Page 78 of Hibiscus Heights

“Well, it was room 418,” April said, her eyes glittering.

Deb smiled at the thought. The room had never frightened her. Perhaps whatever spirit had spilled over into the present day sensed that. The room simply was, and she’d accepted that.

Another thought occurred to her. “Could one of my ancestors have been her friend? That might explain the middle name that we thought was in error.”

“We’ll find out,” April said.

Deb considered this. “If these earrings match those in the photo, I’ll donate them to the historical collection.”

For a moment, she considered that the case might have been placed in her room by accident. She’d speak with Whitley about that, but judging from the card inside, she thought April’s explanation made more sense, even though that room had been renovated. A vintage jewelry case couldn’t have been overlooked.

And yet, at the Majestic Hotel she had learned that some occurrences were inexplicable and beyond comprehension.

Much like love.

Just then, Whitley interrupted with an announcement. “Ladies and gentlemen, please join us on the veranda and terraces for a thoroughly majestic fireworks celebration. The dancing will continue after that.”

April hugged her. “Maybe those gems will bring you luck tonight. I should find Ryan now. Want to come with us?”

“I’m alright. Maybe I’ll find Matteo. See you later.”

Something shifted within Deb. The event had gone well, and she had accomplished what she’d set out to do this evening, but it was more than that.

She strolled toward the edge of the terrace, not looking for Matteo but enjoying a moment to herself. The night air off the ocean was growing cooler, alleviating the heat of the day. It felt good.

Seconds later, the first fireworks burst over the ocean. A brilliant kaleidoscope of sparkles cascaded onto the waves.

Not far from where she stood, a young boy’s voice bubbled with excitement. “Wow, did you see that?”

Deb turned, spotting Teddy on a patio. He saw her at the same time and began waving wildly.

“It’s Deb,” he called out, sounding even more excited. “Watch the fireworks with us.”

Mason poked his head around the corner, grinning and waving, too.

They looked thrilled to see her, and she felt the same. She couldn’t ignore them, so she began walking toward the patio of the lower-level, beach-view suite.

“Hi, boys. Here I come.”

As she approached, Grant appeared behind them. He’d shed his jacket and tie and was folding back his sleeves.

For a moment, neither of them seemed to know what to do. But when Grant’s gaze met hers and he swung open the gate, his hand outstretched, her hesitation and fears evaporated.

At the steps to the patio, she lifted the hem of her dress. He clasped her hand and guided her onto the patio.

“I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again,” he whispered. “I’m sorry I didn’t know how to express myself. It’s been a long time.”

Deb touched his cheek. “Maybe I’ve had a change of heart.”

“I hope so. This is a welcome surprise. It’s just me and the boys, and they wanted to see the fireworks before going to bed. Will you stay and watch them with us?”

Maybe it was what Kitty had said, the earnestness in Grant’s eyes, or the warmth of his hand in hers. Whatever it was, she suddenly knew what she wanted.

“Let’s get comfortable.” She kissed Grant on the cheek and then opened her arms to Teddy and Mason, who threw their arms around her.

In the happy tangle of limbs, joy flooded her heart, which seemed to crack open with an outpouring of love. At once, she realized there was no turning back now, even if there were obstacles ahead.

Grant rearranged the patio furniture to make room for her, and they eased into a double lounge chair for couples behind the boys.

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