Page 138 of Unexpected Entanglement

Rowan, Kieran, and Rae were thanking everybody for their help when Connor Gibbes approached them.

“My wife shared your vision for the inn with me,” Gibbes said. “Charlotte is very excited about your spa.”

“She told me.” Rowan smiled.

“I’m impressed with your plans for the reopening,” he added.

“Thank you. Unfortunately, we’ll have to postpone the reopening to rebuild and add those features.”

“Understandable. But I believe you’ll do a good job of it.” Gibbes nodded.

Skeptical by the vote of confidence from Gibbes, Rowan exchanged quick glances with Kieran.

The older man straightened his spine as if preparing to do something unpleasant. “I owe you an apology for the way I made things difficult for you. I might’ve done a few things I’m not proud of. I think Raven might've used our past family relations—you know, her being my nephew's ex-wife—to put unsavory thoughts in my head about you and Bright Head.

“I’ve told Chief Bennet everything Raven has ever said about you. She never told me explicitly about her doings or I would’ve reported that to the police. I hope you believe me on that count. But I think my words will help clarify the motive behind her actions,” Gibbes finished.

This time, he definitely stunned all of them.

“I am sorry,” Gibbes said again when neither Rowan, Kieran, or Rae said anything.

It was Kieran who first recovered from the shock. “That’s big of you, Gibbes.”

Rowan studied the embarrassed face of the proud lobsterman. He’d been a nuisance to her, and she didn’t believe he could blame it all on Raven. Rowan still had a gut feeling that Gibbes was behind the health inspector's surprise visit. But Rowan could be gracious and let bygones be bygones.

Rowan offered him a hand. “Apology accepted, Mr. Gibbes. We hope we all can get along from now on.”

“I’m sure we’ll butt heads from time to time, but I won’t expect anything less from the Kellys.” Gibbes smiled and shook her hand in a firm grip. “If you want to discuss a lobstering experience for your guests in the future, give me a call.”

Rowan laughed. “You betcha, Mr. Gibbes.”

“Please, call me Connor.” He patted her hand before letting it go.

“Connor,” Rowan repeated.

“Say, where’s that fiancé of yours?” Connor inquired.

“Chris needs to be with his dad at the moment,” Rowan answered smoothly. Since Chris had left, she’d practiced that line at least a hundred times.

“I see. Please convey my apology to him. He is always welcome on the island,” Connor said.

Rowan, Kieran, and Rae rolled their eyes at Connor’s back when he went to join his wife. Despite the apology, the guy still thought Vinalhaven was his island.

When almost everyone had gone, Rowan found Greg staring at the charred earth with a troubled expression. She went to him, knowing what was going through his head.

“It’s not your fault, you know,” Rowan said gently.

Greg glanced at Rowan and twisted his lips in a regretful smile. “I know she can be explosive and even manipulative. That’s why I divorced her. But I never thought in a million years she could hurt someone this way.”

“We never know what might break us.”

“What she did—poisoning you—is unforgivable, Rowan.” Greg shook his head in disbelief. “And this…”

Rowan could only nod.

“She’ll be paying for what she did now,” Greg said and looked at her. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks, Greg.”

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