Page 70 of Meet Me at Sunset Cove

His brothers exchanged looks of amusement, and then, as though it had been rehearsed, “The Jonathon Island football game.”

* * *

“What?” Hunter asked, smirking. “You thought those halftime scrimmages in the backyard were just for fun? Oh no, that’s all just practice. This is the real deal.”

Daisy’s brows rose as the Barrett boys and Richard strolled down the hill. They looked like the brute squad, all broad shoulders and scruffy jaws. She tried to imagine facing off against any one of them, let alone the group. “And everyone in town does this?”

Waylen stepped ahead, walking backward to face her. “Well, anyone brave enough.”

He tripped and nearly went down, his brothers chuckling as they continued on.

“It’s optional,” Hunter explained. “But almost everyone in town shows up, either to play or to watch.” He slipped his hand around hers, warding off the chill. It was a surprisingly warm day on the island. The sun had been out recently, and there were patches of dry grass throughout town. A good day for football.

Even so, she was glad to have finally purchased a jacket. She slipped her other hand into the pocket, savoring the warmth.

Main Street was alive with activity as they turned off Partridge Lane. Daisy had gotten used to the quiet town these last two months, but it felt like more and more people were arriving every day. It seemed half the locals had family visiting, and they all bustled around the town with rosy cheeks and smiling faces.

Several storefronts held signs that read:

Please join us on Blueberry Hill.

Closed for Thanksgiving.

It was a foreign concept to Daisy, the way this town seemed to invite everyone into the mix. Even going so far as to invite out-of-towners to their holiday traditions.

Richard’s words returned to her mind.I hope you know how truly blessed we are to have you join the family.He hadn’t realized the way his words had been a balm to her spirit.He didn’t even know her, and yet he believed her to be a blessing.

Her own dad hadn’t done that much. Not without something to earn it first.

The scent of cinnamon and apple pie wafted from Good Day Coffee as Jill stepped out from the shop and locked up.

“Heya, Jill!” Miles called out.

Jill glanced up, her eyes widening in delight as she caught sight of the entire Barrett family. “Well, isn’t this just a sight!”

She stepped off the curb, wrapping Miles in a matronly hug, followed by Jude and then Evan. “I hope you two have been keeping out of trouble,” she said, eyeing the twins.

“I wish I could say that were tru—” Waylen started, but Jude stopped him with a swift elbow.

“Of course, you know us.” He gave her a cheeky wink.

Jill settled in among them as they continued their stroll through town.

“Is Brandon in town this year?” Miles asked, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his Patagonia jacket.

“Not this year,” she said. “He’s currently leading a three-day excursion through the Grand Canyon.”

Daisy leaned toward Hunter. “Brandon…?”

“Jill’s son,” he explained quietly. “He went to school with us. Was in the twins’ class.”

Daisy gave a nod. Ahh.

Miles gave an impressed whistle. “I did a weekend out there last year. It was incredible.”

The coffee shop owner gave him a sad smile, and Daisy felt a pang of guilt. She wondered what her own mother was doing during the holidays this year.

They reached the end of the street, and Daisy was surprised to find people streaming in from every direction. Families and groups of friends padded down Blueberry Boulevard from the neighborhood up the road.

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