“John told me about your mom, Annie. I’m so sorry.”

“So am I. But this is a day to celebrate. Not only the Inn, but especially now because you’re home.” They hugged and cried, and Restless danced at their feet until John said, “Hey, break it up, okay? I want to kiss my fiancée.”

Francine’s eyes darted from John back to Annie. “Did I hear him right?”

“You did. We don’t know when yet, but you’re invited. In fact, would you like to be a bridesmaid?”

“I’m going to be the maid of honor,” Lucy interjected, in case anyone had forgotten she was there.

“Absolutely,” Francine said, then added, “I’m so happy for you!” They hugged again, and Restless danced some more, but Bella grew, well, restless, and wanted to get down.

“Lucy?” John asked. “How about if you take the dog down to the beach? So these ladies can go inside and see Gramma.”

The next hour passed so quickly Annie felt as if she were in a trance. And then the guests started to arrive. By two o’clock it seemed that half the Vineyard population was there, all of whom were thrilled with, as Earl described it, “what they’ve done with the old place.”

Meandering around the lawn, Annie caught sight of the meadow that sprawled next to the Inn: it was filled with yellow buttercups that had blossomed just in time, as if a small part of Ellen Sutton had come to celebrate with them.

Filled with happiness and love, Annie wove around Earl, who was talking with a couple of John’s police-officer friends; she smiled at Claire, who had given away all the brochures and now stood, socializing with people Annie recognized from the garden club; and she watched Marilyn Sunderland, who seemed to wink at Earl every chance she got. Harlin’s marimba band was a huge hit as the musicians lit up the terrace, and some of the guests began to dance. Harlin had noticeably been checking out Francine; if he had his eye on her, Annie suspected he’d have to compete with Jonas.

Annie smiled as she thought about the days ahead; joy, after all, often was infectious.

She also knew that joy could be interrupted in a heartbeat, which was what happened when Lucy appeared again, back from the beach with Restless in tow and something firmly set between his teeth.

Annie saw them first. She rushed over at a decided clip, maneuvering around unsuspecting guests who were admiring the view of the harbor and the Edgartown Light. “Lucy!” she whispered, as the mallets of the marimba speeded up the tempo. “What are you doing? What’s he got?”

Before Lucy could answer, John was behind her.

“I’m not sure!” Lucy cried. “Restless found it on the beach—is it another bone?”