Page 107 of Unexpected Entanglement

Rae didn’t need an invitation. She entered the store and inhaled deeply. “That smells good.”

“Thank you,” a cheery voice said from behind the counter. “Welcome to Scent-sational. Hi, Chris!”

“Hey, Morgan. Nice seeing you again.” He gestured to Rae. “This is my friend, Rae. I was just telling her you custom-made all the toiletries at Bright Head.”

“I did. How do you like them?” Morgan asked Rae.

“I love them. They smell fantastic, and the body lotion is so silky.”

“It has aloe. Sometimes people forget we can still sunburn here even though the temperature rarely gets above 80 in the summer.” Morgan smiled. “You’re here for the wedding?”

Rae nodded vaguely. “Uh-huh. I thought I’d shop while I can.”

“Try anything and let me know if you have questions.” Morgan asked Chris, “Did Rowan say anything about the samples I sent?”

“Yes, they’re great. We tried them,” Chris replied. “The oil is the perfect consistency, and the scent is lovely. But I’m no expert.”

“Oil?” Rae asked.

“Morgan created a line of spa products for Bright Head,” Chris explained.

“Scrubs, massage oil, and body masks to start with,” Morgan elaborated.

“A spa at Bright Head would be perfect,” Rae agreed.

“Did I hear someone mentioning a spa at Bright Head?” A blond woman in her late fifties browsing the opposite storewall turned around. Her brunette companion turned with equal interest on her face.

“I didn’t know Bright Head had a spa,” the woman said, approaching them.

“Charlotte,” Rae called, obviously recognizing the woman.

The other woman took a beat before smiling back. “It’s Rae, right?”

“That’s right.” Rae nodded and discreetly elbowed Chris. “This is Connor Gibbes’ wife, Charlotte. I met her at the ferry when I arrived.”

“Oh, yes. That was very neighborly of Mr. Gibbes for driving my good friend to Bright Head,” Chris said.

“I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure,” Charlotte looked at Chris.

Chris stretched out his hand to Charlotte. “I’m Chris Sullens.”

“You’re Rowan’s sweetheart, the Boston fella.” Charlotte squeezed Chris’ hand with a flirtatious glint in her eyes. “Isn’t Rowan lucky? Don’t you think so, Ada?”

Ada agreed, followed by a round of introductions.

“So, tell us again about this spa,” Charlotte said. “I’d love it if I didn’t have to take a ferry to Rockland just to have a day in the spa. Though I enjoy a trip to Camden every other month.”

“It’s still in the planning stage,” Chris said. “It’s Rowan’s dream to turn Bright Head into a great destination inn, with a full offering of spa services and world-class dining.”

Chris saw the joy on Charlotte’s and Ada’s faces as they heard the idea. He glanced at Rae, and she observed the same thing, too, and nodded to him.

“Picture it, ladies. Mother’s Day weekend, you are being pampered all day at the spa. You’ll start your day with a refreshing, freshly made, wholesome fruit and vegetable juice. You both look like you take care of yourselves. Your skin…” Chris exaggeratedly noted with his eyes. “…looks flawless. I bet you eat a healthy diet.”

“Absolutely.” Charlotte beamed.

“Our chefs will serve a delicious and healthy breakfast before you enter the treatment room, where the therapist will scrub you first. Then you can go into the sauna before you get your full-body massage,” Chris laid it on thick. “What kind of massage do you like, Mrs. Gibbes?”

“Call me Charlotte, darling,” she said. “I enjoy a hot stone massage.”

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