Chapter 1

Morgan finished jotting down her work notes and tucked the notepad in the pocket of her backpack. She craned her neck, peering out the plane window, eager for her first glimpse of Easton Island. It had been a long, grueling two weeks of travel, visiting each of Easton Holdings Company’s properties.

No wonder her brother Brett struggled to keep up with his work schedule. Thank God for Kate, who worked at the main office and had helped Morgan with the logistics, coordinating each of her visits. More than once, she’d woken up in a hotel room and had no idea where she was.

But the last property, only steps away from Niagara Falls, was “in the books” and the final visit of the year.

Circling around, the plane finally touched down. As soon as the jetway was in place, Morgan started gathering her belongings. She’d splurged on her flight home, booking a first-class seat, which meant she was among the first off the plane.

Stepping into the terminal, a massive Welcome to Easton Island banner caught her eye. Home. Everything Morgan Easton loved was here on this chunk of land nestled in Lake Huron’s thumb area.

And one of the people she loved most stood under the welcome sign, beaming from ear-to-ear.

Morgan picked up the pace, dragging her carry-on behind her, and ran straight into her boyfriend Wyatt’s warm embrace.

He wrapped both arms around her. Pulling Morgan close, Wyatt kissed the top of her head. “I’ve missed you.”

“I missed you more.” Oblivious to who might be watching, she lifted her head, eagerly anticipating the kiss she’d looked forward to for so many days. Wyatt didn’t disappoint, tenderly pressing his lips to hers.

Morgan was the first to pull away. “I’ve decided I’m going to hang out at home for a while now.”

“You better.” Wyatt playfully wagged his finger at her. “No more jet-setting around Ontario for you.”

Morgan slipped her arm through his as the couple made their way to the baggage claim area. While they waited for her checked bag, she briefly thought about her best friend Quinn Schultz, who was still in Florida helping her parents move from the family home to a waterfront condo.

Although they chatted on the phone, Morgan still sensed a little tension between them, all caused by an argument involving Quinn’s boyfriend, who was also Morgan’s half-brother.

She couldn’t help but wonder if Quinn was still on the fence about returning to Easton Island or if she was truly as busy as she claimed.

The carousel made a grinding sound and began spitting out luggage. Morgan’s pink suitcase popped up and slid down the moving belt.

“I’ll get it.” Wyatt grabbed it off the carousel. “We don’t have far to go. I snagged a front row parking spot.”

Exiting the airport, the couple veered left, strolling to Wyatt’s vehicle. He unlocked the passenger side door and Morgan climbed in while he stowed her luggage in the back.

She found a brown paper bag with a red bow sitting on the center console. Morgan picked up the bag, waiting for him to join her. “What’s this?”

“A present for you.”

She unfolded the top and peeked inside. Morgan burst out laughing as she pulled out a bottle of Vernors Ginger Soda and a box of Danish Delight Bakery’s aebleskivers.

“You said you were craving Vernors and aebleskivers.”

“Have I ever told you that you’re the best boyfriend ever?” Morgan leaned over to kiss Wyatt’s cheek. He turned his head, capturing her lips in a long, lingering kiss.

Breathless, she began fanning her face. “Is it getting hot in here?”

It was Wyatt’s turn to laugh, his eyelids lowering in a seductive gaze. “Yes, and if we were at home, it would get a whole lot hotter.”

Flustered, Morgan patted her cheeks. “Unfortunately, we’ll need to take a raincheck on the romantic reunion. You have to get ready for work, and I need to swing by Easton Estate to pick up Chester.”

“A raincheck it is.” Wyatt filled her in on what she’d missed, which wasn’t much. Her boyfriend, an Easton Island police officer, worked long shifts, putting in extra hours of overtime to cover during the busy stretches.

All too soon, they turned onto Dead Man’s Drop, the steep road leading to her grandmother’s estate. They passed through the gates, and Morgan could hardly contain her excitement.

Wyatt pulled alongside her SUV, which was in the same spot she’d left it when he had picked her up to give her a ride to the airport.

Morgan reached for the door handle. “Are you coming in?”

“No.” He reluctantly shook his head. “As you so pointedly reminded me, I need to head home and get ready for work. Are we still on for breakfast tomorrow?”

“You know it.” Morgan flung the door open.

Wyatt stopped her. “Hang on. I…”

Noting a serious tone in his voice, she paused. “What is it?”

“Never mind.” He waved dismissively. “I need to talk to you about something. It can wait until tomorrow morning.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.” Wyatt blew her a kiss. “I love you. I’m glad you’re home.”

She caught the imaginary kiss and pressed it to her heart. “I love you, and I’m glad I’m home too.”

Morgan gave him a quick wave goodbye and hurried to Easton Estate’s rear entrance.

“…love is in the air.”

Morgan stopped in the kitchen doorway, listening to Mrs. Arnsby belt out an off-key song about love and fluttering hearts.

She twirled around, wooden spoon in hand, and waltzed toward the dry goods pantry. The cook finally noticed Morgan standing there. Her jaw dropped. “Morgan.”

“Hello, Mrs. Arnsby.”

“You’re home.” She dropped the spoon on the counter, ran over and wrapped her arms around Morgan, holding her tight. “You are a sight for sore eyes, young lady.”

Morgan sucked in a breath, savoring the warm embrace. “I’m happy to be back.”

Woof. Chester, Morgan’s pup, barreled around the corner, moving as fast as his short little legs allowed. He lunged at her, yipping loudly.

As soon as Mrs. Arnsby released her grip, Morgan leaned down and scooped him up. Which was no easy task. He wiggled and squirmed, his small pink tongue licking her face, her hand, her arm.

“There’s my buddy,” she chuckled.

“He’s been watching the door ever since the day you left,” Mrs. Arnsby said.

She set him on the floor. He promptly circled her feet, trampling over her shoe, his tail wagging ninety miles an hour. “Is Grandmother around?”

“She’s over at the art gallery.” Mrs. Arnsby’s expression grew somber. “Have you heard from Quinn?”

“I have. She still hasn’t given me a definite date for her return.” A twinge of guilt flitted through Morgan. Quinn worked alongside Grandmother Elizabeth at the art gallery, which meant her absence created additional work for the senior Easton. “Maybe Grandmother should consider hiring another person.”

“I agree.”

Morgan promised she would broach the subject. “In fact, I’ll run home, drop my stuff off and head over to the harbor to say hello.”

Mrs. Arnsby trailed behind Morgan, following her to the door. “Brett is in Toronto.”

“We spoke this morning. He and I have talked more in the last two weeks than we have in the last year,” Morgan joked. “I have a new appreciation for all he does.”

“You and your brother are both hard workers.”

“And so is Grandmother.” Morgan kissed the cook’s cheek, thanking her for taking care of Chester while she was gone before climbing into her SUV for the short drive home.

Ronni Lansbury, her mother’s best friend, who also managed Locke Pointe Bed-and-Breakfast, one of Morgan’s businesses, had been checking on her home, watering her plants and collecting the mail.

She sifted through the stack on the counter, tossing the junk in the recycling bin and piling the important stuff off to the side.

After a quick break to freshen up, she and Chester hit the road again, making the short drive to Easton Harbor.

The fall season attracted the “leaf peepers,” those who visited Easton Island to view the trees, displaying their magnificent colors. Although it was still a little early in the season — not quite the peak of leaf peeping which meant there was less traffic and fewer visitors to the island.

She easily found a parking spot in front of the gallery. Through the large picture window, Morgan could see her grandmother standing at the counter, talking on the phone.

Chester sprang from the vehicle and trotted to the door with Morgan only steps behind. The gallery’s bell chimed, announcing their arrival.

Elizabeth’s eyes lit, watching her granddaughter and pup make their way inside. She quickly ended her conversation and hurried around the counter. “Welcome home, dear.”

“Thanks.” Morgan hugged her grandmother tightly. Sudden tears welled up in her eyes. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too.” Elizabeth stepped back, holding her at arm’s length. “You don’t look any worse for the wear after a whirlwind trip.”

“I’m not, but I can tell you I have a greater appreciation for all Brett does.”

Elizabeth motioned to the barstool. “Have a seat. Can I get you a coffee or a cup of tea?”

“Coffee sounds good. Do you need help with the beverage machine?”

“Thank you for the offer, but I think I’ve finally mastered the finnicky beast,” she joked. “Quinn would be proud of me.”

“Speaking of Quinn,” Morgan said. “Have you heard from her?”

“I have.”

“And?”

Elizabeth sucked in a breath. “Between you and me, I’m getting the runaround.”

“As in, she isn’t giving you a definite date about when she’s coming back.”

“Correct. I’ve decided to hire another person. Sarah is doing a great job. She has a friend who is looking for work on the island. In fact, she’s coming in for an interview this afternoon.”

“I don’t blame you. Mrs. Arnsby said you’re working a lot of hours.” Morgan noted the dark circles under her grandmother’s eyes. “Quinn will have to understand. She can’t leave us all in limbo.”

“Agreed. Clearly, the art gallery isn’t a priority for her. Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t proceed with my plan to make her a partner.”

“I feel like this is partly my fault because of what happened.”

Elizabeth waved dismissively. “Please don’t blame yourself. Quinn is an adult. Any reputable place of employment would not allow their employee to take off on a moment’s notice with no return to work date.”

“True. You’ve been more than generous.” Morgan had considered her friend was having second thoughts and just hadn’t told them she wasn’t coming back to Easton Island. “I wonder if Brett has any idea what she’s thinking.”

“I’ve asked him. He’s getting the same vague answers that we are.”

Morgan promised to talk to Brett and then give Quinn a call. “I’ll see if I can get to the bottom of it. In the meantime, if this new person looks promising, I think you should hire them.”

The women discussed the leased property visits, Easton Holdings in general, and Morgan’s bed-and-breakfast.

“Ronni stopped by the other day,” Elizabeth said. “She mentioned reservations have dropped off.”

“More like totally tanked.” Morgan gave a double thumbs down. “As soon as the leaf peeping is over, the bookings are few and far between.”

“I wonder how business is over at Grace’s place.”

Grace Coates, a family friend who owned the Lilac Inn next door to Morgan’s bed-and-breakfast, had been instrumental in helping her get her business up and running. In fact, Grace’s place had been around for many years, which meant she would know if the drop in bookings was normal or a reason for concern. “I don’t know, but I plan to find out.”

Morgan jangled her keys. “Ronni said she wanted to meet with me and asked me to come by as soon as I had a chance.”

Elizabeth followed her to the door. “Are you still planning on coming by for dinner tonight? Jane has prepared a celebratory meal to welcome you home.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Morgan gave her grandmother a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll keep my fingers crossed that your interview goes well.”

“Thank you.” Elizabeth glanced out the window, her brows knitting. “Well, isn’t this a lovely duo.”

“Who?” Morgan started to turn.

Her grandmother grabbed her arm, holding tightly. “I have a bit of bad news.”

“About what?”

“Easton Island has acquired a new resident, a person I don’t think you’ll be thrilled about.”

“A new resident? Who is it?”

Elizabeth released her grip. “She’s standing out front on the sidewalk.”