Chapter 30: Expert Advice

Back on the mainland, Blake disposed of the ruined mattress, put away his tools and supplies, and loaded Shasta’s belongings onto his cart, which he pulled to the front of the lodge. No sense in taking them any further until he knew what she’d decided.

Not ready to face her just yet, he entered the big house and went to the kitchen to check the refrigerator. Bear curled up in his favorite spot in the den and was sound asleep in seconds. Blake was hungry, but it was nearly 5:00. Maybe just a quick snack to hold me over until dinner. He eyed a huge steak he’d purchased the day before. Looks like steak tonight.

He’d just finished whipping up a PB&J when Jackie’s home phone rang. “Hello?”

“Baby brother! I figured I’d just leave a message. How’s everything going?” Jackie sounded more relaxed than he’d heard her in a long while.

“Hey, sis, things are fine here. How’s Florida?”