Gran’s eyes twinkled. “I see. And how do you feel about that?”
“Honestly? I’m not sure,” she admitted. “It’s all happening so fast. First, deciding to leave teaching, and now these feelings for Brent. It’s a lot to process.”
Gran reached over and patted Felicity’s hand. “Change can be overwhelming, dear. But it can also be exactly what we need sometimes.”
She nodded, mulling over her grandmother’s words. “I just hope I’m making the right decisions.”
“There’s no guarantee in life, Felicity,” Gran said softly. “But following your heart? That’s never the wrong choice.”
They fell into another comfortable silence, the night air cool and salty around them. Her mind wandered to Brent and Jonah, imagining the stories they must be sharing inside.
“It’s quite something, isn’t it?” Gran mused as if reading her mind. “Jonah coming back after all these years. Life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it.”
She smiled, thinking about how her own life had taken such an unexpected turn this summer. “It certainly does, Gran. It certainly does.”
Chapter23
“Itold Brent and Jonah to come for a late breakfast this morning. I suggested we might all have breakfast together after the other guests have finished up,” Gran announced as Felicity entered the kitchen the next morning.
“That sounds like a good idea.” She couldn’t wait to see Brent again. She busied herself at the coffeemaker, hoping Gran wouldn’t notice the flush creeping up her neck. Not that they’d have much chance to talk with Jonah and Gran there, but eventually they’d find time. The memory of their almost-kiss from the night before lingered, leaving her wondering when they might pick up where they left off.
Later, Felicity helped Gran clear away the last of the breakfast dishes from the regular guests. As she wiped down the kitchen counter, her stomach fluttered with anticipation. She glanced at the clock for what felt like the hundredth time that morning.
“They’ll be here soon enough,” Gran said with a knowing smile. “Why don’t you get the cinnamon streusel out of the oven? It should be just about done.”
Nodding, she slipped on the oven mitts and carefully removed the pan. The warm, spicy scent filled the kitchen, reminding her of cozy mornings from her childhood. She set it on the cooling rack and began slicing it into generous portions.
Gran busied herself arranging a platter of fresh fruit—juicy strawberries, ripe melon chunks, and plump blueberries. “There,” Gran said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. “That should do nicely.”
Just then, Brent popped his head into the kitchen. “Ready for us?”
Her heart skipped a beat as she smoothed her hair and straightened her apron.
“Come on in,” Gran said.
Brent entered first, his eyes finding Felicity’s immediately. She felt a blush creep up her cheeks as she once again recalled their near-kiss from the night before. Jonah followed close behind, looking a bit uncertain but offering a friendly smile.
“Good morning,” Brent said, his gaze lingering on Felicity. “Something smells amazing in here.”
“That would be Felicity’s cinnamon streusel,” Gran said proudly. “An old family recipe.”
They all settled around the table, and she found herself seated next to Brent. As she reached for the coffeepot to pour everyone a cup, her hand brushed against his. The brief contact sent a tingle up her arm.
“This looks wonderful,” Jonah said, eyeing the spread before them. “I can’t remember the last time I had a home-cooked breakfast like this.”
She served up slices of the warm streusel on each of their plates, followed by helpings of fresh fruit. The rich aroma of coffee mingled with the sweet scent of cinnamon as they began to eat.
Brent glanced at her a time or two, as if he knew unanswered questions hung between them. She tried to put them out of her mind and listen to the breakfast conversation.
“So, what do you think of the island now that you’ve returned?” Gran asked Jonah.
“I didn’t see much, but it looks the same. Yet different, I guess. The ferry landing is completely different.”
“Yes, it was damaged a few times in the storms that came through. And the lighthouse looks different now. It’s been rebuilt. You should go see it.”
“I will.”
“So, do you two have any plans for today?” Gran eyed Brent and Jonah.
