Page 81 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

Cade shook his head while disappointment and fury warred inside him. “Declan, I’m so sorry. I thought maybe if she saw us together, she would be willing to talk to you.”

Declan stared at their mother while hurt and longing glistened in his eyes. “I did too, but for some reason, she can’t stand to even look at me.”

Even Everleigh looked deflated. “What if I ask her to meet us somewhere later? Do you think she’d consider it?”

Declan’s posture wilted. “It’s no use. I’ve tried.” He held out his hand, and Cade shook it. “I’m glad I finally got to meet you, but I think it’s time to head home. If your mother changes her mind about me, let me know.” Then he turned and headed down the sidewalk.

Anger and grief churned in Cade’s gut as he watched his brother walk away.

“Declan, wait!” Everleigh called after him. “Wait!” She started after him, but Cade pulled her back to his side.

“Everleigh,” he said as she called out for Declan again.“Everleigh!”

She quieted and spun to face him. “What?”

He shook a finger at her as fury plunged through him. “You set this up.”

“I was only trying to help.” She took Cade’s arm and attempted to yank him forward, but he stood in place as if cemented to the sidewalk. “You can’t let him go, Cade. He’s your brother.”

“You’re right. He’smybrother.” He pointed to his chest. “Do me a favor and stay out ofmyfamily business. You’ve done enough damage.” Then he stomped away from her and headed toward his truck.

He couldn’t get out of there fast enough. The entire day had been a disaster. He’d found his brother, and just as he was getting to know him, he’d lost him again. And he had Everleigh to thank for it. This was exactly why he couldn’t get close to people. As soon as he let someone in, they blew up his life.

He was better off alone. Always had been and always would be.

***

Everleigh’s insides were tangled up as Cade disappeared into the crowd.

Grief poured over her, and she sniffed, hoping to hold back the tears stinging her eyes. She couldn’t lose it here in the middleof a festival. She’d look like a complete weirdo if she did. She observed Mrs. Witherspoon conducting her class, and Everleigh tried to comprehend how that woman could deny her child in public. At the same time, how could Everleigh judge her? She didn’t know the circumstances around her choice to give Declan up for adoption—but it still didn’t make sense that she wouldn’t want to know him now.

She’d hoped that by arranging this impromptu family meeting, Cade, Declan, and their mother would be able to connect and bond. But it had all blown up in her face. Now she’d lost Cade’s precious friendship and messed up his relationship with his mother and brother. She was only trying to help, but she’d made a mess of things instead.

Everleigh’s heart sank while Cade’s harsh words echoed in her mind:

“Do me a favor and stay out ofmyfamily business. You’ve done enough damage.”

Another sob brewed in her chest, and Everleigh took off toward the park. She found a secluded bench and dropped onto it just as her tears broke free. She covered her face with her hands and tried to get her emotions under control.

She wiped her eyes with a tissue and then looked out toward Main Street. It would be a long walk back to the inn—around four miles—but at least the cloudy sky offered some relief from the sun. If she started walking now, she could be home before supper. Not that she was hungry. Food was the furthest thing from her mind.

More tears fell, and she covered her face with her hands again. She had to get it together. Crying wasn’t going to solve anything.

“Everleigh?”

She looked up and found Trevor standing over her, holding outa napkin. Unable to speak, she accepted the napkin and wiped her eyes and nose. “Thanks,” she finally eked out, nodding to the empty seat beside her. Trevor lowered himself down.

Concern clouded his features. “Want to talk about it?”

She slouched over the bench. “I made a mess of everything.”

“I find that hard to believe.” He took her hand, but she felt nothing special about his touch.

She recalled the heat coursing through her skin when she’d dragged Cade by his arm through the crowd in search of Declan. Of course, her pulse always sped up whenever that man smiled at her—and when he’d whispered against her ear as they stood together in the waves, she thought her heart might explode. But she shoved the thought away. Cade wasn’t even her friend anymore. Any silly attraction she felt for him was in vain.

A middle-aged couple walked by holding hands and laughing together, and more sadness tugged at her. Would she ever experience a relationship with someone who truly loved her?

That dramatic thought almost made her laugh. Why was she thinking about relationships at all? She didn’t have room in her life for anyone. She was always working, always moving. Love didn’t exactly fit into her schedule.

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