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“If I have my way,” David said. “Now that you’re home, I’m not letting you get away,” he joked.

The trio reached downtown and David picked the restaurant, choosing a café one block back from the busy strip.

They were promptly seated. A server appeared. She gave Harlow, who was sporting a pink ball cap and sunglasses, a second look but didn’t question who she was.

While they ate, Harlow shared stories about life on the set. Actors and actresses that she’d worked with over the years. Exotic locations she’d traveled to. The more she shared, the more it seemed as if she was talking about someone else’s life—not hers. It was the complete opposite of Mackinac Island’s laid-back lifestyle.

The meal ended, and Harlow and her father directed the driver to the airport to drop Nigel off for his return flight to Toronto. Before leaving, she promised to decide the following day and get back to him.

David escorted Nigel inside, leaving Harlow waiting in the carriage. She got the same feeling she had the previous night of being watched. She shaded her eyes and studied their surroundings.

People were coming and going. A carriage pulled in next to the wagon, picking up a large group who had just arrived.

David returned a short time later. “Now that you’ve met Nigel, what are your thoughts?”

“He’s exactly the kind of person I was looking for. He answered all my questions. I felt very comfortable with him.”

“He’s the best around,” David said. “Nigel will be worth every penny.”

Back at Wynn Harbor Inn, Harlow and her father swung by Aunt Birdie’s place. As they drew closer, they found her aunt and Lottie seated at the picnic table, chatting like old friends.

“Oh boy,” David playfully grumbled. “Double trouble.”

“I figured seeing how you weren’t in any hurry to introduce me to your sister, I would do it myself,” Lottie said.

“We’ve been comparing notes.”

“Comparing notes?”

“About you. We’ve both agreed you’re stubborn as a mule but have a heart of gold.”

“I’ll take being stubborn as a compliment.”

“Because it is.” Lottie tapped Birdie’s hand. “I invited Birdie to join us for our next Mackie night out.”

“We had a ball,” Harlow said. “It’s a great group of women.”

“I can’t wait.” Her aunt changed the subject. “Vic just left. He was wondering where you were.”

“I should go check in with him so he doesn’t worry.”

Her father started to follow. Harlow stopped him. “There’s no need to rush off. You can hang out with Aunt Birdie and Lottie.”

“Birdie has an excellent idea about what we should do about sprucing up the landscaping down here by the bay. We want to run it by you.”

“Great.” David rolled his eyes. “Here we go.”

Harlow told them goodbye and steered her scooter onto the roadway. Instead of heading straight home, she took the long way past the meandering gardens. She found herself on the path leading to her mother’s gravesite.

Harlow told Ginger about Nigel’s visit and asked her what she should do about Robert.

“I wish you were here,” she sighed. “Aunt Birdie has been great and you would love Lottie. I’m making friends and was even invited to be a Magnificent Mackie. I never thought it would happen after all these years, but the island is working its magic.”

A light breeze tossed Harlow’s hair. She quickly smoothed it back. “Dad and I are going to find out what happened the night of the fire. I have to leave, but I’m coming back as soon as the filming wraps up.”

A flit of movement caught Harlow’s eye. Her scalp tingled again, a sure sign she was being watched.

She swung the scooter around and hit the gas. Moving at a brisk clip, she didn’t slow until she reached her father’s cottage.