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During part two of the craft session, Noelle asked each of them to share one good thing that had happened since their last girl’s get-together. Abby got an unexpected raise at work. Meg found a lost puppy and reunited the pup with her owner. Lottie beat David at cards. Eryn’s good thing was Harlow returning to Mackinac Island. One by one, they shared their news.

Finally, it was Harlow’s turn. “I…to be honest, this hasn’t been a very good week for me. Actually, the last couple of weeks have been a bummer.” She sucked in a breath, wondering if she could go on because she was starting to become emotional. “All of that changed tonight. Meeting each of you has been the best thing to happen to me in a very long time.”

Lottie, who was sitting next to Harlow, squeezed her hand.

“Thank you for making me feel welcome,” she whispered. “You have no idea how much this means to me.”

The women sprang from their chairs and gathered around Harlow, hugging her, telling her to hang in there, offering words of encouragement, enveloping their new friend with unwavering support and nothing but love.

Tears streamed down Harlow’s cheeks, pent-up emotions from all she’d been dealing with, feeling the weight of her failed marriage and Robert’s heartless actions.

Despite all she’d gone through recently, Harlow could feel her spirits being lifted. This party was much more than a welcome. It was a homecoming. Harlow Wynn had finally come home and been greeted with open arms.

Chapter 20

“You’re one of us now.” Noelle gave Harlow a warm hug. “Officially a Magnificent Mackie, if you want to join our little group.”

Harlow pressed her hand to her chest. “It would be an honor, although you might change your mind after you sample the dish I bring to the next get-together.”

“No way.” Meg shook her head. “Once you’re a member, it’s impossible to get booted out,” she joked. “Our group is open to whoever wants to join.”

“Except for Cheyenne,” Abby said.

“Cheyenne?” Harlow echoed.

“Cheyenne Clifton.” Eryn wrinkled her nose. “She’s as snooty and self-centered as they come. We invited her a while back and she started acting like a jerk.”

“By telling everyone we’re nothing but a bunch of hicks and how most of us couldn’t get a date even if we paid a guy,” Abby said.

“I like to think I can get along with everyone. Believe me, I tried befriending her.” Lottie lifted both hands, signaling defeat. “It appears Cheyenne is the exception.”

“I can’t wait to meet her,” Harlow said sarcastically. “She sounds like a real gem.”

“Her parents own Clifton Manor.” Noelle lifted her chin. “It’s where all the mega rich people stay when they come to the island.”

The Mackie craft party ended all too soon. Before Harlow knew it, she and Lottie were on the curb waiting for Marty to pick them up and take them home.

Lottie had fixed a big plate of food, leaving the few leftover sausage Wellingtons for Noelle and Leif, who had come down when the party was wrapping up to thank the Mackies for the delicious dishes.

“Well?” She waited until they were settled in the wagon and on their way. “Did you enjoy your first Mackie party?”

“I loved it. Everyone was warm and welcoming. It felt like…” Harlow struggled to find the right words, not wanting to sound like an absolute dope.

“Like you were home.” Lottie finished her sentence.

“Exactly. Does it sound weird?”

“No. Perhaps despite all the hustle and bustle of your superstar world, Mackinac Island hasn’t lost its magic, its sparkle and ability to draw you in.” She patted her arm. “I noticed the look on your face when you talked about what was going on in your life and shared your good thing. The island is drawing you back.”

Harlow grew quiet, mulling over Lottie’s statement. It was true. She’d felt it more than once. The whisper of the wind in the trees. The gentle breeze caressing her face when she was on board Winnie. Even the soothing clip-clop of the horses’ hooves. Comforting. Peaceful.

“It is, Lottie. Unfortunately, I can’t stay.”

“Why not?”

“I have contracts. Deadlines. A career.”

“A soon-to-be ex-husband.” Lottie shifted. “Let me ask you this. I know it’s none of my business, but how much money do you have?”