Page 29 of Moonlit Harbor Nights

Alexis flushed at the praise. “Thanks, Julia. This is my most popular style. I’ve sold more earrings than anything else, although the necklaces and rings are popular too.”

Vivian patted her daughter’s hand. She was proud of the way Alexis had turned her jewelry-making hobby into a sidebusiness. Grayson, who had a great head for business, had helped Alexis out a great deal, but Vivian knew it was her daughter’s knack for creating beautiful things that had really made her online jewelry store so successful.

“Ah, I loved a grilled cheese.” Julia closed her eyes and savored the taste of her grilled cheese sandwich, which had been filled with tomato slices, basil leaves, and fried onions. “I saw a recipe online for one with apple slices in it, and I think it sounds divine.”

Alexis perked up. “Apples?” She looked over all of the snack dishes she had in front of her until she found a dish of apple slices drizzled in caramel. She bit into one of them, looking hopeful. In the next moment, she sighed. “No. That’s not what I want either.”

Julia chuckled. “I guess we get to help Alexis finish all these yummy snacks, Mom. At least, once she knows what she wants, that is.”

“I may never know.” Alexis laughed. “I think I’m going to be grazing indecisively from now until the baby is born.”

For a while, the three of them sat in companionable silence, munching their food. Julia took out the local newspaper and started to read it, and Alexis continued to work on her earrings. Left to her own thoughts, Vivian’s mind wandered to Alan, and she found herself reminiscing about the last time he’d been in The Lighthouse Grill.

He’d loved the Monte Cristo sandwich she’d brought him, saying that it was even better than the first one she’d given him. He’d expressed his admiration for the secret sauce again, hinting that he’d love to know how it was made. She’d refused to give him the recipe, but as she sat next to her daughters, swirling a sweet potato fry in the dish of secret sauce, she let herself imagine the two of them in her kitchen at home, cooking together. Maybe then she would let him in on the family secret.Maybe if he was treating her as though he wanted to become part of the family someday…

Vivian was startled out of her reverie by the sound of Julia gasping.

“What is it, honey?” she asked, turning to her daughter with concern.

“Look at this,” Julia said, pointing to an article in the newspaper. “Yet another article about the McCormicks.”

Vivian glanced at the newspaper for a moment, and then shook her head. “I don’t think I’ll bother reading it. I have a good mind not to read the paper anymore, as it only causes unnecessary upset—at least when the McCormicks are involved in the news.”

Julia pushed the newspaper toward her mother. “I understand, but you really need to read this. It says they’re expanding from producing mostly beer to having a full-fledged kitchen and food menu.”

Vivian’s eyebrows rose, and Alexis leaned forward with interest.

“Is that why he wanted our location so badly?” Alexis asked, frowning. “He’d seemed so dead-set on buying it from us when he thought we were in too much financial trouble from Dad’s gambling debts. Does he want a restaurant like ours?”

Julia shrugged. “I guess he wants a restaurant of some kind, anyway. Seems kind of silly to me. The McCormicks are already making more than enough money. Why do they feel they need to expand into a restaurant?”

“Because Judd McCormick has decided he wants to compete with us in every way possible,” Alexis said, making a face. “Honestly, the nerve of that man.”

Vivian simply smiled. “The McCormicks can do whatever they like on their own property and with their own company. It’s none of my business. I have better things to think about.”

“Yeah?” Julia grinned, beginning to look a bit conspiratorial. “Any chance you’re thinking about a certain car salesman who has been frequenting our restaurant of late? A car salesman who has a preference for Monte Cristo sandwiches?”

Vivian felt her cheeks flush with warmth, and she cleared her throat. “What car salesman?”

Alexis laughed. “Oh, come on, Mom! Alan. He seems pretty friendly with you.”

“Does he?” Vivian’s heart leapt up. “I mean, I’m sure he’s that friendly with everyone.”

“I’m not sure he’s that friendly with everyone.” Alexis shook her head. “He seems to always make a point of talking with you, Mom.”

“He’s an attractive man,” Julia said, her eyes dancing. “A silver fox, if you will. He’s got great charisma.”

“Does he?” Vivian cleared her throat again, making a high-pitched noise. “I hadn’t noticed.”

Alexis and Julia looked at each other and started to laugh. Vivian couldn’t help herself and started to chuckle right along with them.

“Oh, you’re right.” She bit her lip, feeling bashful and bubbly. “He is nice. He’s been helpful, and he’s always polite, and?—”

“You like him!” Julia exclaimed, delighted. “Come on, Mom, admit it.”

Vivian bit her lip. “I… admire him. I think he’s a kind, pleasant person.” After a pause, her tone became more earnest. “Does that bother the two of you? The idea of me being interested in someone other than your father?”

“No.” Alexis reached across the table and took her mother’s hand. “It’s weird, I can’t lie about that, but I’ve been thinking about this for a while, actually. I want you to be happy again. You’re still a very attractive woman, Mom, and you’ve got a lot oflife left to live. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t find another partner to go through life with.”

---