“Sure thing,” he said gently. Tyler started to walk toward Renee’s house before he suddenly stopped, turning around. “Sadie?”

“Yeah?”

He gave her a small smile. “Ethan wanted me to tell you that he loves you.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Six

When Renee’s cell service was restored later that evening, she was greeted with dozens of texts, missed calls, and voicemails, all of them from Tansy. She leaned over the kitchen counter reading and listening to each of them. The messages started off concerned and quickly turned hysterical.

WOW! A hurricane in the Cove?! Stay safe!

Mom, you guys OK? Reading the news coverage now… This is super scary!

Where are you? My calls go straight to voicemail.

I just tried calling and texting Aunt Bree. She’s not answering either. I am REALLY worried about you both! Please call me back!

Mom??? CALL ME!!!

And so on.

While Renee would never want to stress her daughter out, it was nice to know that she did care. She was still there.

Dan was outside gathering fallen tree limbs and other debris that had blown into Renee’s yard. She stood in front of the kitchen window while her kettle boiled, admiring his steady, careful movements. He’d gone home to change and was wearing an old pair of jeans and a fleece zip-up with a sturdy pair of work boots. He looked rugged and masculine, and Renee let out a small squeal when she remembered this gorgeous man was her boyfriend. She couldn’t wait to show him just how appreciative she was later that night.

The storm had brought in a cold front, and the air felt fresh and brisk. Renee started a fire in the living room, delighting in the sound of each crackle while Moe enjoyed slumbering beside the warmth. She lit a pomegranate-vanilla candle and changed into her softest cashmere sweater and most comfortable pair of jeans. Her cottage felt so warm and safe and full of happiness. She wanted to remember this moment forever.

With her tea mug in hand, she settled into a corner of the sofa and called Tansy.

“Mom?” Tansy answered after a single ring, the relief palpable in her voice. “Oh my God! Finally! I’ve been so worried about you. Are you okay? Is the house okay? What about Aunt Bree? Is her house okay? How is the Cove?”

Renee laughed out of sheer happiness.

“I’m okay,” she said. “So is Aunt Bree, our house, Aunt Bree’s house, and most of Cranberry Cove. Unfortunately, Castaway’s and Chickadee were completely destroyed. The roof came clean off.”

“Oh my God.”

“It’s pretty bad, but Bree is taking it okay.”

Tansy exhaled. “Oh, Mom. Holy shit, I was so freaked out.”

Renee nodded. “Me too.”

“Can we FaceTime?” Tansy asked. “Please? I just really need to see you right now.”