“There, that’s a lovely idea, isn’t it? Going to see the elephants,” Fi said. “I bet you’ll have stories for weeks to tell everyone when you get back.”
“Keelin and Flynn just did that world cruise, as you know. Though why they’d go on those monstrous polluting germ-havens, I do not know.”
“They are pretty gross, and they’re destroying the oceans. You should see them in Italy – tourists just swarm the cities and barely spend any money. If anyone books a cruise thinking they’re helping the local economies, they’re dead wrong.”
“I heard Venice finally got the cruise ships to stop docking at their ports,” Shane said.
“Finally. Who would even want to go on those things? You’re locked into a schedule, you can barely explore the towns you go to, and you’re stuck on a ship with thousands of people.” Fi shuddered. “It’s my worst nightmare.”
“I will say, Keelin and Flynn weren’t as charmed by it as they thought they’d be. Even though Flynn’s a sailor, well, I guess he thought the experience would be different. He said he felt like he was on a double-decker bus slogging through the ocean.”
“Plus, I don’t think they were happy to be gone when Gracie was going through that mess with Dylan.”
“No, Flynn was about ready to fly back and punch the man,” Shane agreed.
“How are they getting on now?” Fi asked.
“Good enough, it seems. Now that all the plans and motives have come to light –”
“And since Dylan made right on gifting Grace with her cottage,” Cait interjected.
“– they seem to be getting on maddeningly well,” Shane finished.
“That’s good, then. I wouldn’t want to be on Flynn’s bad side,” Fi said. “Actually, Keelin’s either. They’re both a bit scary.”
“Formidable would be the word I’d use,” Cait chuckled. “Now, tell us your plans for your stay.”
“Yes, do we get you for more than a weekend this time?” Shane asked.
“Yes, you do. I’ve a few weeks here. I have a few proposals I’m considering, but I haven’t technically booked another client just yet. I wanted to spend some time here and help Grace with planning her wedding. Do you mind if I stay in one of your apartments out back? I don’t want to be under your feet for weeks.”
“You’re never under our feet.” Cait gave Fi a stern look.
“You know what I mean.”
“About that,” Shane said. He glanced at Cait, who nodded in return. “We have a surprise for you.”
“So Mum said. What’s this about?”
“It’s an early birthday present.”
“My birthday isn’t for months yet.”
“Well, we never know when you’ll be home. Either way, shall we go take a look?”
“At what? What have you done?” Fi narrowed her eyes at Shane, but jumped when Cait smacked her palm hard on the bar.
“No mind-reading, Fi. Let the surprise be a surprise.”
“Fine, but you know I hate surprises.”
“Which is why we rarely do them for you. Indulge me.” Shane slid his arm around her shoulder, squeezing her to him once more.
Fi sighed, leaning into his warmth. “Fine. You may surprise me. Let’s see what this is all about, then.”
“Grab your coat. We’re going back out.”
Chapter 6
She’d always loved this street.
Keeping her mental shields up so as not to ruin her parents’ surprise, Fi wandered the village of Grace’s Cove with them, stopping every few minutes to chat with someone they knew. That was the way of things in Grace’s Cove, Fi thought, smiling as another neighbor popped her head out of the bakery. There was no bustling about and getting anything done in a timely manner. Everybody knew everybody, and the gossip mill was a demanding mistress. Within the hour, everyone would know she was back in town. It saved her from having to send out text messages, so there was some benefit to the gossip chain.
They’d turned down a cobblestone street that fronted the harbor, where a long row of semi-detached homes and apartments clambered over each other for prime water views. Each place was painted a different color, creating a vibrant and fun atmosphere, and Fi had spent many a day strolling this waterfront walkway and admiring the beauty of her town. That was the thing of it: Although she craved adventure and world travel, her heart of hearts still belonged to Grace’s Cove. It would always be home.
“Here we are then,” Shane said, stopping in front of a neat two-story building painted a cheerful burnished yellow, its windows and shutters done up in a pretty red trim. Flower boxes lined the windows, though it was still too early in the season for any buds to be peeking out. An arched doorway, painted a shiny red with a doorknocker in the shape of a gargoyle, was tucked to the left of the windows.
“And who lives here?” Fi asked, stepping back to look up at the building. “It’s lovely.”
“You do,” Shane said, barely containing the glee that flashed across his face as he waited for her reaction.
For once in her life, Fi was truly and honestly gobsmacked. It was as if someone had doused her with a bucket of ice water, and she gasped for air.
Cait gripped her hand, worry etching her pretty face. “See, I told ye it would be too much for her.” She glared at Shane.
“It’s not too much. Just give the lass a chance to catch her breath.”
Fi stepped back and looked at the house once more as emotions crashed through her – the most surprising of which was that she wanted this house. How could that be? She’d never thought she’d live here full-time. It wasn’t time for her to settle, her brain argued, though her heart screamed, “Take it!”
“I… I honestly don’t know what to say. You’ve gone and left me speechless, you have,” Fi said. “You can’t possibly mean you’re gifting me a house.”
“I am. Well, it’s more of an apartment building. It’s two flats. Want to take a look and I’ll tell you what I’m thinking?” Shane asked, pulling a key from his pocket.
“This is prime real estate. On the water. You should keep this for your portfolio,” Fi argued.
“Bah, that man has enough properties. He can’t even keep them straight.” Cait waved her concerns aside.
“That doesn’t mean you just give them away,” Fi said.
“It does when it’s for your daughter.” Cait grabbed her hand and tugged her inside the stoop. “Just have a look around before you tell us no.”
“This has to be the most extravagant birthday present anyone has ever been given. You can’t possibly think I can accept this,” Fi protested, refusing to step inside.
Cait turned to Shane. “I told you her pride would stop her.”
“You’ve never let us pay for anything,” Shane said, his eyes on Fi. “Not even your rent when you were in uni. You’ve worked since you were a child, saving and scrimping and never once asking us for anything. We’re incredibly proud of you, and it would be an honor if you would let us gift you with this property.”