A voice sounded from behind. “You okay, dear?”
She spun her head around and noticed Sandra Fredricks, the owner’s mother who lurked around the place dispelling her idea of magic to guests who believed in such dreams.
“Good afternoon, Sandra. Nice to see you again.”
“And you,” she said as she picked her way cautiously to join Jolene on the rock. She sighed heavily as she plunked down beside her. “Not as young as I used to be.”
Jolene smiled politely. “The water is warm. Do you swim?”
“I wouldn’t call it swimming, more like playing in the water like toddlers do.” She removed her sandals and dove her feet beneath the rippling waves. “Feels good.” Jolene felt Sandra studying her. “Did you enjoy the event in town last night? You certainly know your steps on the dance floor. I was jealous of my old feet.”
“You are not old, Sandra. Are you needing me to convince you of that?” Jolene asked not sure why the woman had dropped in on her solitude.
“Oh, no, you read me wrong. Quite satisfied with this season of my life,” she said in her defence. “Just striking up a conversation. Noticed you were looking a bit sad today, when just last night you were aglow. Wouldn’t have anything to do with the gentleman you were keeping company with, would it?”
Jolene frowned. “I’d rather not talk about Craig.”
“I met the young man right here at the lighthouse once. We had a nice talk about dreams and miracles. Did you know he got a package in the mail? Someone paid for his trip to the resort.”
The woman had no plans of leaving so Jolene humored her. “It appears we both did. Perhaps it’s an advertising promotion – Heritage Inn spanning the globe for new clients by offering freebies in hopes the recipients will spread the word far and wide about this little piece of paradise.”
Sandra inhaled deeply. “It is a paradise, isn’t it? The place is enchanted, especially when we celebrate Christmas in July and December. The best two months of the year for romance to bloom.”
Jolene laughed outright. “Love is certainly not blooming for me. Although, my father is honeymooning and enjoying himself immensely.”
“Glad to hear that.” Jolene was forced to look her way when her cheery tone changed to doubt.
“Do you know any reason why he should not be happy?” Stupid question – the woman did not know her family at all.
“I did note some tension today – not between the love birds, but in the fact that he keeps shuffling her away from people.” She laughed. “Silly me, that could be because he’s on his honeymoon. Men can be so selfish. I think his wife would like to drool a while at the fashion queen’s feet.”
“She does admire her and reads her magazine like the Bible,” Jolene agreed. She found it interesting that a complete stranger would take note of her father’s need to steer clear of Sheki. Wouldn’t hurt to dig a little. “Do you have the inside scoop of any new tensions at the Inn today?”
She stood to her feet and stretched. “The walls have ears, my dear. I do hope you find the love you’re searching for.”
“What makes you think everyone is looking for love?”
“Oh, love is what makes the world go around and works in mysterious ways. Heritage Inn has earned a reputation for uniting lonely hearts. You do recall my relating the family love-stories—the ones that involved the ornament?” She bent to slip her footwear back on and carried on without waiting for an answer. “I’m off now. Robert will be wanting his supper soon.”
“Oh, is it that late?” Jolene scrambled to her feet, still musing over the similarity of the heart gifting that Craig and Selene had received to her own. She wondered if it was the same ornament, but knew that she would never ask. Hers was useless and broken and Craig had chosen the heart he wanted to share—Selene had won.
If she didn’t need this holiday so desperately, she’d pack up and go home.
Chapter 11
She ate her meal alone on the south terrace and watched the sun set in a crimson backdrop that brightened the sky and promised for another warm day tomorrow. She was excited about strolling the streets of Pineville looking for treasures to put in other people’s stockings. She’d become acquainted and listened to stories from a number of vacationers at the Inn and already had a few unique ideas as to how to brighten their day or give them a laugh.
Voices carried from around the corner just behind her on the near deserted verandah. The conversation bordered on anger.
“It’s a dangerous game you’re playing. Don’t you care about the people that will be devastated when they learn the truth?”
Craig was speaking, and Jolene sat to attention. When her father answered, a lump clogged in her throat.
“That’s why it’s called a secret and you’d do well to keep it under wraps. You had no business eavesdropping.”
“And you have no business keeping such news to yourself.”
“I just need your word that you will keep silent,” Trace said.
“I am in a delicate situation,” Craig said.
“Loving two women? I’ve been there. You’ll find your way out of the mess.”
“How can I have either while harboring your secret?” Craig said. “Relationships need to be built on trust.”
“You’re young and idealistic. Time will help you to see things differently.”
“I doubt that,” Craig said.
Jolene saw the
