Mom wiped her eyes while she continued to giggle.
“You’ve got to tell us some more stories,” Dad said.
“Let me think.” Cade tapped his chin.
Everleigh felt someone watching her, and she looked over to where Quinn grinned. Her heart felt light. Cade fit in with her family, and she was relishing every minute with them.
Once again she wondered if she should forget the idea of going back on the road. What would it be like to stay in Coral Cove and run the inn with Cade? She studied his handsome profile while he shared another tale about Alana, and her heart tightened.
But if she remained in Coral Cove, she hated the thought of abandoning Helping Angels. She felt led to help those parents who couldn’t provide the care their children needed. She’d witnessed their suffering firsthand, and a nonprofit seemed like the perfect way to make a difference in the world.
Yet the Sunshine Inn was Alana’s legacy, and now she understood how Cade and Alana had plans for it to grow and change. Even more than that, the inn had become Cade’s home. Selling it would changehis life forever. And after getting to know Cade, she would never be the same either.
Lately the idea of leaving her family and Cade felt like a knife to her soul. How would she recover after leaving them behind? Coral Cove was her home, and for the first time in her adult life, she missed it deeply. Was it time for her to settle down? And if so, did it make sense to settle down here?
Everleigh hugged her arms to her middle as confusion swamped her. All she knew for sure was that she felt the pull of Cade and Coral Cove—and she had no idea what that feeling meant or what she should do about it.
***
“Your family is great,” Cade said as he slipped his truck in park by his garage later that evening. He had not only enjoyed the delicious food, but he’d also appreciated sharing stories with people who cared about Alana. He’d been completely at ease with Everleigh and her family. He hit the button on his sun visor to open the garage, then rested his hand on his forehead. “I keep forgetting we don’t have power.”
She chuckled through a yawn. “I am completely worn out, but tonight was fun.”
He turned toward her. She was gorgeous in the light from the dashboard. Her skin was flawless, and she didn’t need any makeup. She inclined her head to the side.
“Why are you staring at me?” she asked.
“No reason.” He considered the inn, cloaked in darkness, and imagined her padding around with only the light from her phone guiding her. “Are you okay staying alone at the inn?”
Her brows crouched. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“It’s completely dark.”
She grinned. “I’m an adult. I promise I’ll be okay.” She was silent for a moment. “When do you think we can get started on the sunroom?”
“Hopefully in the next couple of weeks. Roger will give us a good deal on the rebuild, and I can help him with the work—as long as he gives good instructions.”
“My dad can help too,” she offered. “He says he’s bored in his retirement. I think he drives my mom crazy, which is why she told him he needs to come over and help us.” She seemed to study him for a moment. “I saw you and your dad talking earlier. Is everything okay?”
“Yeah.” He rested his back against the door. “He says I should give my mom some time to process Declan coming into our lives.” He frowned. “I still don’t understand why she’s having such a tough time, but I can’t force her—as much as I’d like to.”
Reaching over, she took his hand in hers, and his pulse trotted. “I think it’s all going to work out.”
His throat dried as he took in the determination in her eyes. Her hope gave him strength. He recalled their discussion at breakfast about his plans for the inn and her nonprofit, and he wondered where her head was when it came to her plans for the future. Could they possibly involve him at all?
“So, you still want to put the inn back on the market after it’s fixed up, right?” he asked, hoping she’d tell him no.
Her expression flashed with surprise before her smile returned. “Yeah. Of course.” She nodded, but did he see uncertainty in those beautiful brown eyes?
“The deadline is coming up fast.”
“Thanksgiving is coming up soon,” she hedged. “Do you want to give me until Christmas?”
His body felt heavy with disappointment. It was obvious she wanted to sell the inn and leave. “Is that what you want?”
“Is it whatyouwant?” she asked, her words seeming to challenge him.
A heavy silence expanded between them as they stared at each other, neither of them responding. Finally, he turned off the engine, and darkness covered the cab of the truck. His eyes adjusted, and he could see the outline of her.