Chapter 29
CHAPTER 29
T ess, Leah, and Gretchen spent the night at Tess and Leah’s home, promising to return early the next morning for breakfast. True to their word, everyone gathered in the garden courtyard for breakfast, rather than in the dining room.
As soon as they settled at the table, Sarah began describing her evening with Kaitlyn. Her words tumbled out excitedly, interspersed with bites of fresh fruit and pastries.
"We stayed up so late! Kaitlyn showed me all these pictures from Paradise Harbor House, and we made lists of our favorite movies—we like all the same ones! And she told me about college, and I told her about my friends back home, and—" Sarah paused to take a breath, her face glowing with happiness.
"Did either of you sleep at all?" Chelsea asked, amused by Sarah’s enthusiasm.
"Maybe two hours?" Kaitlyn admitted, hiding a yawn behind her coffee cup. "There was just so much to talk about. We thought about renting a movie, but by the time we did, we could barely keep our eyes open."
Gretchen loved seeing the two girls having so much fun together, her heart full at their easy connection. Despite their age difference, despite the years apart, they'd fallen into a natural rhythm of sisterhood.
"We should do something fun today," Tess suggested, reaching for another croissant. "The weather's perfect for the beach."
"Can we?" Sarah turned to Kaitlyn, her eyes bright. "I packed my swimsuit just in case, and I've never been to a Key West beach."
"Smathers Beach would be perfect," Leah said. "It's not too crowded."
Jeffrey appeared in the dining room doorway, looking slightly uncertain about joining them. Before he could speak, Sarah waved him over.
"Dad! We're going to the beach. You should come!"
He glanced around the table at the women, and at his daughters sitting close together, their matching features animated with excitement. "I actually have some work to catch up on," he said carefully. "Seems like more of a girls' day. Maybe we could all have dinner together later?"
Kaitlyn's expression remained neutral, but Sarah's face fell slightly. "Are you sure? It could be fun…"
"Let him work, honey," Chelsea said smoothly. "We've got plenty of sunscreen and beach umbrellas to share between us."
"And snacks," Tess added quickly, seeing Sarah's disappointment. "We'll stop by Harbor Lights and get Jamie to pack us a proper beach picnic."
"Jamie makes the best key lime pie," Leah told Sarah. "And he always gives Tess extra slices."
"Because she makes googly eyes at him," Chelsea teased, making Sarah giggle.
Jeffrey shifted awkwardly. "Well, I'll let you all enjoy your day. Sarah, your mother would like you to call her when you get a chance."
"I will," Sarah promised, but her attention was already back on her sister. "Kaitlyn, can we get one of those big floaty things? I saw them in a shop window on Duval Street."
"You mean a pool noodle?" Kaitlyn laughed. "For the ocean?"
"Is that weird?" Sarah asked, suddenly self-conscious.
"No, it's perfect," Kaitlyn assured her. "We'll get two. And maybe those ridiculous straw hats Aunt Chelsea pretends not to love."
"I do not love those hats," Chelsea protested. "I merely appreciate their practical application."
"You have three of them," Gretchen pointed out.
"In different shades!" Chelsea defended, making everyone laugh.
Jeffrey nodded a quiet goodbye and slipped away as the women continued planning their beach day.
No one seemed to notice his departure except Gretchen, who caught the flash of regret in his eyes. But she turned her attention back to Kaitlyn and Sarah, watching as they finished their breakfast in a bubble of shared excitement.
"We should probably change," Kaitlyn said, eyeing Sarah's sundress. "Beach clothes and lots of sunscreen. The Keys sun is no joke."
"I've got extra sunscreen in my bag," Leah offered. "The good kind that doesn't feel sticky."
"And I've got beach umbrellas in my car," Chelsea added. "Don't give me that look, Gretchen. Of course I keep beach umbrellas in my car. I live on Captiva."
Sarah looked around the table at these women who had so quickly included her in their circle, who treated her like she'd always been part of their family.
"Thank you," she said suddenly, her voice small but sincere. "I mean it. You all have been so kind to me."
"Oh honey," Gretchen reached over to squeeze her hand, "you're family. This is what family does."
"Besides," Tess added with a grin, "any excuse for a beach day is a good excuse. Now, who's riding with who? Because I'm not squeezing into the backseat of Chelsea's car again."
"That was one time," Chelsea protested. "And it was an emergency ice cream run."
As they gathered their things and headed out into the Key West morning, Sarah fell into step beside Kaitlyn. "Is it always like this with them?"
"Pretty much," Kaitlyn smiled. "My Aunt Chelsea is crazy fun, and Tess and Leah too. I think my mom is the most subdued of the four of them. They can be loud, loving, and slightly chaotic. You'll get used to it. "
Sarah laughed. “I’m looking forward to it.”
An hour later, they'd claimed their spot on Smathers Beach, Chelsea's umbrellas creating a colorful canopy of shade.
Sarah and Kaitlyn sat on beach towels, matching pool noodles propped beside them, while their aunts arranged an impressive spread of snacks and drinks from Jamie's kitchen.
"He really did give us extra pie," Sarah observed, watching Tess unpack the containers.
"Of course he did." Leah smirked. "The man's completely smitten with our sister."
"I can hear you," Tess called out, but she was smiling.
Sarah leaned closer to Kaitlyn. "Are they dating?"
"It's complicated," Kaitlyn whispered back. "I think they will. Eventually."
Gretchen watched Kaitlyn and Sarah’s heads bent together, sharing secrets like they'd done it all their lives. The sight made her throat tighten with emotion.
"They're going to be fine," Chelsea said softly, settling into her beach chair beside her sister. "Look at them—it's like they've never been apart."
The morning passed in a blur of sunshine and laughter. Sarah proved to be a natural in the water, while Kaitlyn preferred to stay in the shallows. Their voices carried back to shore as they tested the buoyancy of their pool noodles, debating the physics of floating while trying to dunk each other.
"Gretchen!" Sarah yelled, grinning. "Can you take our picture? Kaitlyn's teaching me how to bodysurf!"
"More like teaching you how to eat sand." Kaitlyn laughed, splashing her sister.
The day unfolded around them, filled with small moments of connection. Tess taught Sarah how to find the best shells along the tideline. Leah shared her collection of beach reads, delighted to find another mystery fan in the family.
Chelsea sketched the girls in her notebook while they weren't looking, capturing their easy affection in quick, sure strokes, and cellphone cameras captured every moment.
Around noon, they gathered under the umbrellas for Jamie's feast. Sarah sat cross-legged on her towel, salt water drying in her hair, as she devoured a sandwich.
"So," she asked between bites, "does everyone in Key West know everybody else? Because three different people have stopped by to say hi."
"That's just Key West," Kaitlyn explained. "Especially since the fundraiser. The whole town kind of adopted me."
"And now they're adopting you too," Tess added, passing Sarah a cold drink. "That's what happens here. People look out for each other."
"It's different from Fort Lauderdale," Sarah said thoughtfully. "Everything there is so…I don't know, unconnected? Here it feels like one large family."
"Speaking of family," Gretchen interrupted, checking her phone, "your father texted. He's made dinner reservations at Latitudes for seven o'clock."
"Latitudes?" Leah whistled. "Someone's trying to impress."
Sarah turned to Kaitlyn. "Is that good?"
"It's on Sunset Key," Kaitlyn explained. "Very fancy. We'll have to change out of beach clothes."
"Way out of beach clothes," Tess confirmed. "But the sunset view is worth it."
"I didn't pack anything fancy," Sarah worried, but Chelsea waved off her concern.
"That's what aunts are for. We'll find you something perfect. Besides, Kaitlyn needs a new dress too."
"I do?"
"Trust me," Chelsea said with authority. "You both do. Consider it your first official sister shopping trip."
Sarah's face lit up. "Really? Can we?"
"After lunch," Gretchen said firmly. "Eat first, then shopping."
As they finished their meal, more locals stopped to chat. The mystery novelist from Max's brought them fresh coconut water. Rick the fisherman passed by with his granddaughter, who was about Sarah's age. Even Jack paused on his morning walk to say hello.
"See what I mean?" Kaitlyn nudged her sister. "Key West family."
Sarah watched another group of locals wave as they passed. "It's nice," she said softly. "Belonging somewhere."
Kaitlyn squeezed her hand. "You belong here too now. With all of us. You’ll have to come down often for a visit."
Sarah smiled. “I’d love that.
After lunch, they packed up their beach gear and headed to Duval Street. Chelsea led the way, steering them past the tourist shops toward the boutiques she trusted. Sarah's eyes grew wide at the window displays.
"I usually just shop at the mall," she admitted, following Kaitlyn into a store filled with flowing sundresses and elegant resort wear.
"Welcome to Chelsea's version of education," Leah teased. "Fashion first, everything else second."
"I heard that," Chelsea called from a rack of dresses. "And I'll have you know that proper attire is very educational. Sarah, honey, what's your favorite color?"
"Blue," Sarah and Kaitlyn said simultaneously, then looked at each other and laughed.
"Of course it is," Gretchen smiled. "You're definitely sisters."
Chelsea emerged with an armful of dresses. "Try these. Both of you. Latitudes at sunset calls for something special."
The next hour passed in a whirl of fabric and laughter. Sarah discovered she loved the way silk felt against her skin. The sisters took turns modeling outfits, their natural similarity making them look like before-and-after photos in different styles of the same color.
"What about this one?" Sarah twirled in a pale blue dress that floated around her knees.
"Perfect," Kaitlyn declared. "You look beautiful."
"You both do," Gretchen said softly, watching them admire each other in the mirror.
A text from Jeffrey buzzed on Gretchen’s phone: Boat to Sunset Key leaves at 6:30. Don't be late.
"Speaking of time," Chelsea checked her watch, "we should head back to get ready. Sarah, have you ever been on a boat?"
"Just once, on a school trip," Sarah said, carefully handling her new dress as they left the store. "Is it scary?"
"Not at all," Kaitlyn assured her. "The water's usually calm this time of day. And the sunset will be amazing."
They walked back toward The Gardens Hotel, the sisters in the middle of their protective aunt formation, carrying shopping bags and chatting about dinner plans. Sarah's happiness was infectious, her excitement about their evening plans making everyone smile.
"I can't wait to tell Alex about all this," Sarah said, then blushed when everyone turned to look at her. "He's…um…sort of my boyfriend."
"Sort of?" Tess raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, this we need to hear about." Leah grinned.
"Later," Gretchen intervened, seeing Sarah's pink cheeks. "Let's get you both ready for dinner first."
Back at The Gardens Hotel, their suite transformed into a whirlwind of pre-dinner preparation. Chelsea took charge of hair and makeup, while Tess steamed the wrinkles from their new dresses.
"Do you really think I need lipstick?" Sarah asked, watching Kaitlyn sort through her makeup bag.
"Trust me," Kaitlyn said, "I know what I’m doing.
"Just a little," Kaitlyn promised, selecting a soft pink shade. "Nothing too dramatic. You're sixteen, not heading to a nightclub."
Leah sat on one of the beds, going through her phone. "Jack’s going to meet us at the dock," she reported to Kaitlyn. "And Jamie's joining us too, apparently.”
"Really?" Tess's voice carried from the bathroom, trying to sound casual.
"Yes, really." Gretchen smiled.
“I sent Will a text and asked him to come too,” Kaitlyn added.
“This is going to be awesome,” Sarah said as she smoothed her blue dress nervously. Looking at Gretchen she asked,
"Do you think my mom will be mad about all this? The shopping and everything?"
"Let me handle Joanna," Gretchen said firmly. "You just enjoy being with your sister."
"Done!" Kaitlyn announced, stepping back to admire her work. "Take a look."
Sarah turned to the mirror and gasped softly. Kaitlyn had enhanced her natural beauty without making her look overdone. Her honey-blonde hair fell in soft waves, and her makeup was subtle but perfect.
"You look beautiful," Kaitlyn said, standing beside Sarah in front of the mirror, their reflection showed their undeniable connection—same height, same delicate features, same sparkle in their hazel eyes.
"We look like sisters," Sarah whispered, joy evident in her voice.
"You are sisters," Chelsea said, dabbing at her eyes while trying not to smudge her own makeup. "Now, let's get going before I completely ruin my mascara."
They gathered in the hotel lobby, a parade of colorful dresses and excited chatter. Will and Jamie were already waiting, both looking sharp in button-down shirts and dress pants.
"Wow," Will said softly when he saw Kaitlyn. His genuine admiration made her blush.
"You clean up nice," Tess told Jamie, who couldn't seem to take his eyes off her coral dress.
Jeffrey appeared from the hotel entrance, looking somewhat formal in a suit. “We should get walking down to the docks. The water taxi's waiting."
As they walked toward the dock, Sarah fell into step beside Kaitlyn. “This is so exciting, and the day has been perfect.”
Kaitlyn smiled. “It has and tonight will be just as much fun.”
Indeed, they made quite a group: the Lawrence sisters leading the way, Will and Jamie flanking the girls, and Jeffrey bringing up the rear. The evening air was perfect, carrying the salt-tinged breeze that made Key West evenings magical.
At the dock, Sarah's eyes widened at the sight of the boat. “The adventure continues.”
"Wait until you see the restaurant," Tess said, accepting Jamie's help onto the boat. "The view is spectacular."
Jack met them at the dock. “Looks like the gang’s all here,” he announced, taking Leah’s hand. “Let me help you.”
“Thanks, Jack. I pictured myself falling flat on my face.”
They settled into their seats, the sisters naturally together, as the boat pulled away from the dock. Sarah gripped Kaitlyn's hand as they picked up speed, but her nervous expression quickly turned to delight as they skimmed across the water toward Sunset Key.
"This is amazing!" she exclaimed, the wind catching her hair. "The water's so beautiful!"
Kaitlyn watched her sister's joy, feeling a surge of protectiveness and love. In just twenty-four hours, Sarah had carved out a permanent place in her heart, filling a void she hadn't even known existed.
As they approached Sunset Key, the restaurant came into view, its lights twinkling against the darkening sky.
The hostess led them to a prime table on the terrace overlooking the water, where the sunset would soon paint the sky in brilliant colors.
"This is fancy," Sarah whispered to Kaitlyn as they settled into their seats. Crystal glasses, and white linens gleamed against the wooden tables.
"Just wait until you taste the food," Jamie said, pulling out Tess's chair. "They have an amazing chef here."
Jeffrey cleared his throat. "I took the liberty of pre-ordering some appetizers. I remember Kaitlyn always loved crab cakes."
"You remembered that?" Kaitlyn asked, surprise evident in her voice.
"I remember a lot of things," Jeffrey said quietly.
An awkward silence fell, broken by Chelsea asking Sarah about her favorite foods. Soon, the table was alive with conversation again.
Will told stories about filming in Key West that made Sarah laugh, while Jamie and Tess discussed the menu in the kind of detail only restaurant people would appreciate, and Jack, amiable as he always was, only had eyes for Leah.
"Look," Sarah touched Kaitlyn's arm, pointing toward the horizon. The sun was beginning its descent, turning the sky into a canvas of orange and pink.
"Make a wish," Gretchen said softly. "That's what we used to do when you were little, remember, Kaitlyn?"
"I remember." Kaitlyn smiled, watching her sister close her eyes briefly.
"What did you wish for?" Leah asked Sarah.
"Can't tell." Sarah grinned. "But I think it might already be coming true."
The evening unfolded around them, filled with good food and better company. Jeffrey tried to include both his daughters in conversation, asking Sarah about school and Kaitlyn about Paradise Harbor House and her future.
Though there was still tension, it felt less sharp than before. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed and seemed to bridge the gap just a little, knitting together the fabric of a family long separated by circumstance and secrecy.
As the dinner plates were cleared and dessert was brought out, the evening air buzzed with the sounds of the ocean and the quiet chatter of contentment.
Jack, ever the romantic, raised a glass. “To new beginnings,” he toasted, his voice carrying over the table.
Everyone raised their glasses in agreement, the simple act sealing their collective commitment to mending and growing together.
And as the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, Kaitlyn leaned back, a contented sigh escaping.
Tonight wasn't just about rekindled family ties; it was a celebration of hope, of the possibilities that lay in the everyday moments, and of a future where the past no longer held them back but pushed them forward.