Page 21 of Bridge to Home

Clusters of leaves, some of them looking as if they’d been there for a very long time, sat in small piles. “You haven’t opened the pool.”

“It’s been covered and closed for several years now.”

Harlow didn’t ask, but something told her she knew exactly how long the pool had been covered. Right after the fire and when she left. She quicklychanged the subject, talking about the gardens and how there were hints of color in the leaves.

Fall wasn’t too far off. Magnificent Michigan, decked out in all its glory. Tourists arrived in droves to view the fall colors, marking the end of the busy summer season.

Although Wynn Harbor Inn had stayed open year-round, the resort didn’t get nearly as many visitors during the off-season. Just a few snowmobilers or cross-country skiers who craved the peace and solitude of the quiet winter months.

Staying on the paved path, they crossed the street and reached the harbor. As they drew closer, Harlow noticed several of the wooden posts were off kilter and tilted at an angle. The small marina was empty except for Winnie, her father’s sailboat.

Harlow steered her scooter onto the dock for a closer look, noting the sailboat was in pristine condition. “Winnie is looking good.”

“I polished her a couple of weeks ago. Are you interested in taking a cruise around the island?”

Harlow perked up. “I would love to cruise around in Winnie. Can you still see Arch Rock from the water? I bet the trees have grown over it by now.”

“Not at all. You can still see it.” Wynn called his pup, who had wandered to the end of the pier. “Mort loves to ride in the boat, don’t you, buddy? We’ll take her out for a spin soon.”

Mort rubbed up against David, but kept going until he reached Harlow. He nudged her hand, eager for attention.

“Mort is already becoming attached to you. You’ll have to watch him at night. He likes to sleep on the rug in front of the bed.”

“Duly noted.” Harlow scratched his head. “I’ll make sure I don’t accidentally trip over him.”

Father and daughter backtracked and returned to the main road. Up ahead was the weddinggazebo, sporting two semicircular trellises and what appeared to be new brick pavers. Beyond the trellis was a thick hedge. On the other side was a small hill leading down to the rocky shoreline.

“Do you still have weddings here?”

“No. Haven’t had a wedding or a guest in a long time.”

“How do you…pay for all of this?” Harlow made a sweeping motion. “Taxes, insurance, upkeep, expenses.”

“I had some cash put away. Most of the money is gone now. I also have a handful of investments, enough for me to get by, but not much more.” Wynn, appearing uncomfortable about discussing his finances, pointedly changed the subject and began talking about the weather.

Harlow absentmindedly replied, all the while her mind whirled. Her father could have walked away with a pretty penny. Nothing was stopping him from selling to an investor or company and buyinga smaller place, something more manageable near the water. He could go fishing whenever he wanted. Relax. Enjoy the years he had left, yet he clung to this place.

From the other side of the shrubbery, Harlow heard someone humming.

Pssst.A blast of icy cold water splashed her shoulder and doused the scooter’s basket.

Mort barked loudly and skittered back.

Meanwhile, David heaved a heavy sigh, appearing slightly perturbed. “Lottie, watch the hose,” he warned.

A woman popped up from behind the bushes, garden hose in hand. “Oh dear. Did I spray you? I am so sorry.”

She tiptoed around the bush and stepped into full view. A floppy hat sat atop Lottie’s shoulder-length brown hair. Beneath her paint-splattered smock was a neon green T-shirt. The smock covered what Harlow suspected were pencil-thinlegs. Tall cowgirl boots covered the lower half. The only thing visible was her knobby knees.

Her eyes grew round as saucers. “You have company.”

“Lottie Fletcher, this is my daughter, Harlow.”

“It’s so lovely to meet you,” she replied in an utterly charming British accent. “I knew David left the island to fly to California after finding out you had been in some sort of accident.”

“I was in a car accident. Dad convinced me to come here until I’m back on my feet…literally.”

Lottie’s eyes clouded with concern. “I can’t imagine not being able to get around.”

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