Inner Harbor. Lois Richer
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hours you gave him.
Sincerely,
Wharton Willoughby
Annie lifted the courier’s envelope, hardly able to comprehend what she’d read. As she tilted it, a funeral announcement fell onto the floor. It was dated three weeks earlier, announcing the passing of a man who’d been the grandfather she’d never had. He’d died the day after he’d written her. He’d never had a chance to mail his precious letter.
Tears filled her eyes. Dear Mr. Willoughby. How she would miss him.
The letter, still clutched in her left hand, reminded her that while he might be gone, Wharton Willoughby, her friend and legal counsel, was still advising her.
Only this time she would not take his advice.
All those prayers she’d listened to had left Annie with a certain impression of Wharton’s grandson, and he was definitely not what she considered husband material. R.J. would have to find someone else to marry, because Annie Simmons had no intention of repeating her parents’ disastrous mistake. She would never marry.
Chapter One
“It’s only the first of March, Annie. The remains of that storm last month are still melting. Don’t start your worrying. Tourist season will arrive hot and heavy soon enough, and then you’ll be wishing for some time to yourself. Trust me, this place is going to be full.”
Her assistant’s words did little to ease the nag of worry dogging Annie Simmons, though she nodded to be polite. Felicity was right, of course. Patience and time were all she needed to make her business a success. But banks didn’t have patience. They expected her to repay that loan. That was fine. Annie wanted to pay them on time.
Failure had no part in her carefully crafted business plan for her brand-new Lighthouse Bed-and-Breakfast. But she’d had to borrow a little. Her mother’s legacy hadn’t quite covered all the renovations. Nor had Annie planned for the immediate expenses of a little boy who’d lost his parents at sea.
The search for a guardian had taken longer than anyone had imagined. At least now they knew the boy’s mother, Rhonda, had a cousin. The details were vague. Annie knew only that this man was in some far-off location. Now it was just a matter of locating him, telling him about Drew. Then the little boy would be gone from her life, free to begin again with relatives who would love and care for him. Who wouldn’t delight to have Drew in their home? Annie thrust away thoughts of him leaving. Family was important. She would let him go with a full heart, grateful she’d been able to help. She glanced at her watch.
No more wasting time, or she’d be late!
“I’ve got one stop on my way to the church. If I hurry, that is.” She tugged on her jacket, then grabbed her sheet music. “If someone phones, I’m on my way.”
“You’ll be late.” Felicity chuckled. “Somebody will stop you and want to chat—that’s Safe Harbor. I’ve never seen such a friendly place. But just you remember, those kids have had a day off school and they’ll be flying pretty high.” Her eyes danced with fun. “You could always race them around the block first, I suppose. But I’m not worried. You’ll whip everything into shape. You always do.” Her eyes glowed with admiration.
“Thanks for your faith. I just hope it’s justified. Without an organist, my little choral group isn’t exactly melodic.” Count on Felicity to cheer her on. She’d been a good friend since the day she arrived in Safe Harbor, looking for work. As Annie’s part-time assistant, she was perfect.
“I don’t envy you all those kids.” Felicity pretended to groan. “I can barely handle one.”
“You’re a great mother.” Annie knew how hard this young mom worked to be everything to her daughter.
“I try. You’d be a great one, too.” Trust Felicity to be loyal. “Look how you’ve managed with Drew.”
“I’m not sure I’ve done anything right with Drew. He’s so quiet.” Annie sighed. “It’s hard to know what he’s thinking when he stares back at you with those big brown eyes.”
“You need help with him.” Felicity tapped one blue-tinted fingernail against her bottom lip. “Maybe…something along the lines of a husband?”
Annie froze, thought about the letter, then dismissed her fears. Felicity couldn’t possibly know about it. Besides, it had been months since that letter had arrived, and R.J. still hadn’t shown. It was obvious he’d found a way to inherit without her. Good. That was the way she wanted it.
“Drew will be leaving as soon as his relative arrives. What would I do with a husband after that?”
“I can think of several things you could do,” Felicity said, deadpan.
“Romance isn’t in my picture.” Annie ignored her friend’s groan. A pang pricked her heart at the thought of never knowing the thrill of cuddling her own precious bundle of joy. Soon even Drew would be gone. And she’d be alone.
Again.
“I’ve got to get going.” Annie checked that her ponytail was neatly in place, then pulled on her gloves. “Drew’s with Billy Martin. Billy’s mom is bringing them to the church, so you don’t have to worry about him. I’ll see you in a couple of hours. Okay?”
“Yes, boss.” Felicity saluted. “And I’ll mind my own business from now on, too.”
Annie smiled, then left. Felicity meant well, but she wouldn’t understand. Sometimes even Annie didn’t understand her reluctance to fall in love. Surely not all men were like her father?
As predicted, her stop at the Realtor’s office took a few minutes more than she’d expected. Noting the time on the clock in Market Square, Annie strode quickly toward the church. Kids raced through the few remaining clumps of soggy spring snow, howling with laughter as they pelted each other with mushy snowballs. Annie deflected several missiles, then ducked inside the foyer to remove her coat.
They certainly were rambunctious. Directing them wasn’t easy without an accompanist. Seven and a half weeks until Easter—was that enough time to pull off a miracle? She’d just have to trust that God would send the right person at the right time.
Annie laid the music on her stand, ordering it in the correct sequence for quick reference. Then she arranged the chairs precisely. After filling her lungs with a deep breath of faith, Annie stuck her head out the door.
“Come on, people. It’s time to practi—” A cold, wet lump of snow cut off her words. Annie wiped away the few flakes that hadn’t already dripped off her chin and grinned. “You’re going to pay for that, you hooligans. Now, come on. Let’s get started.”
They trooped inside, silent, eyes downcast, suppressed giggles escaping whenever she turned her back. If they were just the tiniest bit worried she’d be mad, Annie was glad. Perhaps order would prevail for at least five minutes. Coats, boots and mittens dropped to the floor as they jostled each other with good-natured ribbing. It took forever until, one by one, the kids filed into the left side of the choir loft. Occasionally, a mischievous child peeked up, checking her face for some sign of disapproval. Annie kept her expression serene. Later she’d pelt them all with a barrage of snowballs, but right now she needed them to concentrate.
“Okay, guys.” She began by smiling at each one, searching for a confidence she didn’t feel. “You know the words. I think you know the melody, but just in case, I’m going to pound it out on the piano. Remember, you have to watch me to know when to come in.”
A little blond sprite in the front row turned to his neighbor. “Not that again! Everything gets mixed up when she does that. Annie on the piano doesn’t sound like Reverend Burns on the organ at all.” A rumble of agreement rolled through the choir.
Annie chuckled. Nothing like the honesty of a child to dent the ego.
“It sure doesn’t, Robbie. But right now, a piano is all