Chapter 6
Morgan waited for her guests at the bottom of the stairs, near the entrance leading into the parlor.
The Selmans arrived first, a young couple who were celebrating their wedding anniversary.
A mother and daughter from Indiana were next, having spent the previous day shopping at outlet stores on the mainland before stopping by for a quick getaway at Locke Pointe, along with another couple from Chicago.
Harlow and her father were the last to make an appearance. Morgan knew the precise second the other guests realized who she was. The room went completely silent, so quiet you could’ve heard a pin drop.
With all eyes watching, Morgan greeted them and led them to the tempting array of offerings.
“Dad and I are heading to Locke Village for dinner, so I’ll need to limit the snacking.” Harlow grabbed a plate, placing one of everything on it while Tina stood nearby anxiously watching.
The opposite of his daughter, David loaded his plate with goodies before grabbing a sparkling cider. He began chatting with the young couple. Harlow eased in alongside her father, pretending not to notice they were gawking.
After a whispered conversation, the mother and daughter slipped in next to them and soon, a lively conversation ensued as the Locke Pointe guests peppered Harlow with questions about her fascinating life.
She caught Morgan’s eye and winked, and it was then Morgan realized she’d been holding her breath. Thankfully, the superstar took it in stride, bantering back and forth. With little effort, Harlow turned the tables, asking the guests about their favorite movies and shows.
The time flew by, and before Morgan knew it, their cozy cocktail party had ended. Harlow graciously posed for several photos and even signed paper napkins while David obligingly snapped pictures with guests’ cell phones.
“I would love to play a few tunes on the piano,” Tina offered. “Everyone is having such a good time; maybe we could sing a few Christmas songs.”
“Morgan has a lovely voice.” Ronni gently nudged her. “What do you say?”
“I dunno. My vocal cords are probably rusty.”
“Unfortunately, Harlow and I are heading into the village, but maybe we’ll catch the tail end of the sing-along,” David said.
After father and daughter left, Morgan and her remaining guests, along with Ronni and Tina, made their way into the living room. Tina slid onto the piano’s bench seat and warmed up her fingers before rolling into a medley of classic tunes.
As if on cue, snow began to fall outside the window. The twinkling tree lights, the falling snow, the crackling fire and this…this is the Locke Pointe Morgan had longed for—spending time with friends on a cold winter’s night.
She sang in memory of her grandparents and mother, for a father she never knew, for those she loved. And when the singalong ended, she tucked the special memory in the corner of her heart.
The magic of the holiday season she yearned for was coming to fruition. Tomorrow’s open house would continue the new and newly revived Locke family traditions, right there on Morgan’s beloved Easton Island.
*****
“Well?” Morgan clasped her hands. “How was your brief stay at Locke Pointe?”
“Social hour was a blast. Breakfast was delicious.” Harlow Wynn patted her stomach. “I swear I gained five pounds overnight,” she groaned. “Tina is a fabulous cook.”
“She’s the best,” Morgan agreed. “And your suites were comfortable?”
“Absolutely. The bed was super comfy. I felt like I was sleeping on a cloud.”
“You set the bar high, Morgan Easton,” David said. “I’m glad we came here to see how you’re running your place. It’s first-class all the way.”
“High praise from someone who knows a great deal about the hospitality business,” she beamed. “I appreciate the feedback.”
“You’re welcome. By the way, I forwarded a copy of the documentary first thing this morning, so be sure to check your email.”
“I got it. Thanks for sending Brett a copy as well. I can’t wait to watch it at the family watch party.” Morgan’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “Will we learn anything new and gossip-worthy about the Wynn family?”
“You’ll have to wait and see.” David winked. “Something tells me we aren’t any more interesting than the Easton family.”
“Here, here.” Ronni, who stood at Morgan’s side, tugged on her arm and whispered in her ear.
“Greg should be here any moment to grab your overnight bags and drive you to the airport,” Morgan said. “Before you go, I have a special favor to ask.”
“Ask away.”
“Would it be okay if we photographed the two of you on the porch, in front of the sign, to use as a promotional tool?”
Wynn shot his daughter a questioning look. Harlow was already nodding her head. “Absolutely. I hope it brings you oodles of customers and not just curiosity-seekers.”
“I would be thrilled with curiosity-seekers who become guests.” Ronni grabbed her cell phone and followed the trio out onto the front porch. “Like Morgan said, maybe a quick shot of all three of you in front of the sign.”
David stood in the center with his daughter on one side and Morgan on the other, and in that instant, a wave of longing washed over her.
Harlow was blessed to have a father who loved her and supported her unconditionally.
She had never known Rhett Easton. What little Morgan did know, she wasn’t sure she would have wanted to.
Cheating on her mother, forcing Laura to flee Easton Island and never return.
According to what Elizabeth and Brett had said, he mellowed out in his later years, but by then it was too late…
too late to build a relationship with his estranged daughter.
For the most part, Morgan accepted the hand life had given her, but there were moments, like now, she wished things had turned out differently.
Chester nudged the door open and scampered across the porch, plopping down in front of the three of them as if to say, “You’re not leaving me out.”
“Chester wants his picture taken,” Harlow giggled.
“Because he’s spoiled rotten,” Morgan said. “And too intelligent for his own britches.”
“I have some great shots,” Ronni said. “If you don’t mind, I would like to take a couple more at the bottom of the steps so I can get the front of Locke Pointe in the photo.”
“Of course.” Harlow grasped the handrail and followed the others to the sidewalk.
Ronni made quick work of snapping the photos. “That’s perfect. Thanks again.”
“You’re welcome. I hope it attracts oodles of new visitors.” Harlow shot a peek over her shoulder before swooping down and scooping up a handful of snow. She deftly packed it into a perfectly round ball and tossed it at her father, sideswiping his jacket.
“You shouldn’t have done that.” David grabbed a handful of snow, packing it in the blink of an eye. He tossed it high in the air. Up and over it went, landing mere inches from his daughter’s face.
“Not bad.” She placed her hands on her hips. “Nice shot.”
“I’ve had years of practice.”
Chester flew down the steps, barking excitedly at the impromptu snowball fight.
Harlow patted his head. “Thanks for being a great host, Chester.” She confided that she’d left her door ajar, and the pup had sneaked into her room while she was packing.
“Chester,” Morgan admonished. “You can’t let yourself into guests’ rooms willy-nilly.”
“It’s okay. He made me miss Mort.”
“Who is probably at home, eagerly waiting for us.”
Harlow placed a light hand on her father’s arm. “Dad and I were talking about how maybe we’ll come back again and stay a little longer on our next visit. I wouldn’t mind doing a little cross-country skiing. Although Mackinac Island has plenty of places to go, we also have a lot of winter visitors.”
“No doubt Easton Island is a lot quieter than Mackinac in the winter,” Morgan said.
“It is, but then I suppose there are pluses and minuses to each. Have you heard about the snowstorm heading our way?” Harlow asked. “I saw a clip about it on the local weather station this morning.”
“Briefly. So it’s still coming toward Michigan?”
“It appears so.” David patted his pocket. “The good news is it’s moving fast. We’ll need to swing by the grocery store on our way home and stock up ahead of the storm.”
The conversation ended when Greg arrived to take them to the airport. With a final fond farewell, Harlow and her father were on their way.
Ronni held the door for Morgan. “They’re nice.”
“Down-to-earth Michiganders,” Morgan said.
“You would never know Harlow was a mega movie star.”
“Between you and me, I like her more than I thought I would.”
“You know who she reminds me of?” Ronni asked.
“Who?”
“You. Not only are you close to the same age, but you both have an air about you.”
“An air?” Morgan echoed.
“Spunk, grit, determination. When David told us the story about how Harlow handled the lecherous casting director who was pawing at her, it reminded me of something you would do.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“Because it was.” Ronni linked arms with her. “And on that note, we have a party to finish prepping for.”