Page 24 of Last Wish Wedding

Kelsey padded downstairs in her robe to find her sister already brewing coffee in the kitchen. Amy’s long, dark hair was pulled into a messy bun, and she was in her usual massage therapy uniform: yoga pants and a flowing top.

“You’re here early,” Kelsey said, reaching for a muffin.

“Thought you might need company.” Amy poured two cups of coffee. “Any word from Noah?”

“Not since yesterday.” Kelsey wrapped her hands around the warm mug. “He sounds like he’s having more fun than usual because there are some other cousins on this trip, Margaret’s sister’s kids.”

Amy rolled her eyes. “I hope their spoiled bratness doesn’t rub off on him. Speaking of which, I’m heading to Costigan’s later. Ruth put in a referral for some massage therapy.”

“Oh? That’s actually a great idea. He had some additional activity last evening, so I bet he could use it. Mac and I had him out on the boat pretty late.” Kelsey tried to keep her voice neutral while studying her muffin intently.

“Say what? You and Mac had him out late?”

“Yes. We saw the Northern Lights. Apparently something about a solar flare made them visible this far south.”

Coffee sloshed as Amy set her mug down too quickly. “Mac? As in Mack truck, new car and rich as all get out? Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Brooding who barely speaks to anyone?”

“He speaks to people,” Kelsey protested weakly.

“Mm-hmm, right…” She took a sip of her coffee. “So, Mr. Costigan. Thought I’d ask him about the old mansion while I’m there. Such a waste, sitting empty all these years. I’d love to make it into a retreat, a health retreat. I’d make a killing.”

“Why ask Mr. Costigan about the mansion? What would he know about it?”

Amy looked at her as though she had two heads. “He owns it. He owns half the island or something. He’s a real big deal around here. Very rich man. His grandson even more so. Rumor is that he sold some software he developed a year or so ago. Made a killing at it.”

Amy tilted her head. “Why are you blushing?”

“I’m not.” Kelsey stood abruptly. “I should get dressed. I’m going sailing.”

“Sailing?” Amy’s eyebrows shot up. “With whom?”

“Mac.”

A slow grin spread across Amy’s face. “Oh my God. Something happened between you two.”

“Nothing happened.”

“Liar. Your face is bright red.” Amy leaned forward. “Spill. Now.”

“I have to get ready. He’s picking me up in,” Kelsey glanced at the clock, “thirty minutes.”

“Oh no you don’t.” Amy blocked her path to the stairs. “You’re not going anywhere until you tell me everything. Since when do you and Mac MacCormack go sailing?”

“Since last night. He wanted to help me keep my mind off Noah,” Kelsey admitted.

“I see. And?”

“And nothing. I think he just feels sorry for me with Noah gone.”

“Huh,” Amy nodded her tone skeptical. “Is that why you’re wearing your special occasion perfume?”

Kelsey touched her neck where she’d already dabbed the scent. “I’m going to get dressed.”

“This isn’t over!” Amy called after her. “I want details when you get back!”

The morning sun warmed Kelsey’s face as she followed the shore path, waves lapping gently at the beach to her right. Ahead, Mac’s sailing yacht bobbed at the dock, its white hull gleaming. Mac moved efficiently around the deck, checking lines and equipment.

Her shoes clunked on the wooden gangway. “Permission to come aboard?”