confidence to try new things. It was going to be great fun to see what vocation she eventually landed in.
Francine and Bella stopped by at dinnertime with veggie burgers on homemade rolls; Annie made a bow out of red ribbon and tied it in Bella’s hair.
“One for new baby, too,” Bella said. “Please, Ammie?” She added a small giggle, which got them all laughing because since Bella had begun talking in short sentences, she seemed to love sharing everything her little brain was thinking.
As Francine started to leave, Annie said, “I wish I could go with you tomorrow. But the doctor will take good care of you.”
Francine nodded with what Annie hoped was assurance.
“And good luck at the Kelley House,” she added.
They shared good-night hugs, then Annie and Lucy worked until each bar of soap was wrapped, packed, and ready to go. Finally, Annie declared it was time for bed; in the morning, they’d record their inventory, load the Jeep, then go to Edgartown.
They turned off the lights in the workshop and went to the cottage.
Annie tucked Lucy in on the sofa, then retreated to the bedroom. But as she crawled under the comforter, her text alert dinged. It was Trish. Again.
TWO WEEKS FROM TOMORROW! the message read.
Annie smiled, until she realized that chances were, Trish wasn’t referring to Annie’s wedding: two weeks from tomorrow also was the deadline to sign the contracts for the blockbuster deal.
She pulled the comforter over her head and waited for sleep to come.
Chapter 20
It’s time. I’ve waited long enough.
I’m nervous and excited, but I have everything I need.
I have no idea what’s going to happen. Maybe everything. Maybe nothing.
I only know it’s time for me to try.
Chapter 21
Friday, December 10
Christmas in Edgartown
The sky was soft pewter with a low layer of clouds, but the weather folks promised it would clear up by evening. They also said that tomorrow would be brisk but sunny, perfect for the traditional Main Street parade, for the festive open houses throughout the village, and for shoppers to flock to the Holiday Fair.
