* * *
If Seth had marveled at Abby’s clever tactic with Sandra the night before and the inroads she’d made with the mayor and with everyone she spoke to, it was nothing compared to his awe as he watched her handle the crowds that descended on her cottage Sunday afternoon.
Though he had no idea when or how she’d managed it, trays of food kept magically appearing, each appetizer more delicious than the one before. Abby was everywhere at once, greeting people at the door, mingling with guests, cuddling Isabella or A.J. who gurgled with delight at the sight of her.
Though she’d left the Blue Heron Cove plans in plain sight, he never saw her pointing them out to anyone, not even to Sandra. The mayor had arrived a few minutes earlier with Mary and Kyle, looking uncertain of her welcome, even though she’d been issued a warm, personal invitation. Abby spent extra time with her explaining the paperwork she’d found to obtain the historic designation, but never once drawing attention to Blue Heron Cove.
Kyle’s face lit up when he realized what Abby had done. “This is amazing, Abby. Grandmother, this is just the sort of thing you’ve always hoped for.”
“I know,” Sandra admitted, an unmistakable tear in her eyes. “If this truly happens, Abby, I’ll owe you.”
“You don’t owe me a thing,” Abby assured her.
A twinkle replaced the tear. “Not even my vote on your project?”
Abby smiled. “Not even that, though I’d certainly be grateful if you’d reconsider your stance.” She held the mayor’s gaze and added, “Not because of what I’ve done for you, but based on what Blue Heron Cove might mean for the community.”
There was a pause as her words sank in. Sandra studied her with a considering look, then said, “I’m starting to like you, Abby.”
“Well, it’s about time you saw what the rest of us have seen all along,” Grandma Jenny declared when she overheard her. Seizing on the moment, she linked an arm through Sandra’s. “I always knew you’d come to your senses. You’re too smart to let a wonderful opportunity slip away.”
Seth watched the two older women wander off and turned to Abby. Right now she looked the way he’d felt watching her in action the night before—a little dazed.
“Do you think she might be leaning my way?”
“It sure sounded that way to me,” he confirmed. “Think you can relax and enjoy your own party now?”
A smile broke across her face. “I believe I can.”
Just then Luke and Hannah arrived. Hannah caught her expression and asked, “Okay, what’s that smile all about?”
“It seems like Sandra might be coming around on Blue Heron Cove,” Abby told her.
“Good for you!” Hannah said enthusiastically.
“I was just about to get a couple of glasses of champagne to celebrate,” Seth said. “Luke, do you want to come with me?”
“Sure,” Luke said, following him to the table that had been set up as a bar with soft drinks, wine and champagne.
As they poured the champagne, Luke studied him worriedly. “You and Abby seem to be getting close. I noticed it last night at the open house. Today’s it’s even more evident that you’re acting like a couple.”
Seth frowned. “I thought that’s what you wanted.”
“Only if it’s serious,” Luke said. “Is it?”
“We’re taking things one day at a time,” Seth replied.
“Last time we talked, you had a lot of doubts. Any of those get resolved?”
“Some of them,” Seth responded. “Most of them, actually, at least when I’m being rational. Why the third degree, Luke?”
“Because the look I saw in Abby’s eyes just now suggests she’s no longer thinking of this as some casual fling. What about you?”
“I told you, we haven’t pinned labels on what’s going on. I’m happy. She’s happy. That’s enough for us for now.”
Luke shook his head. “Not buying it. Abby’s the kind of woman who wants forever, Seth. It’s what she deserves.”
“You’re awfully protective of her all of a sudden. Why is that? Are you compensating for some sort of leftover feelings you have for her?”
“That’s ridiculous,” Luke said indignantly. “We’re friends. Old friends. I don’t want to see her get hurt, any more than I want to see you hurt again.”
“Well, I appreciate your concern, but it’s all good. I think Abby agrees, but you’d have to ask her to find out for sure.”
“Let me just ask you one more thing and then I’ll butt out,” Luke promised. “What happens if this all blows up? Have you given a single thought to that? It’s not as if you can get lost or simply move on in a town the size of Seaview Key. You’ll be running into each other everywhere you look.”
Seth hesitated, aware that Luke was right. Still, he managed to keep a carefree note in his voice when he claimed, “We’re adults. We can deal with it.”
His answer clearly didn’t appease Luke.
“You’re delusional, if you believe that, pal. Seems to me the only question will be which one of you takes off. I’d hate for this community to lose either one of you.”
Before Seth could utter what could only be another upbeat lie not even he believed, Luke took the champagne and went in search of his wife and Abby. Seth gulped down his own champagne, refilled the glass and then followed.
When he found the group again, Abby gave him a questioning look. He forced a smile, but he had a hunch it didn’t go very far in convincing anyone that his mood hadn’t turned decidedly sour and that Luke was more than likely the one responsible.
* * *
When the last of the guests has left, Abby kicked off her shoes and padded barefoot into the kitchen, where she found Seth up to his elbows in sudsy dishwater.
“So this is where you disappeared to,” she said, nudging him aside with a hip while she tried
