“What about now?”
She gave a rough laugh. “I think I would like to run the bookstore. Is that crazy?”
“Not at all. If it was always your dream, you should go for it. What about the construction company?”
“That’s the funny thing. Emma pointed out last night that Bryce would be more than capable of running it. She’s absolutely right. He’s young but he’s sharp, honest, hardworking. And older than Gary and I were when we started the company.”
“Didn’t you say Emma wanted in at the construction company, too?”
“Yes. Who would have ever thought she would be interested? But she said it’s been her dream since she was a girl, when her dad used to take her to jobsites. I don’t expect I will step away completely but I would love to hand over the day-to-day operations to her and Bryce. Their hearts are in it. Mine has never really been.”
“Your heart has always wanted to run a bookstore.”
She laughed. “Yes. I guess that’s it.”
“Well, when the bookstore is done, I know a local author you might be able to talk into doing a few events there.”
Her face lit up. “Would you, even though you hate book signings?”
“I don’t hate book signings. Even if I did, though, I would still do them at The Rainy Day Bookshop for you.”
Of course, he might require a few concessions from the bookstore owner in his rider, like more of her intoxicating kisses, but he decided this might not be the best time to let her know his conditions.
“That would be fantastic,” she exclaimed. “I’m going to hold you to it.”
They watched the sunlight on the water and Andrew found himself more at peace than he could remember being in a long time. When he had packed up his children and his life and moved here to Wood Briar, he wanted to leave behind the sadness and pain of losing Tracy, losing their house.
He had found so much more than he ever would have imagined.
“Speaking of Emma and Bryce, I haven’t had a chance to tell you the biggest news of the day,” she said.
“Bigger than your bookstore catching on fire?”
“A million times bigger! Emma stayed overnight at his place after the fire. This morning Olive and I went to pick her up and guess what? They were kissing on the porch to say goodbye.”
“Does that mean Emma is more likely to stay in town?”
“I think so. It’s better than I ever dreamed. I always thought they would be perfect together, but I never thought they would see that, too. She was glowing this morning. I wish you could have seen her.”
Andrew found her enthusiasm for her daughter’s happiness utterly charming. It was one more thing that drew him to Rosie—her capacity for joy, even in the face of adversity.
“That’s wonderful news,” he said. “I’m happy for Emma and Bryce. And for you, too. I can see how much it means to you.”
Rosie’s eyes sparkled. “It does. After everything that’s happened, seeing Emma so happy? It’s like a rainbow after a storm.”
She was a remarkable woman. Despite losing her husband and putting her own dreams on hold for years, Rosie still found so much joy in the happiness of others. It was one of the things he admired most about her.
“Dad, can we fly the kite now?” Finn called out.
He looked over to see the three children struggling with the colorful kite shaped like a jellyfish that he had picked up before they came down to the beach.
“You got it, kiddo,” Andrew replied, standing up. He turned to Rosie. “Care to join us? I have to admit, I’m not much of an expert at kite flying.”
Rosie laughed, her green eyes dancing. “Well, you’re in luck. I happen to be a kite-flying champion. Come on. I’ll show you all my tricks.”
“Not all of them, I hope. Save a few for later, when the kids aren’t with us,” he murmured.
She laughed outright at that, exactly as he hoped. “You are incorrigible, Andrew Morgan.”