Chapter 19

Ronni and Morgan finished decorating the inn, emptying the boxes and stashing them in the basement until it was time to swap out the fall décor for everything Christmas.

"Before I forget, were you able to find anything out about the diamond ring and wooden heart?"

"I was." Morgan filled Ronni in, including all Grace had told her about Ruby and Gabe's relationship. "Gabe Locke lives on Charlevoix Drive. I drove over there to check it out. I noticed a truck parked in the driveway, so I went up and knocked on the door."

Ronni's jaw dropped. "Did he answer?"

"Yep. I told him who I was and about finding the ring and engraved heart, asking if it belonged to him."

"Let me guess. It didn't go over well."

"Like a ton of bricks. He told me he didn't want the ring and basically slammed the door in my face."

Ronni let out a low whistle. "It's safe to say he's not over Ruby."

"And somehow blames my grandparents. I'm not sure if they were directly involved in Ruby leaving with her family."

"It sounds as if Bruce Newlin considered Gabe a lowly employee and had loftier ambitions for his daughter."

"Elin Jensen and Ruby are friends. In fact, they still get together. She's going to put some feelers out to see how Ruby reacts."

"Is Ruby married?"

"Nope." Morgan shook her head. "Gabe isn't married and neither is Ruby."

"Wouldn't that be something, after all these years, to reunite?" Ronni mused. "I've heard of it happening."

"For now, I'll hold on to the ring and heart." Morgan grabbed her purse. "I have a few things to take care of at home. I'll be back tomorrow morning to make sure everything is ready for our fall festivities' kickoff."

"I can't wait." Ronni trailed behind, following Morgan and Chester to the front door. "I have an idea. Let's have dinner."

Morgan spun around. "You and me?"

Ronni nodded. "It's been ages since we chatted about anything other than work."

"And you don't want me to spend the evening home alone," Morgan guessed.

"Maybe."

Before she could accept, Elizabeth texted, inviting her to an impromptu casual dinner party. Ronni got the same text and invitation seconds later.

Morgan waved her phone in the air. "I haven't had dinner at Easton Estate in a while. Why don't we go together?"

Ronni wrinkled her nose.

"You look less than thrilled. Is it because of Jax?"

"Bingo."

Morgan playfully nudged her. "You two need to learn to play nice," she teased.

"It's almost impossible for us to be in the same room without pushing each other's buttons."

"Please?"

Morgan's cell phone chimed again. It was a second text from her grandmother. Fair warning. My friend Mary is joining us and will be bringing a pet project.

Ronni got the same text. "Well, at least we'll be thoroughly entertained by Mary."

"Which should distract Jax and keep him away from you." Morgan promptly replied with a smiley face. "I think when Grandmother says, ‘pet project', she's being literal."

Mary, Elizabeth's close friend, owned a small "zoo," a collection of animals who lived on her property—from the exotic to the domestic. The menagerie included a very vocal macaw, Macy, who had a bad habit of insulting everyone who came near her.

"Let's go." Morgan linked arms with Ronni. "It will be fun."

"Okay, but if Jax starts in, all bets are off," Ronni warned.

"Duly noted."

The women parted ways in the driveway. Morgan swung by Locke Village's cozy flower shop to grab a bouquet of flowers for her grandmother.

Back home, she rambled around until it was time to get ready. Despite Easton Estate's dinner being "labeled" as a less formal affair, Morgan was well aware of her grandmother's non-negotiable rules. Being on time and adhering to her dress code: No jeans, T-shirts, hats or casual wear at the dinner table.

Swapping out her jeans and t-shirt for an orange silk button-down blouse and a fitted black skirt, she slipped on a pair of black leather flats and called Chester, who was napping under the coffee table.

With the pup seated next to her, she swung by Ronni's place, Wisteria Way Cottage, the property Morgan's mother had bequeathed to her best friend. It took only a quick tap of the horn before Ronni appeared.

Chester scooted out of the way to make room. He tromped across Morgan's lap and stuck his front paws on the window, peering out. "You know you can't ride on my lap," she reminded him.

He flattened his ears, mustering up his best annoyed look.

Ronni pulled the door shut and reached for her seatbelt. "He's giving you the look."

"Yep."

"Did you show him his Halloween costume?"

"Not yet." While searching for the holiday décor, Morgan had stumbled across the most adorable outfit and promptly purchased it for her pup. "I figured I would surprise him."

"I can't wait to see it."

The drive across the island flew by as the women discussed tomorrow's kickoff event. They reached the estate and parked at the far end of the parking lot. Several vehicles were already there, including an Easton Island Airport van.

"Denver must be here," Morgan said. "I wonder if Grandmother invited Grace."

"I thought Elizabeth said this was a small dinner party."

"To Grandmother, small could be between five and fifty people."

They exited the vehicle and made their way around front where a staff member stood waiting to greet them.

The tinkle of laughter and voices echoed from the library.

Morgan and Ronni stepped inside where small groups of guests gathered.

As suspected, Denver Coates, a family friend and the airport's manager was there, along with daughter, Grace. Mary stood next to Elizabeth and Gerard Ainsworth.

Ariel Vanmeter and her mother, Traci, the village's librarian, chatted with Jax. Captain Davey, along with several others from Easton Harbor, stood near the fireplace, already lit and casting the cavernous room in a cozy and inviting glow.

Morgan's heart skipped a beat when she noticed a familiar figure standing next to Elizabeth. As if sensing her presence, the man turned. "Nigel is here. I'm going to go over and say hello." She hurried across the room to greet Nigel Beckworth, the Easton family's attorney.

Not only was he the family's attorney, but Morgan considered him a very dear friend. Nigel had been instrumental in helping her navigate through the maze of her inheritance. He'd been a sounding board more times than she could count. To this day, when she needed legal advice, Nigel was the first person she called.

He embraced her in a warm hug. "Hello, Morgan."

"Nigel. What are you doing here?"

"Your grandmother invited me to spend a couple of days. I believe she has a few specific issues she wants to address."

"Issues to address?" Morgan repeated.

He held his finger to his lips. "Client confidentiality."

"Of course. It's nice to see you."

"Same here. You're looking well."

"Thanks. Island life agrees with me."

"It certainly does."

"I hate to bother you, but now that you're here, maybe you could take a look at an agreement for me."

"A new project you're considering?"

"Already considered. I've already signed it," Morgan said. "But it wouldn't hurt to have another set of eyes check it out."

"I'll be happy to."

Making her rounds, Morgan greeted the other guests, chatting and catching up until the dinner bell rang.

She hung back, waiting for the room to clear.

Brett, who had done the same, wandered over. "Did you notice Gerard is here?"

"Yes. I didn't know he was back." Elizabeth's boyfriend, a man Morgan thought highly of, mainly because he treated her grandmother like a queen and doted on her, had become a regular visitor to Easton Estate.

Over the past few weeks, the couple had begun splitting their time between Easton Island and Gerard's Toronto home. "Grandmother has a more exciting social life than we do," she joked.

"Gerard has been good for her." Brett lowered his voice. "Quinn left."

"I know. I gave her a ride to the ferry dock."

"She'll be back."

"I hope so," Morgan said. "I was sad when she first told me she was leaving. But I've had time to think about it. Maybe it was the right thing to do. She was becoming too involved in the family."

"Family drama."

"Family drama and the family business," Morgan said. "Thank you for forwarding the schedule. I'll start planning my visits to the properties. If you can think of anything else, let me know."

"I will. It appears I overestimated my ability to jump back in and keep the same pace," Brett said. "Thank you for stepping up."

"You're welcome." Morgan glanced over her shoulder. "Have you given any more thought to the Wynn Harbor Inn project?"

"I have."

"And?"

"I would like to be a part of the project," Brett said.

"Awesome. As soon as I get home, I'll send Mr. Wynn a note. I used a similar contract to the one you initially proposed." Morgan promised to revise the contract and add his name before sending it over.

"I'm sorry for blowing my cool and coming down on you," Brett apologized. "Looking back, I can see how the wires got crossed."

"It's all behind us now." Morgan said a silent prayer of thanks. "I can't wait to get started."

A small commotion near the door caught her attention. It was Elizabeth, with Gerard by her side.

"There you are. Gerard and I were wondering what happened to you."

"Morgan and I were discussing…the Wynn project."

"As well as Quinn's abrupt departure," Elizabeth said.

"Yes. We're in agreement that it was probably for the best," Morgan said. "Thank you for inviting us to your party."

"Actually, the party was Gerard's idea. He wanted me to invite all of my closest friends."

Morgan tilted her head, eyeing Gerard, whose cheeks were flushed. He appeared nervous, uncharacteristic for the man who was typically cool as a cucumber. "Were we invited here for a special occasion?"

"Yes." Gerard cleared his throat and nervously tugged at the corner of his dinner jacket. "I have a most important question for Elizabeth."

Brett and Morgan both turned, giving the man their full attention.

He grasped Elizabeth's hand and lowered to one knee. Gerard removed a jewelry box from his jacket pocket and lifted the lid. Inside sat the largest diamond Morgan had ever laid eyes on.

"Elizabeth Easton, will you marry me?"