Page 14 of Easton Island: Old-Fashioned Christmas
She caught Morgan’s eye and winked, and it was then Morgan realized she’d been holding her breath. Thankfully, the superstartook it in stride, bantering back and forth. With little effort, Harlow turned the tables, asking the guests about their favorite movies and shows.
The time flew by, and before Morgan knew it, their cozy cocktail party had ended. Harlow graciously posed for several photos and even signed paper napkins while David obligingly snapped pictures with guests’ cell phones.
“I would love to play a few tunes on the piano,” Tina offered. “Everyone is having such a good time; maybe we could sing a few Christmas songs.”
“Morgan has a lovely voice.” Ronni gently nudged her. “What do you say?”
“I dunno. My vocal cords are probably rusty.”
“Unfortunately, Harlow and I are heading into the village, but maybe we’ll catch the tail end of the sing-along,” David said.
After father and daughter left, Morgan and her remaining guests, along with Ronni and Tina, made their way into the living room. Tina slid onto the piano’s bench seat and warmed up her fingers before rolling into a medley of classic tunes.
As if on cue, snow began to fall outside the window. The twinkling tree lights, the falling snow, the crackling fire and this…this is the Locke Pointe Morgan had longed for—spending time with friends on a cold winter’s night.
She sang in memory of her grandparents and mother, for a father she never knew, for those she loved. And when the singalong ended, she tucked the special memory in the corner of her heart.
The magic of the holiday season she yearned for was coming to fruition. Tomorrow’s open house would continue the new andnewly revived Locke family traditions, right there on Morgan’s beloved Easton Island.
*****
“Well?” Morgan clasped her hands. “How was your brief stay at Locke Pointe?”
“Social hour was a blast. Breakfast was delicious.” Harlow Wynn patted her stomach. “I swear I gained five pounds overnight,” she groaned. “Tina is a fabulous cook.”
“She’s the best,” Morgan agreed. “And your suites were comfortable?”
“Absolutely. The bed was super comfy. I felt like I was sleeping on a cloud.”
“You set the bar high, Morgan Easton,” David said. “I’m glad we came here to see how you’re running your place. It’s first-class all the way.”
“High praise from someone who knows a great deal about the hospitality business,” she beamed. “I appreciate the feedback.”
“You’re welcome. By the way, I forwarded a copy of the documentary first thing this morning, so be sure to check your email.”
“I got it. Thanks for sending Brett a copy as well. I can’t wait to watch it at the family watch party.” Morgan’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “Will we learn anything new and gossip-worthy about the Wynn family?”
“You’ll have to wait and see.” David winked. “Something tells me we aren’t any more interesting than the Easton family.”
“Here, here.” Ronni, who stood at Morgan’s side, tugged on her arm and whispered in her ear.
“Greg should be here any moment to grab your overnight bags and drive you to the airport,” Morgan said. “Before you go, I have a special favor to ask.”
“Ask away.”
“Would it be okay if we photographed the two of you on the porch, in front of the sign, to use as a promotional tool?”
Wynn shot his daughter a questioning look. Harlow was already nodding her head. “Absolutely. I hope it brings you oodles of customers and not just curiosity-seekers.”
“I would be thrilled with curiosity-seekers who become guests.” Ronni grabbed her cell phone and followed the trio out onto the front porch. “Like Morgan said, maybe a quick shot of all three of you in front of the sign.”
David stood in the center with his daughter on one side and Morgan on the other, and in that instant, a wave of longing washed over her. Harlow was blessed to have a father who loved her and supported her unconditionally. She had never known Rhett Easton. What little Morgan did know, she wasn’t sure she would have wanted to. Cheating on her mother, forcing Laura to flee Easton Island and never return.
According to what Elizabeth and Brett had said, he mellowed out in his later years, but by then it was too late…too late to build a relationship with his estranged daughter. For the most part, Morgan accepted the hand life had given her, but there were moments, like now, she wished things had turned out differently.
Chester nudged the door open and scampered across the porch, plopping down in front of the three of them as if to say, “You’re not leaving me out.”
“Chester wants his picture taken,” Harlow giggled.
