Page 14 of Wynns of Change (Wynn Harbor Inn #3)

Harlow was still thinking about Lighthouse Point long after the Mackies’ dinner party ended. Sitting on the porch, watching the twinkling stars appear in the clear night sky, she pulled the flyer from her pocket and read through the description word for word.

It was everything she’d envisioned when she thought about having a home of her own…one Robert hadn’t picked out. One that wasn’t based solely on how excellent of an investment it was.

Instead, the charming stone cottage tugged at her heart. Clearly, it needed work, not unlike Harlow, who desperately needed a fresh start. She and the house were kindred spirits. Solid and sturdy yet needing some TLC.

If she pursued the purchase, it would be a labor of love, maybe even a welcome distraction from her chaotic life. Although she and Robert appeared to agree on the major issues, she was well aware the divorce could go off the rails at the drop of a hat.

Robert prided himself on being a shrewd hustler, hammering out the best possible deal. In fact, he often bragged about it. She had little doubt his plan was to walk away with the better end of the settlement.

Harlow was already mentally preparing for a battle somewhere along the line. The fact he would still manage her career lingered in the back of her mind. It was going to be one very long year. Would he try sabotaging her career by making bad deals?

She immediately dismissed the idea. Robert might be tempted to try to harm her, but he was no dummy. Making a bad deal would affect the bottom line for him, and her soon-to-be-ex was all about the money.

Harlow called it a night and headed to her room. Despite being tuckered out, she tossed and turned. Mort, who was in his usual spot next to her bed, finally got up and planted his chin on the side of the mattress, his way of checking to make sure she was all right.

“I’m sorry if I’m keeping you awake too.” She patted his head. “I’m not looking forward to seeing Robert tomorrow. I hate to admit it, but I’m getting an uneasy feeling something is up.”

Mort flopped his paw on her arm.

“Don’t worry. It’s going to be okay.”

The pup settled down while she flipped over on her back, staring sightlessly at the ceiling. “One day at a time, Harlow. All you need to focus on is taking it one day at a time.”

*****

Harlow rolled out of bed early the next morning and stumbled to the bathroom to splash cold water on her face. She stood at the sink, peering at her reflection in the mirror, noticing the dark circles under her eyes. “I guess staying awake half the night didn’t help things,” she sighed.

After showering, she felt more like herself, ready to face the day…ready to face Robert.

She wandered into the kitchen, only to find it quiet and empty. Her father had left a note on the counter, letting her know he was down by the harbor working on his fishing boat. “I’m surprised you didn’t go with Dad to work on the fishing boat,” she told Mort.

The pup’s ears perked up at the word “fish.”

“Maybe we should check on him.” Harlow grabbed a banana and a handful of treats for her faithful companion before filling her travel mug with coffee and heading out.

Despite the early hour, dark clouds gathered overhead.

Harlow had checked the forecast, something she was once again getting into the habit of.

She’d never worried about it before, but back in Michigan, the weather could turn on a dime.

During the changing seasons, it wasn’t uncommon to see snow, sunshine, wind and rain all in the same day.

They made a beeline for the bay first. Aunt Birdie was home. She must’ve seen Harlow coming because she called her name and dashed out.

“How did it go last night?” Harlow asked.

“How did what go?”

“Did you tell Dad about buying Petoskey Point?”

“Oh. That. Yes, I did.”

“And? Was he happy?”

“I’m not sure I would describe him as jumping for joy. It was more like…” Her aunt tipped her hand back and forth. “I think he’s on the fence.”

“Don’t let him fool you. A hundred bucks says he’s more excited than he’s letting on.” Harlow told her about Lighthouse Lane.

“You like it?”

“It would be perfect,” Harlow beamed. “I don’t want to get too excited. A whole lot of issues need to be wrapped up before I do anything.”

“True. So, I guess this means you’re not interested in me splitting off a chunk of land for you to build a home.”

“No, but I appreciate the offer. The good news is, if I buy the property, I’ll only be a hop, skip and a jump away from you.”

“True. Have you told your father?”

“No. I don’t want to get his hopes up.”

Aunt Birdie placed her hands on her hips. “I can guarantee one thing. He’ll be a lot more excited about you moving here.”

Harlow playfully nudged her. “That’s not true. Dad loves you as much as he does me. Speaking of Dad, have you seen him this morning?”

“He’s down at the harbor working on his boat.”

“He left a note, so I figured he was still there. We’re headed that way.”

Harlow and Mort continued walking, crossing over the main road and taking the path through the thicket of trees. They reached the clearing and found David seated inside the fishing boat tied up next to Winnie, his sailboat, his head down and his back to them.

Harlow tiptoed closer, loudly clearing her throat so she wouldn’t scare him.

Mort had other ideas. He charged toward the water’s edge and began splashing around.

David bolted upright, shielding his face from the cold water. “Mort! How did you get here?”

“He came with me.” Harlow gave a friendly wave. “I saw your note. As soon as Mort heard the word fish, he was raring to go.”

“I keep promising him. We’re gonna have to plan a trip soon. If not, we’ll have to hold off until spring.”

Harlow lifted her hands. “If you’re waiting on me, I’m free as a bird and ready to go whenever you are.”

David shaded his eyes and studied the skies. “It’s supposed to clear up. We could go later today.”

“Sounds good.” Harlow plopped down on the edge of the dock and swung her legs over the side. “Robert will be here soon.”

“Did he ever say what he wanted?”

“Nope.” Harlow placed her palms on the wooden dock and shifted her weight. “It makes me nervous.”

“Because you think he has some sort of bombshell he wants to drop?”

“Maybe. Who knows? According to the listing agent, we already have an interest in the New York apartment. My way of thinking is the sooner the better. If we can get the stuff sold and everything divided, Robert and I’ll be able to part ways and get on with our lives.”

“Except for the next year,” her father reminded her.

“A whole year.” Harlow blew air through thinned lips. “As soon as the ink is dry on the divorce papers, I’ll try figuring out how to get out of the manager’s agreement.”

“I wouldn’t get my hopes up.”

“I’m not.” She offered to grab him lunch while she was in town.

“There’s no need, but thank you for the offer.” David propped his elbow on his knee, giving Harlow his full attention. “Did Aunt Birdie tell you about the property she bought?”

“Yeah. What do you think?”

“Honestly?”

She nodded.

“It’s a good idea. We’re not getting any younger. Birdie’s been flitting around from place to place for years now. I think she’s finally ready to settle down, at least part time.”

“So now you’ll have Birdie and me,” Harlow teased.

“And I’m happy as a clam about it.” David tightened the last bolt and slowly stood. “The fishing boat is ready to go.”

Harlow waited for her father to pack up his tools and load them into his handy dandy camo cart. Calling Mort, the trio trekked to the trail leading to the main road.

After checking for traffic, they crossed over to Wynn Harbor Inn’s property. Taking the long way home to Bridgeview Cottage, they walked around the perimeter of the property, passing by the lodge.

“I meant to ask—how did it go with the code enforcement people yesterday?”

“I think they’re going to eliminate all, but maybe one or two of the fines.”

“Finally, some good news,” Harlow said.

“Great news. Brett is smart as a whip. He had it all planned out what he wanted to say.”

“I’m sure he’s done this a time or two,” she said. “He seems like a nice guy.”

“Both he and Morgan are.”

“Maybe I’ll get to meet her one day.” Back at the cottage, Harlow freshened up, half-hoping that Robert had changed his mind and wouldn’t show, after all.

Her hopes were dashed when his text came through a few minutes later letting her know his plane had landed.

She gave him the name of the restaurant, one with outdoor seating where they could sit a safe distance away from prying eyes and listening ears. She checked her reflection in the full-length mirror. Her first thought was that Robert would not approve of her attire.

But her husband no longer dictated what she did, where she went, what she ate or what she wore. She might have no other option but to keep him as her manager for another year, but nothing else. The sooner Robert realized he had no control over Harlow, the better.

She exited her bedroom and tracked her father down. “He’s here.”

“Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you?”

“I’ll be okay.” Harlow mustered up a half-hearted smile. “Wish me luck.”

“Don’t let him push you around.”

“I won’t.” She grabbed her sling bag and caught up with Mort, who beat her to the door. “Sorry, bud. I have to go by myself this time.” She gently nudged him back and slipped out onto the porch.

During the bike ride into town, she gave herself a pep talk. Robert could be persuasive, but that was before her accident, when he showed her who he really was.

He’d all but abandoned her when she needed him most. And then there was Jillian, his assistant and protégé.

She made a mental note not to mention her name, certain it was still a sore subject. She wanted the conversation to go as smoothly as possible, with little conflict, keeping the end goal in mind.

What a fool she’d been…the laughingstock of Hollywood. Poor Harlow Wynn, being used by her husband. No wonder moving to Mackinac Island had appealed to her. It was like a different planet, not to mention a happier, healthier place.

Harlow reached the restaurant and parked her bike in the rack out front. Stepping inside she approached the hostess stand. “I’m meeting someone here. His name is Robert.”

The woman glanced at her seating chart. “He’s here.” The hostess stepped out from behind the counter. “He’s in the back. Follow me.”

Harlow straightened her shoulders and trailed behind, praying they would make it through lunch without any major blowouts. Little did she know the relationship between them was about to get turned upside down, even more than it already was.