Key West Promises (Seaside Palms #1)

Chapter 23

CHAPTER 23

T he sunset cruise fundraiser for Paradise Harbor House was about to begin. Golden hues over the Key West marina meant soon the sky would be a mix of colors by the time all the guests arrived.

There wasn't anything more beautiful than when the sky was a perfect watercolor blend of pinks, oranges, and soft blues. The wind had died down from earlier in the afternoon and the gentle ocean breeze was perfect for taking a boat out on the water.

A long table draped in linen stood at the entrance, where volunteers handed out handcrafted lanyards—each adorned with small sea-glass pendants made by a local artisan. The lanyards doubled as guest passes for the event and would be a perfect keepsake memory of the event.

"Here you go," Leah said with a bright smile, handing lanyards to an older couple. "Enjoy the evening!"

Guests began making their way up the wooden plank leading onto the Sea Breeze , a beautiful, spacious vessel with a sturdy double-deck design. The aroma of expertly prepared dishes from Jamie's restaurant filled the air as he oversaw the catering, ensuring a memorable dining experience for everyone on board.

Tess stood near the entrance, watching as guests climbed aboard. As each one approached, they admired the soft string lights illuminating the deck, the crisp white tablecloths draped over the buffet station, and the bartenders mixing drinks with practiced ease. Servers wove through the mingling crowd, already making their rounds, carrying silver trays laden with appetizers.

Elena was deep in conversation with a well-dressed couple near the bar, while Gretchen helped direct a few late arrivals. Kaitlyn, wearing a deep blue sundress, stood beside Will as he captured footage of the guests boarding.

"Looks good, doesn't it?" Will murmured, adjusting his camera lens.

"It looks perfect," Kaitlyn replied, scanning the scene. "Now we just have to hope people open their wallets for the silent auction."

Tess turned as Jamie approached, his chef's coat pristine despite the humid evening. "So, how's the crowd looking?" he asked.

"Like they have money to spend," Tess said with a smirk.

Jamie chuckled. "Good. That's the idea, right?"

As more guests filled the deck, a waiter passed by, offering trays of seafood-stuffed mushrooms, bruschetta topped with heirloom tomatoes, and miniature crab cakes. The scent of grilled fish and fresh tropical fruit from the buffet drifted through the air, making stomachs rumble in anticipation.

Leah stepped beside Kaitlyn, nudging her lightly. "You nervous?"

"Terrified."

Leah laughed. "You'll be fine. Just focus on the cause. That's what this is all about."

A few minutes later, Elena took to the small stage near the center of the deck, microphone in hand. The music softened as she tapped the mic, drawing the attention of the crowd.

"Good evening, everyone. Thank you so much for joining us tonight on this beautiful Key West evening," she began, her voice warm and welcoming. "Tonight isn't just about enjoying good food and great company. It's about making a difference. It's about supporting the families who come to Paradise Harbor House in search of hope, stability, and a second chance."

A hush fell over the crowd as Elena continued, speaking from the heart about the shelter's mission. She gestured toward Will, who nodded before clicking a button on his tablet, sending the interview footage up onto a screen set up above the bar.

The video played, showing the history of Paradise Harbor House with clips of interviews from not only people who have lived at the shelter, but people who have benefited from the good work of the organization over the years.

When it came to Melanie's interview, her words resonated with the guests. Faces in the crowd softened, some dabbing at their eyes as Melanie spoke of how Paradise Harbor House had saved her and Hailee from living in their car.

As the video ended, Elena stepped forward again. "That's why we're here. And that's why we need your support tonight. Below this deck, you'll find all the various silent auction items. If you have any questions, there will be people down there to help you. Please enjoy the party and thank you all again for coming to support Paradise Harbor House."

A round of applause followed, and soon, the event moved into full swing. Guests laughed and mingled, enjoying the ocean breeze and the picturesque view of the setting sun over the Gulf. The bartenders kept drinks flowing—glasses of white wine, tropical cocktails, and fresh citrus-infused water.

The polished teak deck gleamed under the string lights as Leah made her way toward the stern, the gentle sway of the boat beneath her feet matching the rhythm of the waves. Salt-laden air mingled with the sweet scent of tropical flowers arranged in crystalline vases along the railings.

She spotted Jack at the stern, his profile outlined against a sky that had deepened from coral to indigo, the first stars beginning to peek through the darkening canvas above.

"This is quite an event you all have put together," he said, offering her a fresh glass of wine. The crystal caught the light, sending tiny rainbows dancing across the polished deck.

"Thanks." She accepted the glass and moved to stand beside him at the railing, the metal cool and smooth beneath her palm. "Though I can't take much credit. This was all Kaitlyn and Elena's vision."

"Don't sell yourself short." His voice was soft but firm, barely carrying over the melodic strings of the live band and the gentle lapping of waves against the hull. "I've seen how hard you've worked these past few weeks."

Leah took a sip of wine, enjoying the cool breeze that played with loose strands of her hair. "I suppose I have been burning the candle at both ends lately."

"Which is why," Jack said, turning to face her fully, "I was thinking maybe you'd let me take you away for a weekend. Nothing fancy—just a quick trip up to Marco Island. I know this great little place right on the beach."

Leah's pulse quickened. She wasn’t sure whether he was moving too fast, but the idea of their first real getaway together scared her. "Jack…"

"Before you overthink it," he said with that knowing smile she'd grown so fond of, "it's just a suggestion. No pressure. But I thought it might be nice to have some time, just us, away from work and responsibilities." He paused, his expression growing more serious. "I care about you, Leah. A lot. And I'd like the chance to show you that without having to share you with the rest of Key West for a couple of days."

"I'd like that," she said softly. "Let me think about it, okay?"

“Absolutely,” he said, as he placed a hand on her arm.

She leaned into his touch, savoring the moment until a burst of laughter from nearby reminded her they weren't alone.

The subtle rock of the boat beneath her feet kept Kaitlyn aware of their position on the water as she wove through the crowd. The string lights overhead cast honeyed shadows across the faces of contented guests, while tea lights in mercury glass holders flickered on each table like captured stars. She paused near the buffet, where the aroma of grilled mahi-mahi drizzled with mango-lime sauce mingled with the sweetness of caramelized plantains and the bright scent of fresh herbs.

"Getting good footage?" she asked, sensing Will's approach before she saw him, the familiar scent of his cologne carrying on the breeze.

"The best." He lowered his camera, giving her a warm smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes. "Elena's speech really moved people. And when Melanie came on screen…" He shook his head. "I saw at least three people writing checks right after."

Pride swelled in her chest. "I still can't believe we pulled this off."

"I can." Will's voice was soft but certain. "You're kind of unstoppable when you set your mind to something."

She turned to face him, struck by the sincerity in his expression. The string lights overhead cast a gentle glow across his features, and for a moment, she forgot about the fundraiser, the guests, everything except the way he was looking at her.

"Will…"

"The silent auction's going great too," he said quickly, as if catching himself. "I got some great shots of people bidding. The marketing team's going to love this for next year's promotional materials."

Kaitlyn nodded, trying to ignore the flutter in her stomach. "Good thinking. We should probably check on the auction tables again."

"Lead the way." He gestured forward with his camera, falling into step beside her as they headed below deck.

Tess made her way to the dessert station, where crystalline serving dishes displayed Jamie's creations like jewels in a case. The air was rich with the scent of vanilla, caramelized sugar, and fresh-baked pastries.

She spotted him directing his staff, his chef's coat, sleeves rolled up to reveal tanned forearms as he arranged delicate chocolate decorations on a tray of key lime tarts.

"The food is amazing," she said, breathing in the mouthwatering aromas. "Everyone's raving about it."

His eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, tiny laugh lines deepening in a way that made her heart flutter. "Well, I had good motivation to bring my A-game tonight."

"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow, steadying herself against a nearby table as the boat gently rocked. "And what motivation would that be?"

"You know what motivation." He wiped his hands on his apron before removing it. “When the fundraiser is over, I’d like to take you to dinner.”

“I’d like that. I think your food is incredible.”

Jamie shook his head. “No, not at my restaurant. I thought maybe we could go somewhere away from Key West. I know a really great place in Key Largo.”

Tess tried to remain calm, but her heart raced. “Of course. I’m always looking for new places to go for dinner.”

"Good." He stepped closer, his voice dropping lower. "Because I was hoping maybe we could have a talk, maybe get to know each other better. I don’t know if it matters to you or not, but I thought you should know that I haven’t asked a woman out on a date since my wife died.”

Her heart fluttered. "Jamie…"

"I’m not trying to get serious here but I’m feeling things for you that I haven’t felt for years. I think it’s important that I not ignore those feelings," he continued, reaching for her hand. He laughed and looked down at the deck floor. “Am I making a fool of myself?”

Tess shook her head. “No, not at all. I’m glad you asked me, and I’m especially happy that when you finally felt ready to move forward, you thought of me.”

He smiled and nodded. “Thanks, Tess. Thanks for putting a guy at ease. I should check on the kitchen crew," he murmured, though he made no move to pull away.

"Of course," she agreed, equally reluctant to break the moment.

Finally, he straightened, but before turning away, he took her hand in his. "Save me a dance later? Once service is done?"

"You bet."

As Jamie made his way back to the kitchen, Tess leaned against the railing, letting the ocean breeze cool her flushed cheeks. She closed her eyes, feeling the gentle sway of the boat beneath her feet, and feeling an imbalance that had nothing to do with the boat.

The music wove through the evening air like silk, and somewhere in the distance, a seabird called a goodnight to the setting sun. This fundraiser wasn't just raising money for Paradise Harbor House tonight—it was marking the beginning of something new, something precious, something that felt remarkably like home, for everyone.