“All right, Gran,” she conceded with a small smile. “A week of relaxation it is.”
Gran nodded, satisfied. “Good. Now, tell me all about your year. How were your students this time around?”
As she began to recount tales from her classroom, she felt some of the heaviness lift from her heart. Maybe Gran was right. Maybe what she needed most right now was time—to rest, to think, to rediscover the joy that had led her to teaching in the first place.
As the car turned onto the familiar crushed shell drive of Bayside Bed and Breakfast, the old Victorian house came into view. Its weathered shingles and wraparound porch were as inviting as ever.
She followed Gran into Bayside B&B, the familiar creak of the front door a welcome sound after her long trip. Her long year.
The entryway was awash in warm sunlight that streamed through the sparkling clean windows and splashed across the polished hardwood floors. The faint scent of yeasty bread and cinnamon greeted her. The cheerful atmosphere seemed at odds with the bone-deep weariness she felt.
“Home sweet home,” Gran said, setting Felicity’s suitcase down. “Let’s get you settled in.”
She nodded, too tired to muster much enthusiasm. She trailed after Gran up the stairs, her feet heavy on each step. Framed photographs of the island—vibrant sunsets, pristine beaches, and lush gardens—lined the wall. She remembered how those images used to fill her with excitement and anticipation. Now, they only served to highlight how drained she felt.
“I’ve put you in room seven,” Gran said as they reached the second-floor landing. “I know it’s always been your favorite. You have that nice window seat with a view of the bay.”
A small spark of warmth kindled in her. “Thanks, Gran. That’s really thoughtful of you. I love that room.” How many hours had she sat on that window seat, looking out over the water? Watching the sunrise? Watching the ferry cross the bay?
Gran led the way down the hall, her floral skirt swishing with each step. She unlocked the door to room seven and swung it open with a flourish. “Here we are! I freshened it up just this morning.”
She stepped inside and was immediately wrapped in the room’s familiar comfort. The afternoon sun poured through the bay windows, illuminating the soft butter-yellow walls and making the white eyelet curtains glow. The antique four-poster bed was neatly made with a patchwork quilt she recognized from her childhood visits.
“Oh, Gran,” she breathed, some of her fatigue lifting. “It’s perfect.”
Gran beamed, clearly pleased. “I’m so glad you like it. Now, why don’t you get settled in and rest for a bit? I’ll bring you up some iced tea and snacks later.”
She nodded gratefully. “That sounds wonderful. Thank you.”
Once Gran had bustled out of the room, gently closing the door behind her, Felicity sank onto the bed with a heavy sigh. She kicked off her sandals and lay back, letting the soft mattress cradle her tired body. The ceiling fan spun lazily overhead, its gentle whir a soothing white noise.
She turned her head to gaze out the window. From this vantage point, she could see a slice of the sparkling bay beyond the lush green of Gran’s garden. A light breeze carried the scent of salt and blooming flowers through the open window.
Everything about the island seemed so alive, so vibrant. The blunt contrast to her own state of exhaustion filled her with an emotion she couldn’t quite name. She closed her eyes, hoping a nap might bridge the gap between her inner weariness and the sunny paradise outside.
Chapter2
The next morning, Felicity woke to sunlight streaming through the eyelet curtains. She blinked, momentarily disoriented, before remembering where she was. Magnolia Key. Gran’s B&B. An entire summer stretching out before her.
She sat up, surprised to find that she felt more rested than she had in months. The weight of the school year seemed to have lifted slightly, replaced by the gentle island breeze drifting through her open window. That was the nice thing about being right on the water—the breeze often chased the normal coastal humidity away.
After a quick shower, she made her way downstairs, following the irresistible aroma of coffee and bacon. In the kitchen, she found Gran bustling about, flipping pancakes and humming softly to herself.
“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Gran said with a warm smile. “I was beginning to think you’d sleep the day away.”
She glanced at the clock, surprised to see it was nearly nine. “I guess I needed the rest more than I realized,” she admitted, settling onto a stool at the kitchen island.
Gran set a steaming mug of coffee in front of her. “That’s what summer break is for, isn’t it? Now, how about some breakfast?”
Before she could answer, a plate piled high with fluffy pancakes, crisp bacon, and fresh strawberries appeared before her. The sight and smell made her stomach growl appreciatively.
As she ate, she watched Gran move efficiently around the kitchen, preparing breakfast for the B&B guests. She felt a twinge of guilt for not helping, but Gran waved away her offers of assistance.
“You just enjoy your breakfast,” Gran insisted. “There’ll be plenty of time for you to help out later.”
She nodded, enjoying each bite of her meal. When she finished, she insisted on at least washing her own dishes, ignoring Gran’s protests.
After breakfast, she wandered into the main part of the B&B, taking in the familiar sights and sounds. The old grandfather clock in the corner ticked steadily, its face gleaming in the morning light. Colorful throw pillows adorned the comfortable sofas in the sitting room, inviting guests to relax and unwind.
