Page 22 of The Lighthouse at the Cove
“As much as I appreciate your enthusiasm, if nobody comes to the festival, we won’t be able to raise any funds. Then who knows how long the school will be overcrowded.” Becca picked up her glass of sweet tea. “We’ve done all of the fundraising we can with the PTO. Now we have to rely on the festival. But the attendance the last few years has been tiny compared to what it used to be. At this rate, we’re going to spend more money putting on the festival than we stand to make from it. That’s why the committee wants to cancel it.”
Reid shook his head. “Don’t cancel it. We can make it happen.”
“I’m not so sure about that. We need to come up with a plan, andfast. We have an emergency committee meeting tomorrow,” Becca said. “I’ll let you know what happens.”
“That’s too bad, kids,” Dad said. “I remember going to the festival when I was little.”
Mom smiled. “Me too. It would be a shame to let that tradition die.”
“There has to be a way to make it happen,” Reid said. “And if there is, my twin will figure it out.”
Becca sighed. “Let’s hope so.”
After supper, his mother and sister helped Reid clean up the kitchen while his dad and Cash took care of the grill.
“Daddy,” Piper exclaimed as she flounced into the kitchen, pulling a rolling mermaid-covered suitcase behind her. “Me and Astrid are having a sleepover tonight.”
Reid studied his daughter’s serious expression. “Oh you are, huh?”
Piper glanced at her cousin, who nodded and then faced Reid again. “Yep! We’ve been talking about which mermaids are the fastest swimmers, and we’re not done yet. So can I stay at Astrid’s tonight?”
“What do you think, Becks?” he asked his sister.
“Fine with me. Are you working tomorrow?”
“Nope.”
“We love having Piper over. I’ll take them to school in the morning.”
The girls cheered in unison.
Reid walked his family out to driveway and waved goodbye while they drove away. When he turned back toward the house, his eyes wandered to the apartment over the garage. An idea took hold of him, and he headed toward the stairs.
“You had a romantic walk on the boardwalk with Mr. TDH and his adorable daughter,” Kamryn said while she grinned over FaceTime. “He sounds like a thoughtful guy and a good dad.”
Kaiah nodded. “Yeah, I agree. Too bad I won’t be here long enough to find out.”
After spending over an hour researching Coral Cove and the glorious lighthouse, Kaiah had made some microwave popcorn and searched for a movie to stream. Then her sister had called and demanded the latest on Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome.
A knock sounded on the door. “Who could that be?” Kaiah asked.
“I bet it’s Mr. TDH coming to whisk you away,” Kam teased.
“Very funny,” Kaiah deadpanned. But her heart did a flip while she worked to keep her expression blank. She peered in the peephole, and her stomach did a somersault.
Her sister was right. Reid was here!
“Who is it?” Kam asked.
“It’s Reid!” Kaiah said in a loud whisper. “I’m going to hang up now.”
“Noooo,” Kam whined. “I want to meet him.”
“You can meet him another time. I’ll talk to you later.”
“You’d better call me,” Kam said before hanging up.
Kaiah pushed her phone into her back pocket, then combed her fingers through her hair before she yanked open the door. “Well, hello there.”
