Page 21 of Wynns of Change (Wynn Harbor Inn #3)
Harlow stood at the curb directly across from her father’s private harbor, checking her watch for the umpteenth time. Island Time Catering had better hurry up, or all of her plotting and planning would be for naught.
Sneaking away to Wynn Harbor Inn’s private beach and dock without being seen was nothing short of a miracle. She’d even given Vic the slip, using the excuse she needed to take care of something urgent, and hurriedly left before he could ask too many questions.
Finally, a horse-drawn carriage appeared, the wagon laden with supplies for her special surprise.
Abby Stokely sat next to the driver. She hopped down as soon as they stopped.
“I was beginning to think you weren’t going to make it.”
“We were waiting for a delivery at the ferry dock. Thank you so much for trusting me to cater your special dinner.”
“You’re welcome, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Abby rubbed her palms together. “Where would you like us to set up?”
“I was thinking down here.” Harlow led her friend to the end of the dock and the section where it “t’d” off, offering ample space for her small group of guests.
The catering crew got to work, unpacking supplies, setting the table, adding an umbrella, a gorgeous shade of cobalt blue. Floral arrangements, flowers in vivid shades of purple, yellow and orange, sat atop marble pedestals, giving the cozy dining spot a festive vibe.
Portable tiki torches, a crisp white tablecloth, fine China, sterling silver, all helped create an elegant dinner table with seating for five—her bestie Eryn, Lottie, her father and Vic.
As if on cue, another carriage arrived with food and drinks, along with their private chef, all arranged by Abby’s new catering company. The delivery guys left, assuring her they would return to pack everything up after the celebratory meal ended.
At four on the dot, with the chef hard at work whipping up his special creations, Harlow sent an urgent text, asking her special guests to meet her at the arbor leading down to the harbor.
Vic arrived first, followed by her father. Lottie and Eryn, the stragglers, showed up last.
“Is everything all right?” David’s brows knitted. “Vic mentioned you had something urgent to take care of.”
“Everything is fine. In fact, this past week has been one of the best I’ve had in a very long time.
” Harlow pressed her hand to her heart, gazing at her loved ones, those who had been by her side, supporting her, encouraging her, protecting her.
She knew without a doubt she wouldn’t be standing there if not for them.
Her father and Eryn flying to California as soon as they tracked her down after the accident. Aunt Birdie, although not there, arriving, lock stock and barrel, abandoning her world cruise to be by her niece’s side.
Lottie, convincing her to step out of her comfort zone and form friendships with the Magnificent Mackies, women who had shown her nothing but love and support—not for Harlow Wynn, the star, but for Harlow, their friend.
And Vic…who had been by her side for years, one of her only true friends amid the crazy Hollywood scene. She owed them all a debt of gratitude and today…with a big beautiful new balance in her checking account thanks to recently completing A City of Glass ; she was going to give a little back.
“I have a surprise, my way of thanking you.” Harlow motioned for them to follow her down the path and across the street.
Chef Jacques had finished setting the table. Bottles of wine and sparkling water, both on a bed of ice, sat inside sterling silver ice buckets.
Making their way to the table, he greeted them. “Welcome to Harlow’s exquisite island dinner.”
Lottie’s eyes lit. “You planned a dinner for us?”
“It’s a celebration.” Harlow waited for them to be seated before passing out the menus. “I hired Island Time Catering to prepare our special meal.”
David slipped his reading glasses on and began reading:
Sampler platter: A classic French cheese plate featuring brie and Bleu d'Auvergne (blue cheese), along with crusty bread, dried fruit and mixed nuts.
Starter: Salade Nicoise: A classic salad with tuna, green beans, fingerling potatoes, soft-boiled eggs, olives and anchovies.
Main Course: Coq au Vin: Chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms.
Dessert: Crème br?lée. A creamy custard dessert with a caramelized sugar topping.
Vic smacked his lips. “Everything sounds delish.”
“I’m sure it will be.” Harlow patted Chef Jacques’ arm. “The chef and his team come highly recommended.”
“We will start with the sampler platter.” He placed the platter near the center of the round table. His assistant, a woman sporting a crisp black uniform, poured wine and sparkling water.
Harlow waited until their glasses were full and lifted hers. “I would like to propose a toast.”
The others lifted their glasses.
“Vivez la vie pleinement…here’s to living life to the fullest,” Harlow said.
“Living life.” Lottie clinked glasses with the others. “And to celebrating Harlow’s successful filming in Vancouver.”
“Absolutely.”
While they sampled the goodies, Harlow gave them a glimpse of what life was like at a filming location, anecdotes, and funny stories. She glossed over the grueling hours, the long days, the late nights. All that mattered was she’d fulfilled her end of the agreement and was now reaping the rewards.
With the chef and assistant working seamlessly, the meal progressed, each of the guests insisting it was one of the best they’d ever eaten. Maybe it was the fresh air. Maybe it was the picture-perfect view of Lake Huron, or the company that made each dish taste divine.
The guests lingered over coffee. The late afternoon sun was starting to set, bringing with it crisp, cool air. Chef Jacques fired up the heaters as they savored the crème br?lée.
All too soon, the celebration ended, and the team arrived to start tearing down and packing up. While the others meandered across the street, Harlow passed out tips, thanking the chef, servers and crew for helping make the meal memorable.
She caught up with her family and friends on the other side of the street for a leisurely stroll home. “I have one more surprise. It’s back at Dad’s house.”
The group gathered on the front porch, waiting while Harlow ran to her room and grabbed the large manila envelope tucked away in her top dresser drawer.
Stepping out onto the porch, she stopped in her tracks. The sun had dipped down over the horizon. Big, puffy pink and blue clouds hovered over Lake Huron.
Eryn snagged her cell phone from her pocket and snapped a picture. “I never get tired of these sunsets.”
“Me either.” Harlow tugged on her arm. “Let’s take a selfie.”
Gathering together, the group crowded in close while Eryn, the self-proclaimed selfie expert, tried taking a photo. She cut half of Lottie’s head off and then the top of all of their heads.
Vic took over. Using Harlow’s phone, he successfully snapped a perfect selfie of them with the lake, the corner of the cottage, and the gorgeous gardens as the backdrop. Harlow promptly texted a copy to each of them, promising to have copies printed and framed.
“I should get going.” Eryn reluctantly consulted her watch. “I need to swing by the grocery store on my way home.”
“Me too.” Lottie stifled a yawn. “I’m working the early shift at the Grand Hotel. They’re hosting a large convention which means the gardens need to be in tiptop condition.”
“Before you leave.” She handed each of them an envelope. “This is for you. It’s my way of saying thanks.”
David flipped the flap and removed a check with several zeroes behind it. “Harlow.” His jaw dropped. “This is too much.” He attempted to hand it back.
She refused, shaking her head. “Please take it. All of you have been by my side through what I would say was one of the worst—and best—things to ever happen to me. My accident was a wake-up call. It made me realize what’s truly important.
Not the next big deal or movie, not the money or the swanky apartment, the mansion in Malibu, but this… and you.”
Lottie removed the check and stared at it. Her lower lip trembled. “Harlow,” she whispered. “This is an incredibly generous gift. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I love all of you…” Harlow looked away, struggling to keep her emotions in check. Those standing around her meant more…so much more than every penny she had sitting in her bank account.
Eryn wrapped her arms around Harlow, hugging her tightly. “We love you too.”
Vic, Lottie, Eryn, her father crowded in, hugging Harlow, offering words of encouragement that the worst was over, at least as far as her health was concerned.
And Harlow knew…she knew storms were brewing on the horizon and what was going on between her and Robert wasn’t over, not by a longshot, but as long as her family and friends were by her side, it would be okay. Maybe even better than okay if she had her way.
She planned to come out on the other side stronger than ever, taking control of her life and her future, right there at Wynn Harbor Inn on her beloved Mackinac Island.
The end.
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