She guessed him to be in his early forties. He wasn’t much taller than she, but he was powerfully built. His arms attested to his ability to swing a hammer and carry heavy-duty supplies. He was handsome in an old-fashioned way. Dark hair combed to the side; friendly brown eyes. A light blue work shirt tucked neatly into a pair of dark jeans. He wore work boots with paper covers over them, like surgeons wore in hospitals.

  “If you’ll follow me,” she said. Emma led him to the guest room.

  Jack walked the perimeter of the room, opening the door to the small closet. He took a measuring tape from his carpenter’s belt. Emma stayed out of his way while he worked. He wasn’t writing down measurements and she didn’t want to distract him from the numbers as he memorized them.

  “Tell me exactly what you want and where you want it,” Jack said. “I’ll draw up a set of plans, have you review them, then give you an estimate. If you approve, I’ll look at my schedule and give you a start date.”

  “These,” she motioned to all the boxes on the floor, “need a home.”

  Jack smiled at her. “I can see that. My wife is a shoe lover as well. I built a custom closet just for her shoes a few years ago. Lisa would love it if you came by the house to take a look and see if it’s something you’d like.”

  People are so friendly here, Emma thought, not for the first time. “I would if it’s not an inconvenience. I’m going to give away or donate some of these.” She pointed to the pile of shoes she’d taken out of their boxes. “Not sure I’ll need as much shoe space as I thought.”

  Jack laughed. “Let me call her now. She should be home,” he said, then took his cell phone from his shirt pocket.

  Emma left the room to give Jack some privacy. In the kitchen, she took two glasses, added ice, and filled them with sweet tea. Carrying both drinks back to the guest room, she paused to ensure Jack had finished his phone call.

  “Sweet tea,” she said once Jack had hung up, handing him one of the glasses.

  “Thanks. Lisa said she would love to show off her closet. Anytime today works for her.”

  Emma swallowed a sip of her tea. “I can go now if that also works for you.”

  “Sure thing. My truck is parked across the street if you want to follow me,” Jack said, “My house isn’t too far.” He guzzled down the tea and then returned the glass.

  “I should change.”

  “No, you’re fine.”

  “Then let’s go,” she said, smiling. Emma loved the folks in Pink Pearl Cove more every day.

  When she pulled out of the garage, she saw Jack’s bright red truck with Jack Alan’s Carpentry painted in white letters on the door panel. He drove slowly as she trailed behind.

  Ten minutes later, they arrived at a stunning house at the opposite end of the island, facing the Gulf of Mexico. At least three stories high, it had tall windows that reflected the afternoon sun. That surprised her. She parked behind Jack.

  “Your home is beautiful,” she said. “Did you build it yourself?”

  He smiled at her. “I wish, but no. We bought this from the same real estate agent who referred you to me. We’ve been here almost five years now.”

  Jack didn’t have a Southern accent, but that didn’t mean anything in Florida because most folks were from elsewhere. “Come on, meet Lisa. You two have a lot in common,” he said, grinning.

  They walked upstairs, which led to a large deck. Glass doors opened as soon as they reached the deck. A gorgeous woman, barely five feet tall, came to welcome them. Emma never expected Jack’s Lisa to be so stunning. “I’m so thrilled to meet you,” the woman said in a British accent. “I’m Lisa. Please come inside.”

  “Lisa, I appreciate your allowing me to barge in like this. Jack was nice enough to offer.”

  Lisa’s eyes were the most unusual color, a silvery gray. Her black hair was straight, reaching down to her tiny waist. “It’s my pleasure. Jack says you are a shoe lover, too.”

  “I was—in another lifetime. Really, I still am; I’m just downsizing. Beach life isn’t conducive to Jimmy Choos.”

  “Now I know we’re going to be best friends. I have many of Jimmy’s shoes. I worked with him a few years back when we were in London. He’s a sweetheart.”

  Wow, Emma thought. There was more to this couple than Jack’s ability to design closets. Emma’s eyes widened. “Then call me impressed.”

  “That’s how I met Jack. He worked with Jimmy.”

  Now Emma was even more impressed. “You did?”

  “I did,” Jack said and then laughed. “I’ll leave you two girls alone. Lisa can tell you all about it and show you her closet. If it’s to your liking, I’ll start working on designing a closet just for you.”

  “Please, come inside. I’ll show you the closet. Jack’s the best. Whatever you want, he’ll make sure you have it,” said Lisa.

  Emma followed Lisa to an elevator. This was beyond extravagant, even for her, and she’d lived in luxury most of her life.

  “It’s a lot to take in, I know,” Lisa said. “Look at the closet first and then I’ll tell you the story. Our background is unusual to most folks, but once you get to know us, we’re just like everyone else.”

  Emma believed her.

  Lisa’s closet was the size of Emma’s master bedroom and guest room combined. Shelves with glass doors housed hundreds of shoes, boots, and sandals, any kind of shoe one could imagine. Built-in lights reflected on each pair of shoes.

  “This is like shoe fairyland.” Emma walked around the space, knowing she wouldn’t need nearly as many shelves. She liked the glass doors but could do without the lights. In her small condo, it would appear vain and frankly, silly if she were to display her collection as Lisa had.

  “You think it’s too much?” Lisa asked.

  “Not when you know Jimmy Choo,” Emma told her. “How did you meet him?”

  “I worked as a shoe model for him and many others.”

  Emma couldn’t help herself—she looked at Lisa’s feet. They were tiny. “Lucky you! What a fun career. I’m envious. My size nines feel like boats.” She laughed.

  “I had a great career; that’s how I met Jack. When we moved to the island, for the first six months poor Jack was going stir-crazy. I convinced him to start a carpentry business. Closets are his specialty. He built the displays for many great designers and he wasn’t ready to quit when it was time for me to retire.”

  “You’re young; why retire so soon?” Maybe that was too personal, thought Emma. “I’m sorry; I’m nosy.” She was embarrassed.

  “No need to worry! It’s fine because I will ask you the same. I was burned out. Not on the shoes, just the traveling. All the shows, the factory trips—if something wasn’t right, I was called at a moment’s notice, even though most of the designers I worked with had molds of my feet. It was a great career, but now I enjoy doing what I want. So, what about you? A story lurks behind all those shoes if you need a shoe closet.”

  “My story is similar to yours. I was born and raised in Miami; I wanted a slower-paced lifestyle. I was a corporate attorney and traveled a lot for clients. I wasn’t happy, so I sold my home and found someone to replace me at the firm. I’ve always wanted to teach school and kept my teaching certificate current. I subbed for a kindergarten class last week. It was the best workday I’ve had in years.”

  “You’re at the perfect age for it too. Jack and I don’t have any children by choice, but we enjoy having plenty of nieces and nephews. They keep us entertained.”

  “I don’t have siblings, so it’s up to me.” And I’m not getting any younger, Emma thought.

  “You’re not married,” Lisa stated.

  “No, and no prospects. Not that I’m looking, but someday I hope to marry and have children. I’ve devoted my life to my career. Time is running out,” she said.

  “Never give up. I was thirty-five when I married Jack. We’ve been together ten years now.”

  “You look fantastic—both of you. So whatever you’re doing, it’s working. Speaking of which, I need to get back home. I left a mess in the spare room. Shoes I don’t want are piled up all over the place.”

  “Would you be willing to resell your shoes—the fancy ones? We donate the money to charity.”

  “Of course, I’d be happy to. What charity?”

  “We have three. You can choose where your money goes. One goes to a shelter for animals called Pink Pearl Cove Cares. Another is for women needing financial help named Pearl Protects. And then there’s the local children’s clinic.”

  “Count me in for all three. Can I make a cash donation as well?”

  Lisa laughed. “Of course. I don’t know any charity that doesn’t accept cash donations. Follow me.” Lisa led her to an enormous kitchen with stainless appliances and white marble counters. The cabinets were painted a soothing light gray, reminding Emma of clouds as they gathered before a summer rainstorm.

  “Jack built these cabinets?” Emma asked while Lisa scribbled on a slip of paper.

  “He did, as soon as we moved in. The counters, too. This is my email and cell number. Text me your info and I’ll email the info on the charities. We need all the help we can get. The Cove is small; there aren’t many wealthy people here.”

  Emma would be considered well-to-do by some. It might be time to use the fortune her family had left her. “I’ll help you. I need to get involved with the community.”

  “Good. We’ll be friends, just like I thought when Jack told me he was going to meet you today.”

  “Shoe lovers.” Emma laughed. “A breed of our own.”

  Emma bid the couple goodbye, then hurried down the stairs to her car. As she drove back to her end of the island, the traffic was heavier. Schools were out; Nash would likely be at his condo in an hour. She hoped to catch him and ask him about Amanda. Lisa’s charities would cover the financial end of her plan. Nash would know the emotional state of the young girl. Maybe Emma was sticking her nose in places she shouldn’t, but she couldn’t shake the sadness Amanda unknowingly projected.

  She would figure out a way to help her, no matter what.

  Chapter Eight

  Nash finished the school day and headed to the vet. He was excited to see the new puppies. He knew Penny must miss him as much as he missed her. He parked his old, battered Ford next to a Porsche, not bothering to lock the doors.

  “Hey there, Nash,” said Tiffany Thompson as soon as he walked through the door. She sprang out of a chair in the waiting room, heading toward him. “I knew I would find you here.”

  It took Nash a minute to gather himself. What in the world was she doing here, of all places? he thought. Dread washed over him like a black cloud.

  “I’m here to check on Penny,” he said.

  “I heard she was here with her pups. You know how news travels in the Cove.”

  He did. “And?” he said, not wanting to prolong the conversation longer than needed.

  Tiffany Thompson was the epitome of the girl next door: blond, blue-eyed, with a perfect figure. Rather, she had been in high school. She hadn’t aged well; her blond hair now looked like brittle straw and she wore enough makeup for ten women. She’d been a thorn in Nash’s side since he’d returned to the Cove.

  “And?” She tossed her long hair over her shoulder. “I thought you might let me have one of the puppies. I wanted to be the first to get one.”

  “This isn’t an ice cream truck, Tiffany.” Nash couldn’t believe she thought he would give her a puppy. She was exactly as she’d been in high school: a spoiled brat who always got anything she wanted. Always had to be first.

  She had the grace to look put off, but he knew her. She was just getting started.

  “Nash, sweetie, do you think I don’t know the difference between a dog and ice cream?” she asked, her voice dripping with sugary sweetness.

  If he were honest with himself—and he was—she probably didn’t. “Look, I’m not giving Penny’s puppies away now.”

  “Then when? Because I want one. I would like to see them, so I can pick the one that’s best for me.”

  Nash couldn’t stand much more of her childishness. “Even if I were to give you one of the puppies, they can’t leave their mother for at least eight weeks.” He stopped and cleared his throat. “I won’t be giving you a puppy now or anytime soon. Ask your dad. I’m sure he’ll be happy to accommodate you.”

  “You’re an ass, Nash Kendrick! This isn’t the end of it,” she said. “Just wait and see.”

  She would argue all day if he allowed her to. He waved her off and headed to the back of the clinic, where the animals were kept.

  “Hey, Nash, sorry I wasn’t in the reception area. I heard Tiffany and didn’t want to interrupt,” Naomi, the vet tech, said with a grin. “Weren’t you two a thing back in the day?” she teased.

  “No.”

  Naomi rolled her eyes. “You want to see your new family?”

  “I do,” he told her. “How’s Penny holding up?”

  “Like a good mommy should. Follow me.”

  The clinic had two private whelping areas suited for a dog’s specific needs. Penny and her four girls were sleeping when Nash tiptoed into the room. Naomi left him alone with the dachshunds. When Penny saw Nash, she wagged her tail but didn’t move away from her pups.

  “So, how’s it feel to be a mom?” he asked, leaning down to pet her. She growled at him. “I know you’re just protecting the girls. It’s okay.” He spoke softly. The four little puppies were reddish brown, just like Penny. Henry’s black and brown genetics were nowhere to be seen. Nash couldn’t help but laugh. His mom would surely get a kick out of this when she saw them.

  He sat on the floor beside the dogs, letting Penny know he was there and wouldn’t hurt her puppies. They were the cutest, with their closed eyes, tiny ears poking out, and chunky paws with sharp, tiny nails. He couldn’t wait to bring them home. He’d fixed up a whelping area in the spare room for them, plus a space for Penny to eat and drink. He knew she would need much more food than usual. He’d prepped just as the vet had told him to. He’d planned to take a few days off when he brought them home to establish a routine. When Penny started to doze, Nash quietly left the room, knowing sleep was essential to her new mommy life.

  He saw Naomi was still in the back. “She still out there?” he asked.

  “She left as soon as you went into the back room.”

  “Good. So, what has Doc said about me bringing the pups home?”

  “Another twenty-four hours and they’re all yours. You’re sure you have everything? I can pop over if you need me to.”

  “I did everything Doc suggested. I may need you to help when I return to work.”

  “Sure, I’d be happy to. On one condition.”

  Nash rolled his eyes. Naomi graduated high school last year. She was in his math class. She’d taken this year off to work at the vet clinic before starting college at North Carolina State in Raleigh, where she would study with the best of the best.

  “What’s that?”

  “You’ll let me use your pool this summer. I want to get a perfect tan before I have to go up north. I don’t want to look all pasty, being from Florida, you know?”

  “Of course. That was the first thing I thought of when I left for college.” He laughed. “You can use the pool anytime, kiddo.”

  “I appreciate it, Mr. Nash,” she said. He insisted she call him by his first name now that she was no longer his student.

  “You have my number,” he said before leaving.

  “I promise to call if there’s a reason,” she reassured him.

  Nash looked from side-to-side to ensure Tiffany wasn’t hiding behind the building. He wouldn’t put anything past her. They’d had a couple of dates in high school. On their second date he had her figured out and wanted no more of her. She insisted he take her as his date when he was nominated for prom king during their senior year. He refused and took his best friend, Sarah Lynn. Tiffany’s jealousy ruined their evening, and she didn’t let up for the rest of that year. He’d been relieved when he was accepted at Columbia University in New York, far enough away so she couldn’t stalk him.

  It was hard to wrap his head around the fact that he was thirty-four years old and Tiffany still thought she had a chance with him. He wasn’t dense, but it was time to tell her enough was enough. Her behavior was juvenile, almost bordering on obsession. He thought about taking out a restraining order if she continued to bother him.

  While he was in New York, he’d dated many women. A couple of those relationships had been halfway serious, but not so much so that he’d wanted to spend the rest of his life with either woman. When sparks flew, he would know. Maybe he was destined to be a bachelor. He’d always wanted to have a family, but he wouldn’t settle for just anyone.

  Sparks. And a handshake. He thought of Emma.

  He cranked the engine over on his truck, heading home. He hadn’t planned anything for the evening now that he’d caught up on grading papers. A swim would be nice. It’d been unusually hot for March and he hadn’t been in the pool for months. Maybe his new neighbor would be of the same mind and he’d see her there.

  Nash parked across the street from the condo in front of George’s Barbershop. He and George had agreed he could park his truck there; Nash kept his vintage 1956 red-and-white Thunderbird in the garage. But Nash let George drive the vintage car once a month to ensure the engine stayed in tip-top shape.

  He only took the T-Bird out on special occasions, so he was okay with George driving the car. It’d been a long time since he’d experienced anything that remotely qualified as a special occasion.

  It might be time to create one of his own.

  Chapter Nine

  Emma finished organizing the shoes for Lisa’s charity sale. She’d returned most of them to their original boxes. According to Lisa’s email, that added to their value. And she would know.

  With nothing left to do, Emma poured herself a glass of iced tea and went out to the lanai. It was hot outside. More like Miami, she thought as she lifted her hair away from her neck. She reclined in her chair, looking across to her neighbor’s lanai. He must be working late, she thought. School let out three hours ago. Maybe it was parent-teacher conference day. Emma didn’t know, but she did know that she wanted to see him. Their handshake at Vittles the day before hadn’t been far from her thoughts since it happened. Had he felt it too? Was he avoiding her on purpose? Her thoughts were like those of a lovesick teenager.

 

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