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Dani added two more teaspoons of sugar to her coffee and nodded to Lily, who sat across the table from her. “Lily raves about your skills, so I was hoping I could talk you into helping. Or at least getting us pointed in the right direction. The Tourism Bureau doesn’t have much money right now, so we can’t pay you.But I’ll give you free advertising for your freelancing business. Maybe you could gain more clients while you’re here.”

“I’ve already said I could use help with marketing the fudge shop. I’m sure other businesses could use some online exposure as well.” Lily swirled a bite of French toast through a puddle of syrup on her plate. “I heard Patrick and Martha Kelley arguing about social media the other day. Patrick muttered something about the only thing he knew about reels were the ones attached to his fishing pole. I didn’t mean to, but I couldn’t help but laugh.”

A smile tugged at her lips as Sadie glanced at her best friend and former roommate of ten years from when they both lived in Florida. Lily’s blonde hair streaked with lavender had been piled in an artistically styled messy bun that probably took her less than five minutes to accomplish. If Sadie tried with her own hair, she’d look like she’d just crawled out of bed.

As she surveyed her friends watching her with hopeful eyes, she found herself nodding. “Maybe. If I did reach out to local businesses with an offer to help build up their online presence, then I could build my clientele, especially if they’d be willing to give me positive references.”

Sadie turned her attention back to the tablet and scrolled down the page, taking in the header showcasing the island and a couple of basic pages advertising the big draw for the festival—a free concert at the park on Blueberry Hill. She looked up at Dani with wide eyes. “How did you get Ariel Sullivan and Dahlia Denton to be your concert headliners? And Drake Hamilton? Seriously?”

She grinned as she stirred cream into her coffee. “Umm, quite easily. Ariel’s my cousin, remember? Her dad Bryan is my dad’s younger brother. After my grandparents passed away, Dad got the hotel, and Uncle Bryan got the pumpkin farm. Unfortunately, it’s been vacant for the past few years, but Dadmentioned Uncle Bryan, Aunt Mary, and my cousin Ethan are planning to return to the farm next year. Anyway, after Liam and I brainstormed, I texted Ariel and asked if she’d headline. Of course she said yes. She’s pretty awesome that way. Drake’s lead guitarist is Caleb Kennedy. His grandfather owns the Island House Inn. Even though Drake is touring, he agreed to come to the island for the festival.”

“Oh, that’s right. Caleb’s great-aunt Annabelle is one of Gran’s best friends. I’d forgotten you had cousins on island too.”

“Yes, Ariel, her brother Ethan, and her sister Charlotte. Ariel was born on island, but she grew up in Nashville with her great-aunt, Dahlia Denton.”

“I love their music.” Lily picked up her coffee mug and hummed a few bars of Miss Dahlia and Ariel’s latest single, “The Long Way.”

“Me too.” Sadie tapped another page on the tablet. “You’re doing a talent show the day before the concert?”

“Yes, and that’s another thing I wanted to mention.” Dani grabbed Sadie’s wrist. “You should enter. I contacted a few local businesses this morning and plan to ask more, but there will be a cash prize for first place as well as a chance to sing with Ariel and Dahlia on their next album.”

The idea of the cash prize held some appeal, especially to help Gran, and to sing with Dahlia Denton and Ariel Sullivan…well, that would be pretty incredible, but Sadie couldn’t shake her head fast enough. She slid the tablet across the table to her friend. “No way. I’m not risking humiliation by singing in front of a crowd. I’m not that good anyway.”

Dani dropped her hand, reached for her vintage Hudson Bakery coffee mug, and leaned back in her chair, her gaze unwavering. “Sade, your lyrics need to be heard.”

Sadie bit the inside of her lip, then speared the last bite of her now-cold French toast with her fork. “I haven’t written a word since Lauren died. My sister was the talent in the family.”

“I disagree, but I will try to respect your wishes.” Dani stood, carried her empty plate to the sink, rinsed it and stacked it in the dishwasher. “I hate to eat and run, but I need to meet Liam at the hotel.”

“Did downtown receive much storm damage?”

“A few downed limbs and scattered leaves, but nothing major. The hotel’s fine. Liam’s crews are busy enough with renovations. They don’t need to add storm damage on top of that. What about you guys?”

“Actually, I’ll walk you out and show you.” Sadie left her breakfast dishes on the table and headed for the back door where she slid her feet into her flip-flops. She held the door for Dani and Lily, then followed them outside.

They rounded the side of the house, and her friends gasped.

Lily’s hands flew to her mouth. “Oh, my.”

“Yeah, quite the surprise this morning. After I made breakfast for Gran, I found a visitor staring at me through the kitchen window.” Sadie picked up a flowerpot that managed to survive the storm.

“That’s kind of creepy.” Lily slid her sunglasses on her face. “Who was it?”

“A horse named Gus.”

“Gus! I love him. He’s one of the Quinns’ horses. Apparently, he looks for any opportunity to slip through the fence. He’s a sweetheart though.” Dani started picking up sticks and dropped them in a pile.

“More than I can say for his owner.” Sadie eyed the Quinn property.

“Terry? I’m surprised.” Dani straightened and brushed dirt off her hands. “He and his wife Angela are so kind. But I thought they were still traveling.”

“Not him. Their nephew, I guess, according to Gran.”

“Asher.” Dani and Lily said in unison.

“Yeah, him.” Sadie jerked a thumb toward the Quinn property. “What’s up with that guy anyway?”

Dani looked away. “Why? You like him?”