“Oh,” she exhaled the word. She could see now they were driving along the banks of a large inlet. All along the other sideof it were different shades of lush green trees, blending together in the first woods she’d seen here. Almost everything else was rolling green hills or towns. On the water ahead were a variety of boats. Motorboats like she was used to at home, fishing boats with their more practical and sturdy build, and so many beautiful sailboats.
“Crosshaven has the oldest yacht club in the world. I suppose all the sailboats kind of give it away.”
“Really?” Penny didn’t even try to hide the awe in her voice. “How wonderful!”
“I love this drive,” Bonnie said dreamily from the back.
“There are places like this on Lake Michigan. Not exactly the same. They definitely don’t have as much history. But a similar beauty.” Penny had that far-away fantasy feeling again as if her journal character were living this, not her. She had only seen places like this on TV. Yet here she was, casually passing the ruins of castles from centuries past.
“Do you sail?” Finn asked.
Penny shook her head, trying to refocus on the here and now. “Nope. I mean, I’ve been out on boats. I have friends that do. But I wouldn’t have a clue myself. I much prefer sitting on them when they’re docked, with a drink.”
“Well, that’s fun too,” he agreed.
“What about you? Do you sail?”
“I know a thing or two about it. But don’t worry. There won’t be any sailing on this trip.”
“I can still appreciate the beauty of the boats, though. They’re amazing to watch.”
After winding their way through the small town, they eventually stopped on a street filled with little cottages tightly pressed together.
“The place itself is small,” Finn said, without apology, “but the view is stunning. And it’s a close walk to town.”
“Perfect,” Bonnie said, surprising them both when her head popped up from its lolling position. “That’s all we need, right? A place to throw our heads down and a beautiful view.”
Penny shot Bonnie a skeptical look. She’d never known her friend to be that simplistic. But there was a hint of sparkle back in her eyes, and the relief that brought was immense.
“What?” Bonnie asked innocently. “This place is different. I spent a lot of time here growing up. I can go without luxury in a place like this.”
“Well, I’m glad I’m getting the chance to know this Bonnie too,” Penny said, linking their arms as they headed into the house.
The cottage was a white stucco building with a slate roof and a bright blue door that invited them in. Of the three, Penny was the only one who didn’t have to duck her way through the entrance. The place opened immediately to a sitting room on one side and a kitchen on the other. On the far wall between the two areas was a sliding glass door that was obviously a more recent addition. As if beckoned to it, all three dropped their bags and moved to take in the view. The cottage was on a leveled tier with an overlook of the harbor.
“Gorgeous!” Bonnie was the first to vocalize what they were all thinking.
They stayed like that, gathered together, longer than necessary, a companionship growing between them as the promise of the weekend loomed ahead.
“There’s two bedrooms and a bathroom off the living room. Are ye okay with sharing a bed? Or I could take the couch,” he offered.
“That won’t be necessary. I’m sure Penny and I can manage.”
“You haven’t seen the size of the bed yet,” Finn joked.
“It’ll be fine,” Penny said, still staring out the glass in awe. “Thanks again for bringing us. This is amazing.”
In the hint of reflection, Penny could see Finn smiling down at her. “My pleasure.”
“Cronin’s for dinner?” Bonnie asked, the first to step away and break the moment. “I’m starving.”
“Yes,” Finn said, his eyes lighting up. “Mussels?”
“Of course,” Bonnie agreed. “How could we not, this close to the sea?”
“Should we freshen up?” Penny asked, looking towards their bags.
“It’s not that kind of place,” Bonnie answered. “Come on,” she linked her fingers in Penny’s and pulled her towards the door.
