Lily sent her a pleased smile before glancing past Hannah toward the group of tourists that had just entered the café. “Looks like the early spring weather is bringing out the tourists. Hopefully they’ll make it to my shop next. And if I’m lucky they’ll bring some friends.”

Hannah knew how the island businesses struggled through the winter months. An early spring was a true blessing. “You should go.”

Lily shook her head. “I don’t want to just leave you here.”

“I’m fine.” Hannah smiled to prove it. “Besides I have more phone calls to make.”

Lily looked hesitant. “Are you sure?”

Hannah nodded. She’d feel better when the restoration work was complete and the renovations resumed—if only she could make the finances work. She needed to open as soon as possible in order to get listed in the island’s visitor brochure and most importantly to make her loan payment.

Lily stood. “We’ve got your back. Just concentrate on the repairs and finishing the renovations so the islanders can all enjoy your cupcakes.”

“Those always were your favorites.”

“Always will be. Talk to you later.” Lily walked away.

Hannah took another sip of coffee, and then she too headed for the door. How did she get so lucky to have such good friends? A smile pulled at her lips as she stepped outside. She had a renewed drive to solve this problem.

Chapter Seven

Another restless night…

Monday morning, Ethan awoke tired and out of sorts. He wanted to blame it on the lumpy couch, but he could only lie to himself for so long. It was the recurring nightmare of the fire he’d narrowly escaped that had him waking up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat.

Not even the television playing in the background had kept the nightmares at bay. He knew with time they’d pass. It was what the old-timers had told him. The question was: how long would it take?

Not wanting to dwell on the subject, he turned his thoughts to the promise he’d made his aunt. He’d decided he’d put it off as long as he could. Now it was time to find out what was involved in planning Spring Fling. He was certain when he saw his aunt next that she’d have questions for him. He didn’t want her thinking he wasn’t taking this task seriously. The last thing either of them needed was for her to get upset, thinking he was going to let her down.

He moved to his aunt’s wooden desk and started opening the drawers, searching for the purple binder. He honestly didn’t think Spring Fling would be that big of a deal. He’d make a few phone calls. Maybe he’d organize a few events. And then he would be done and when his aunt returned home, she could take over.

In the bottom drawer, he found the purple binder. But surely this couldn’t be the right one. It had a three- or four-inch spine. It was huge. When he lifted the binder, it was rather hefty.