Page 18 of Valentine On Palmar Island

They strolled down Main Street, their joined hands swinging gently between them. Milo trotted ahead, occasionally stopping to investigate interesting smells.

"I was thinking," Grant said, "about that boathouse."

"What about it?"

"It's got potential. Good bones, like I said. With the right restoration..." He glanced at her. "Could be a nice studio space. For a certain photographer who might need somewhere to work."

Charlotte's heart swelled. "Are you offering to restore a building just for me?"

"Well." His thumb traced patterns on her palm. "I might have ulterior motives. Been wanting to expand my workspace anyway. Could be a good joint project."

"A studio and workshop?" Charlotte smiled. "Very practical, Mr. Lawson."

"I thought so." They stopped at the corner where Main Street met Harbor Drive. "Though I have some less practical ideas too."

"Oh?"

"Been thinking about that lighthouse on the outer island. Needs some work, but..." He pulled her closer. "Might make a nice spot for a wedding someday."

Charlotte's breath caught. They hadn't talked about marriage yet, but the idea settled in her chest like it had always belonged there. "Someday soon?"

Grant's kiss was soft, full of promise. "Whenever you're ready."

They continued their walk, trading ideas about the boathouse renovation and other projects they could tackle together. Charlotte thought about all the places she'd been, all the beautiful things she'd photographed. None of them compared to this—the simple joy of walking home on a winter night, making plans with the man she loved, while their dog ran circles around their feet.

At her front door, Grant pulled her close again. "Proud of you," he murmured into her hair. "The book is going to be amazing."

"It isn’t done yet. And for the record, I couldn't have done it without my tour guide." She pressed closer, breathing in the familiar scent of sawdust and coffee that clung to his sweater. "Or my home."

Above them, stars wheeled in the winter sky, and somewhere in the harbor, bells chimed the hour. Charlotte smiled, knowing that tomorrow would bring more moments worth capturing—not just with her camera, but with her heart.

She had all the time in the world to do both.

Chapter Ten

Grant woke before dawn, the soft sound of waves carrying through his bedroom window. February had brought milder temperatures, but the morning air still held a chill as he made his way to the kitchen. The house felt quiet. It always did in the early hours before Charlotte and Milo's usual visit.

He started the coffee maker, his eyes drawn to the framed photograph on his counter. It was a picture of the Carroway Building caught in early morning light, Charlotte's first shot on the island. She'd given it to him after the celebration at The Roasted Bean, and something about seeing it each morning made his house feel more like home.

While the coffee brewed, Grant pulled out the cranberry scones he'd picked up the evening before. Charlotte was coming over for breakfast, and though they'd shared countless meals since that first Valentine's Day, today felt special. A quiet celebration of everything that had changed in the past few weeks.

Cup in hand, Grant headed to his workshop. The carved frame he'd been working on sat on his bench, nearly complete. He ran his fingers over the detailed edges. Oak leaves and smallflowers echoed the ones in Miss Doris's garden. The photo it would hold showed Charlotte and him at the coffee shop, caught in a moment of shared laughter. Miss Doris had captured it perfectly. Charlotte's head was thrown back, his eyes fixed on her face, both of them radiating joy.

The sound of a car door slamming shot made him smile. Right on time.

"Morning!" Charlotte called from the driveway. She carried a basket that smelled suspiciously like Miss Doris's famous cinnamon rolls. Behind her, Milo bounded up the path, tail wagging furiously at the sight of Grant. "Don't get too excited. I just helped with the mixing."

"Still better than my attempts at baking." Grant met them at the workshop door, greeting Milo with a quick pat before pulling Charlotte close for a kiss that tasted like coffee and winter air.

"Mm." She smiled against his mouth. "Good morning to you too."

Milo circled their legs impatiently until Charlotte crouched to unleash him. He immediately began exploring the workshop, nose twitching at the various wood scents, while they settled into their usual spots. Charlotte was perched on the edge of his workbench, he sat in his chair. Morning sun streamed through the windows, catching dust motes and the brass fixtures Grant was restoring for the Thompson house.

"How's the boathouse project coming along?" Charlotte asked, breaking a cinnamon roll in half and passing him the bigger portion.

"Good. Foundation's more solid than I thought. Jacob's drawing up plans for the studio space now." He watched her face light up at the mention of their shared project. "Thought we could start the real work once the weather warms up."

"Perfect timing. The historical society wants me to document the whole restoration process." She licked icing from her fingers,and Grant's heart did that familiar flip in his chest. "Sort of a before-and-after series."

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