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Lottie swooped in and took her arm.

Moving at a snail’s pace, they finally reached the sidewalk, and not a moment too soon. Harlow started to falter, half falling, half diving into the wheelchair. She let out a low groan. “I made it.”

“Barely,” Lottie said.

“Tomorrow is another day.”

“Do you need me to stick around?” Marty asked.

“It won’t be necessary. Come back to pick us up at the usual time.”

“Ten it is. Don’t forget your dish. The Mackies will chase me down if you walk in empty-handed.”

“The Mackies?” Harlow echoed.

“It’s the name we gave our little group. The official title is the Magnificent Mackies.” Lottie took the dish. “Thanks, Marty. I’ll save you a plate of food.”

He scrambled back up the steps and eased onto the wooden bench seat. “Have fun.” Giving the reins a gentle nudge, he and his team of horses clip-clopped off.

Harlow spun around and studied the name etched on the glass.Noelle’s Flower Shop. Bountiful bouquets filled the frontwindow’s flower boxes. A vibrant striped pink and white awning covered the rustic wooden door. A pale gray floral mat greeted visitors.

“Remember me mentioning my friend Noelle, who helped with your arrangement? This is her flower shop.”

“It’s adorable.”

“If you think the outside is cute, wait until you see what Noelle has done with the inside.” Lottie hurried to the door and gave it a light rap.

A shadow flitted past the curtain-covered glass panel. The door opened. Light spilled out onto the sidewalk, casting a warm glow and welcoming them.

Harlow hesitated for a fraction of a second before following Lottie over the threshold. What greeted her on the other side stopped her in her tracks.

Chapter 19

“Welcome, Harlow!” A chorus of enthusiastic voices greeted her as she stepped inside Noelle’s Flower Shop.

She gazed around the room at the smiling faces with one familiar face beaming the brightest.

Harlow wagged her finger at her bestie, Eryn. “You. Did you do this?”

“I’m only partially responsible,” she laughed. “Lottie, Noelle, Abby, Meg, our little group of Magnificent Mackies came up with the idea to throw you a welcome home party.”

Noelle darted over. “Let me be the first to officially welcome you back to Mackinac Island.”

“It’s nice to meet you Noelle…”

“Noelle Alanson. My husband is upstairs hiding out in our apartment. He avoids the Mackies’ craft night as much as possible.”

“What exactly is a Mackie?”

“It’s us, plus a couple more,” Noelle said. “Lottie was the one who came up with the name. Basically, we’re islanders who try to get together once a week to hang out, work on craft projects and catch up. I’m sure you haven’t forgotten how cold and isolating winters up here can be. We started meeting during the winter months and had so much fun we do it year ‘round now.”

Two women, both with long brown hair and hazel eyes, quietly made their way over.

Harlow offered them a shy smile. “Hello.”

“Welcome back, Harlow.” The taller of the two pointed to herself. “I’m Abby. This is my sister, Meg. Our parents own the Mackinac Island Hotel.”

“Where Eryn works? It’s nice to meet you.”