“Nothing. I’ve got it covered. See you then.”

He severed the connection, and she slid her cell back into her pocket as a delicious tingle raced through her.

A picnic on the beach with Jack.

What an unexpected end to the festival weekend—even if no romance was involved.

She hefted her tote bag and resumed her trek toward the door.

Charley pushed through as she approached. “Ah. The woman of the hour—or should I say the weekend? Kudos on a job well done.”

“Thank you. I have to admit I’m thrilled with the results.”

“You should be. And I’m even more impressed by the ripple effect. Tourism has been higher than usual all month—and I predict the residual effect will last all summer.”

“I hope you’re right. It would be the answer to a prayer.”

“To many prayers.”

“So what are you doing here?” She swept a hand over the room. “Between holding two painting classes and manning the taco stand in between, you have to be operating on fumes.”

“On the contrary. The whole experience was energizing. I volunteered for the St. Francis cleanup crew too.”

She grimaced. “I feel like a slacker, cutting out already.”

“That’s misplaced guilt. You’ve worked harder than anyone on this. You deserve a healthy dose of R&R. May I recommend a walk on the beach?”

“As a matter of fact, I am going to the beach.”

“Wonderful. By the way, if you happen to run into Jack, would you let him know I sat in on part of his presentation yesterday and thought it was excellent? I didn’t get to talk with him afterward.”

Odd that he’d bring up Jack—and in the context of a beach.

Had to be a coincidence.

But she didn’t intend to mention that. Until—or unless—Jack decided to ramp up their relationship, why fuel speculation in town?

“I’ll do that.”

“Enjoy your evening. And thank you again. Hope Harbor is in your debt.”

He strolled off before she could respond—but Charley was wrong.

Coming to this tiny seaside town had changed her life—and she would always be in its debt. For her, Hope Harbor was a little piece of paradise.

The only thing that could make it better would be Jack’s forgiveness and trust—and an opportunity to prove to him every day for the rest of her life that this time around, her love was here to stay.

Tonight was the night.

Jack hung a left onto Starfish Pier Road and picked up speed toward the beach as Christi told him a funny anecdote about the sandcastle class. Something to do with a harbor seal that had watched the proceedings from a close-in rock while belching his approval, which had sent the young participants into gales of laughter.

He was listening. He really was.

Sort of.