Chapter 2
CHARLIE
Charlie sat in the library, surrounded by stacks of legal documents and her laptop open to multiple browser tabs.
She had been cross-referencing property records and corporate filings for hours, trying to find any weakness in Victor Martin’s position, any legal foothold they could use to stop the acquisition of the inn.
Her phone rang, breaking her concentration. She glanced at the caller ID and frowned. Simon Bennett. Why would Holly’s ex-husband be calling her directly?
Charlie answered cautiously. “Charlotte Burke speaking.”
“Charlie, it’s Simon,” his voice came through, professional but with an edge of something she could not quite identify. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“What do you want, Simon?” Charlie asked, keeping her tone neutral.
“Holly’s not taking my calls,” Simon said. “I’ve left several messages.”
“So you thought you’d call me instead of taking the hint?” Charlie replied. “Because I think the only way you’ll get a response is if you message her saying I’ve signed the divorce papers and sent her photo evidence.”
“That’s fair,” Simon admitted, which surprised Charlie. “But that’s actually why I’m calling. I wanted to let you know that I’m ready to sign the papers. I’d like to meet with Holly to finalize everything.”
Charlie’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. “Why now? What changed?”
“Does it matter?” Simon asked. “Isn’t this what Holly wants?”
“It matters if you’re playing another game,” Charlie said firmly. “If this is another manipulation tactic to get information from her about the inn…”
“It’s not,” Simon interrupted. “Look, I know I haven’t exactly been cooperative. But I’m ready to sign now. That’s all Holly needs to know.”
Charlie was quiet for a moment, her legal mind working through possibilities. What was Simon’s angle? He never did anything without a reason.
“There’s something else,” Simon continued.
“Of course there is,” Charlie said sarcastically.
“It’s not what you think,” Simon said quickly. “I wanted to ask why no one told me about Gabe’s new relationship.”
Charlie felt her spine stiffen with alarm. “Who told you about that?”
“The only one who apparently still thinks enough of me to stay in touch,” Simon stated. “My granddaughter told me last night.” Charlie could hear a mixture of satisfaction and hurt in his voice.
“Trinity called you?” Charlie asked, genuinely surprised. She had not expected that.
“Don’t sound so surprised,” Simon said, his tone defensive now. “She’s my granddaughter, you know. Just because Holly and I are getting divorced doesn’t mean I stop being Trinity’s grandfather.” There was a pause. “Or Gabe’s father.”
Charlie felt a surge of protective anger. “Simon, if you’re trying to manipulate Holly through Trinity, if you’re using that little girl to get information or leverage—” She let the rest of the threat hang in the air.
“I’m not,” Simon cut her off. “Trinity contacted me. She sent me photos and told me about Jane. That’s all.”
“That had better be all,” Charlie warned, her voice dropping lower and harder. “Because I’m telling you right now, if you try to manipulate Holly through her granddaughter, Gabe will not like that. At all. And neither will I.”
Simon was quiet for a long moment. When he spoke again, his voice sounded genuinely hurt. “My son never tells me anything about his life. He didn’t even tell me about his injuries.”
Charlie felt a flicker of something that might have been sympathy, but she pushed it away.
Simon had made his choices. “What did you expect, Simon? You basically ridiculed Gabe’s career choice for years.
You never supported his decision to become a Navy SEAL.
And now you’re surprised he doesn’t confide in you? ”
“I just—” Simon started.
“Gabe is a hero,” Charlie continued, not letting him finish. “He’s saved countless lives. He’s dedicated his entire adult life to serving his country. That’s a lot more than I can say about you and your corporate law career defending developers who destroy family legacies.”
Simon was silent on the other end of the line. Charlie could hear him breathing, could almost feel his discomfort through the phone.
“I didn’t call to get into all that,” Simon said finally, his voice tight. “I called to let you know I’m ready to sign the divorce papers. But I’d like to meet Holly alone.”
“Absolutely not,” Charlie said immediately. “There’s no way I’m letting you meet with my sister alone. Not after everything you’ve put her through.”
“You can come with her and witness me signing the papers. I’m not asking you to leave the premises,” Simon said, sounding tired now. “You can sit in the café. Just let us have a few moments of privacy, please. To say what needs to be said without an audience.”
Charlie considered this. Every instinct told her it was a bad idea. But if Simon was genuinely ready to sign, and if Holly could finally be free of this marriage that had been holding her back...
“Is this another ploy?” Charlie asked bluntly. “Another way to manipulate her?”
“No,” Simon said, and he sounded sincere. “I promise you, Charlie. I’m ready to sign. I just want a few minutes to talk to Holly privately. That’s all.” He sighed. “We’re ending thirty-five years of marriage. I think a few minutes alone with Holly is not a lot to ask for.”
“Fine,” Charlie said slowly. “I’ll speak to Holly and get back to you. But Simon? If you’re lying… If this is another game, I will make your professional life a legal nightmare. Are we clear?”
“Crystal clear,” Simon said. “Thank you, Charlie.”
The call ended, and Charlie sat staring at her phone, trying to make sense of the conversation. Simon was ready to sign the divorce papers. Her brow furrowed. Trinity was the last person Charlie would’ve expected to contact Simon.
Charlie stood up and left the library, needing to find Trinity. If the girl had contacted Simon and sent him photos, Holly and Gabe needed to know. Not because Trinity had done anything wrong, but because they needed to be prepared if Simon tried to use that contact for something.
She made her way toward the ballroom, following the sound of laughter and cheerful voices. When she reached the doorway, she stopped, her breath catching in her throat.
Gabe, Jane, Christopher, Isabella, Maddy, and Trinity were all gathered around one of the large tables, surrounded by evergreen wreaths and garlands.
They were laughing about something, their faces lit with genuine joy and affection.
Christopher had his arm around Isabella’s shoulders.
Gabe and Jane stood close together, their hands occasionally brushing as they worked.
Trinity and Maddy were holding up two different wreaths, clearly in the middle of a playful debate about which one was better.
Charlie felt tears sting her eyes as she watched them. This was what family looked like. Not the fractured, painful thing Simon had left behind, but something new and whole and beautiful.
Christopher was like a second nephew to her, even though they were not related by blood. Seeing him so happy with Isabella, seeing the way he fit seamlessly into this makeshift family they had all created, made her heart swell with pride.
And Gabe, the boy she had watched grow into a man and then a hero. He looked more at peace than she had seen him in years. The shadows that had haunted his eyes for so long were fading, replaced by hope and love and the promise of a future he had not thought possible.
But Trinity. Trinity was the one who made Charlie’s heart feel like it might burst with joy.
That little girl was like a balm to everyone around her, spreading light and laughter wherever she went.
She had her mother’s gift for making people feel loved and valued, for bringing happiness even in the darkest moments.
Duke lay beneath the table as if hiding from the debate that was going on in the room.
“I’m sure you’re so proud of her, Abi,” Charlie whispered, her eyes fixed on Trinity’s bright smile.
Suddenly, a little chill blew over Charlie, soft and gentle, like a kiss on the cheek. She touched her face instinctively, her breath catching as the subtle scent of lilies and vanilla drifted to her, and she smiled.
“I’ll make sure nothing hurts them,” Charlie promised.
“Aunt Charlie!” Trinity’s voice broke through her reverie. The girl had spotted her standing in the doorway. “Come help us here!”
Trinity held up two wreaths, one in each hand, both beautifully decorated with pine cones, berries, and delicate gold ribbons. “Which one do you think should be on the main arch?”
Charlie smiled and walked into the ballroom, wiping discreetly at her eyes. “Mmm,” she said, making a show of studying both wreaths carefully. “I like them both. But I think I have to go with yours and Maddy’s.”
“Aww, you would say that,” Gabe moaned dramatically. “That’s favoritism.”
“Oh, come now, you know I love you all equally.” Charlie grinned. Then she turned to Trinity. “Trinity, sweetheart, can you come and help me with something?”
“Sure,” Trinity said without hesitation. But she pointed a warning finger at the group. “Don’t make the final decision before I’m back.”
“We wouldn’t think about it,” Jane promised, pulling Trinity into a quick hug before releasing her.
Trinity dashed off with Charlie, and they walked down the hallway until they were well away from the ballroom and out of earshot.
“What is it, Aunt Charlie?” Trinity asked, her expression shifting from cheerful to concerned. “Is something wrong?”
“Sweetheart, I just spoke to your grandfather,” Charlie said gently.
Trinity’s eyes immediately widened and filled with worry. “Is Granddad okay? Has something happened to him?”
Charlie’s heart squeezed at the genuine concern in Trinity’s voice. Despite everything Simon had done, despite the pain he had caused Holly, Trinity still cared about him. That was just who Trinity was. Loving and loyal, even when it hurt.