“We’re perfectly content with things the way they are. Why ruin it with a ceremony?”
Harlow arched her eyebrows, pinning her father with a stare. “Ruining your relationship?”
“You’re not in any hurry to date again,” David pointed out.
“True, but the ink is barely dry on my divorce. I better go get ready.” Harlow topped off her coffee cup and playfully punched her dad in the arm as she waltzed past. “It was a silly question.”
On her way to the shower, Harlow checked her cell phone to make sure Arlen hadn’t texted, backing out. No new messages meant the coast was clear and their breakfast date was a go.
Using her favorite white gardenia all-natural hair shampoo, she slathered on a generous amount, working it into a halo of bubbles. She thought about her father and Lottie, how compatible they seemed in some ways, yet complete opposites in others.
It reminded her of her mother, and a twinge of sadness crept in. Figuring out how Wynn Harbor Inn’s fire had started was at a standstill. Soon, any evidence would be cemented over. Was the charred pin a clue? Maybe. Maybe not.
Still, Harlow couldn’t shake the feeling that clues were waiting to be uncovered. A sudden thought popped into her head, something Wyatt had mentioned. Lottie’s big, beautiful flower beds surrounded most of the structures—the main lodge, the cottages, dotting the landscape. Had she, in her digging and planting, stumbled upon a clue without realizing it?
Making a mental note to ask her, she finished showering, pulled on a pair of her favorite yoga pants, an oversized sweater and running shoes.
She checked her bag to make sure the gift card and paperwork she’d printed off the previous night were inside.
By the time she finished getting ready, she found the kitchen empty. A note from her father sat on the counter, letting her know he and Mort were down at the harbor, doing maintenance on Winnie, his sailboat.
Harlow grabbed her jacket on the way out the door. Tracking down her bike, she guided it along the path and to the main road. She tested the tires, thrilled to discover the front one was still full of air and no longer squishy.
After checking for traffic, she cruised toward town. Although the morning air was chilly, the sun shone brightly, warming her hands and face.
Through the trees, she glimpsed the Mighty Mac off in the distance. Light traffic enabled her to reach downtown a short time later. Harlow, discovering she was early, circled the main drag, passing by the bars, shops, and stores.
Perched atop the hill, Fort Mackinac kept watch over the harbor, as it had for generations. Making a left turn, Harlow passed by the Trinity Episcopal Church, a popular wedding destination dating back to the late 1800s.
The clippety-clop of horses’ hooves grew louder. Harlow eased off to the side to let the dray, a wagon filled with boxes, cartons and crates, pass by. She gave the driver a friendly wave before continuing on her way.
With one final turn, she reached the diner. She parked her bike in the rack and climbed the steps.
Harlow scanned the dining room, searching for her breakfast date. She found Arlen at a table in the corner. He caught her eye and lifted his hand, a big smile on his face.
Zigzagging past the tables, she made her way over. “I hope I didn’t keep you.”
“N-no. I just got here. Is this table okay? Because we can move.”
“This is perfect.” Harlow slipped her jacket off and hung it on the back of her chair before placing her sling bag on the seat next to her. “Did you check out the breakfast buffet?”
“Yeah. I’ve never eaten breakfast here before but I heard they have good food.”
“Very good.” Harlow tapped the top of a menu sitting in the center of the table, sandwiched in between the napkin dispenser and salt and pepper shakers. “Breakfast is on me. Order whatever you like.”
“What are you having?”
“The breakfast buffet and coffee.”
Their server arrived. “Good morning, Harlow.” She set a glass of water in front of Arlen. “Hello, Arlen.”
“Hi, Sue.”
“How’s your Uncle Joe?”
“He…he’s good. I’m supposed to be working right now but Harlow invited me to breakfast.”
“How nice of her.”
