was a lovely, upscale home. Ahead of her, a comfortable living room with a fireplace opened into a modern kitchen with what looked like every convenience. Further exploration led to a bedroom suite to the left of the front entrance. The room’s large windows offered a stunning view of the beach and rolling water. On the other side of the entry, a hallway led to two additional bedroom suites whose sliding glass doors opened to an outdoor patio and pool.
“Very comfortable,” Gran announced, looking pleased with herself. “This will do quite nicely. There’s plenty of room for guests.”
Blythe’s eyebrows shot up. “Are we expecting guests?”
“I’m not sure,” Gran responded. “I suppose it depends upon how things go.”
Blythe frowned at her with a steady gaze. “What haven’t you told me?”
“I thought Donovan and I should meet in a neutral place. He lives in nearby St. Petersburg.” With a wave of her arm indicating the space around them, Gran said, “The Seashell Cottage is the perfect place for us to talk.”
“Neutral place? That sounds weird. What’s going on, Gran?”
“Let’s get our things inside, get settled, and then we can either take a walk on the beach or sit on the porch while I tell you a little more about Donovan and me.”
“That’s total evasion, but I’ll be patient.” Blythe walked over to the refrigerator and opened it. “You’re right, Gran. We’ve got enough food and supplies to get by. Thanks for ordering the white wine. I’m going to have a glass before dinner.”
“Nice,” said Gran, coming up behind Blythe. “They’ve bought everything I’ve asked them to, including the champagne I ordered.” She wrapped an arm around Blythe. “Hopefully, we’ll have something to celebrate.”
“I have a deep suspicion Constance will be unhappy about whatever you’ve got planned.”
“Would serve her right,” grumped Gran.
“I’ll get the suitcases,” Blythe said. “I’ll put yours in the single bedroom facing the beach.”
“That would be lovely, dear,” Gran said. “I’ll grab the smaller items from the car.”
###
A short while later, Blythe changed out of her jeans into a pair of shorts she’d brought and then walked out to the porch where Gran was sitting.
“I’m mesmerized by the water,” Gran said. “It’s forever changing. A rhythmic song to soothe the soul.”
“I’m ready for a glass of wine and your side of whatever story is about to unfold. How about you?”
“Sounds delightful,” Gran said, starting to rise. “I put out some cheese to soften on a plate and found some crackers to go with it.”
Blythe waved her back into her chair. “Stay there. I’ll get it.”
“Thanks. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t agreed to come with me on this journey.” Gran’s eyes grew misty. “You and me. We’ve always been a pair. I was the first person you smiled at when you were only a couple of months old. Everyone blamed it on gas, but I knew better.”
Blythe’s eyes twinkled as she laughed. “Remember the time we both dressed up as witches for Halloween? We had so much fun!”
“I do remember. I was short enough that the adults thought I was just a kid myself.”
Still smiling, Blythe said, “I’ll help you with whatever you’ve got planned. If I’m in this deep, I might as well go the whole way.”
“That’s my girl. Now, let’s try that wine, and I’ll tell you the story.”
Anxious to learn more about Gran and Donovan, Blythe hurried into the kitchen to open the bottle of wine and fix the plate of crackers and cheese.
Moments later, she carried the appetizers and a bottle of chardonnay to the front porch, set them on a table, and returned to the kitchen for two wine glasses. It would be a good way to unwind from the trip. She’d already discovered a chicken casserole in the refrigerator. That and a salad mix would take care of an easy dinner.
Feeling more at peace with herself than she had in a long time, Blythe stepped onto the porch, poured wine into the glasses, and sat down facing the water. As it was too soon for the sun to set, the sky held a late afternoon glow that promised another nice day ahead.
Gran lifted her glass. “Here’s to a wonderful vacation!”
“Yes!” said Blythe, clicking her glass against Gran’s. “May it be everything you wanted.”
She took a sip of the cool wine, allowing it to slide down her throat in soothing silkiness. After sitting quietly staring out at the waves rolling onto shore and pulling away in a continual, waltz-like dance, Blythe