Island Holiday (Brookwell Island #4)

Chapter 1

“He wants to be Popeye.”

Molly Trumble took the phone away from her ear. She barely kept from groaning at her aunt’s announcement. “How did that come up?” She couldn’t recall a single time her son had watched the classic cartoon.

“We saw Miles at lunch.” Her aunt chuckled. “Miles noticed Bryce avoiding his veggies and tried to help.”

“But …” She stared at the Paw Patrol costume hanging with her purse on the hook near her floral design table at Island Bloomers. It had been a challenge tracking down the popular costume in her son’s size.

She could make the logical leap. Her son idolized Miles Kearney, owner of the sailing school on Brookwell Island. Bryce loved to visit the marina, finding great joy in watching the sailing lessons. And Popeye was a sailor, who got big and strong because he ate his veggies.

“I guess I’ll return Paw Patrol,” she said, giving in to the never-fixed plans of her four-year-old. Just this morning, while ignoring his breakfast, he’d regaled her with his plans for attending the fall festival in costume. She’d been looking forward to getting adorable pictures for the photo album. “And look for a sailor costume.”

“Don’t bother,” Aunt Sharon said. “I can make the Popeye costume.”

“Really?”

“Count on it. I’ve already ordered the supplies.”

“You’re the best,” Molly gushed. “Thank you.”

She heard the soft squeak of the spring on the screen door. Her aunt had walked out on the porch. Whatever she wanted to say, she didn’t want Bryce to overhear it. “Don’t return the other costume,” Sharon said. “There’s more than one event between the party at preschool, the trunk or treat on Central, the fall festival, and Halloween itself.”

She thought of other mothers who might be looking for the costume she’d snagged early this morning. “All right. But if you hear of anyone in need of Paw Patrol, let me know.”

“Of course, sweetheart. Have a good day.”

Molly did have a good day, grateful to her aunt all over again for giving her and Bryce a home when they needed one most. It couldn’t have been easy, reorganizing her cottage to make room for Molly and her infant son.

She was equally grateful to her boss, Nina Billings—now Reynolds. Landing the job as the floral designer allowed her to support her son and be with him more often than most working moms.

Nina’s laughter carried from the shop where she was helping a customer. One hand glided over her rounded belly as she talked and laughed. Molly remembered feeling anything but peace during the late stages of her own pregnancy. It wasn’t just the nausea, she’d been scared and nervous. In contrast, Nina positively glowed.

Molly concluded real love and a present, caring partner made all the difference.

Then again, how many times had Nina praised Molly for her strength, resilience, and excellence as a single mom?

Molly watched her for a couple of minutes, wondering if Nina realized just how close she was to delivery. According to the calendar, her due date was still a couple of weeks away, but babies notoriously kept to their own timetables.

Nina’s friend, Haley Whitman, was scheduled to arrive next week to help during Nina’s maternity leave. Molly always enjoyed Haley’s visits, picking up new skills and techniques from the talented, award-winning designer.

But this week was all about the Brookwell Fall Festival and Halloween events. Molly buckled down, focusing on the orders that needed filled.