Page 123 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

“You’ve got a lot of nerve coming here after you both tried to trick me.” She pointed toward the road. “Get off my property, or I’m going to call my brother. He’s a police officer, and he’ll escort you off!”

“Come on, Everleigh.” Trevor held his hands out to her. “I thought we were friends.”

She marched down the steps and glared at him. “Were we friends, Trevor?”

“Sure.” He shrugged.

She glared at him. “You even tried to get me to date you. Did I mean anything to you?”

Trevor turned to Valerie, and love twinkled in his eyes. Then he focused on Everleigh. “No. Not more than a friend, anyway.”

Disgust roiled through her. “I wassonaïve,” she muttered. “Cade was right all along.” She divided a look between them. “What was the connection then? What are you getting out of this, Trevor?”

“My stepdad owns Coral Cove Builders.”

“And Valerie is your girlfriend,” Everleigh finished.

“No. Fiancée, as of last week.” Valerie’s expression was arrogant as she held up her left hand, showing off a large twinkling diamond.

“Well, good for you,” Everleigh snapped.

“Let’s get down to business,” Valerie said. “What’s it going to take to get you to sell to us? What if we doubled the price?”

Trevor shook his head. “You need to ask my stepdad before you make an offer like that.”

“Get out of here,” Everleigh demanded. “If you’re not out of here by the time I get to the front door, I’m calling my brother.” She held up her phone. “Go!”

She waved the phone in the air while Trevor and Valerie scrambled into his truck. As she watched them speed away, a sick feeling overcame her. She’d been such a fool to trust Trevor.

Cade was right about everything, it seemed. Shewastoo trusting.

But she wouldn’t make that mistake again.

Chapter 29

Everleigh stood in the center of the bedroom that had become her own during the past couple of months. “Goodbye, room,” she whispered. “I’ll miss you.”

Memories of her time spent in Coral Cove rolled over her. She recalled first meeting Cade, and how he’d dragged her heavy suitcase into the lawyer’s office.

“Brought your rock collection?”

Her eyes stung. She was going to miss his dry sense of humor. She’d considered going over to say goodbye to him, but he’d made it clear he was done with her.

Everleigh’s chest felt heavy while she walked around the suite one last time. She retraced her steps in the bedroom, making sure she hadn’t forgotten anything, then rested her finger on the light switch. As she turned to go, she spotted something behind the dresser.

She peeked behind it and found an envelope there. She took hold of the end of the dresser and tugged, trying to move it. She grunted and groaned until she was able to shift it back a few inches, thendropped to her knees and stretched her arm out as far as she could. Grabbing the very tip of the envelope, she pulled it to her.

She examined the envelope and familiar penmanship spelling out her name. Her heart lurched. It was Alana’s handwriting. She opened the envelope and then read the letter.

Dearest Everleigh,

If you’re reading this, it means I’ve passed on. I’m sure you’re upset with me for not telling you that I was sick. I know you would’ve dropped everything to take care of me, but I didn’t want to be a burden. I wanted you to enjoy your life.

I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of you. You’ve grown into a lovely young woman. Not only are you beautiful and brilliant, but your loving heart is your most special quality. I’m so very proud of how you’ve followed your dream of caring for others. You’re courageous too. I’m in awe of how you’ve traveled around the country sharing your gifts with your patients.

When I found out I had terminal cancer, I met with my lawyer, and he told me I had to make plans. I had to draw up a will, and I had to decide what to do with my assets. Of course, I immediately thought of you. You’re the daughter I never had. You’re my goddaughter, my niece, my special friend. I never doubted my decision to leave everything to you. But then I realized this was an opportunity to make an introduction.

I’m sure you’re wondering why I only left you half of my assets. I hope you’re not angry with me. I’m writing this letter to explain.

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