The Sum of Love (Treasure Harbor Book 7) Read online

  “Yes, ma’am.” He stifled a laugh at her attempt at authoritativeness. Everyone knew Ellen Farmer, while firm in her beliefs and discipline, didn’t have a mean, bossy bone in her body. She led by respect and earned followers the same way.

  “I love you as I do my own children, and I don’t want to see you leave us, but you can’t ignore your heart. Especially after being given a second chance.”

  “I love you too.”

  “Whatever decision you make, you’ll have my support.” Aunt Ellen’s gentle smile came through in her tone. “If you stay in Treasure Harbor, you can be certain you’ll have guests.”

  “You and the family would be welcome anytime. I’d love to show you the town.” With that statement, he realized what his decision would be. There was still the matter of his job at the bank and finding new employment, but he could no longer picture a life in Indiana.

  Levi hung up the phone after an hour long conversation with Aunt Ellen. He had to leave soon to pick up Paige for their date. Was it a date or friends hanging out? He wasn’t sure. His heart said date, so that’s how he would treat it.

  He went to his room—the same room he’d grown up in—and changed to a pair of chinos and a white button-down shirt. His hair needed a trim, but he fixed it the best he could. Fashion and appearance had been the furthest things from his mind when he’d gotten the call about Uncle Peter and had rushed to pack and drive to Treasure Harbor.

  He shook his hands, bracing himself for the night ahead. After the conversation with Aunt Ellen, he knew he couldn’t put off talking to Paige about the future. Last night about killed him. The sad, forced smile, when he’d shut her down about staying, the disappointment in her eyes when he’d pulled away without kissing her.

  It wasn’t fair to her. Life hadn’t been fair to either of them, but it was time to move forward.

  The drive to Paige’s house took him along the shore where he could see the ocean to his left between the lines of cottages and condos. He drove through town, and to the far aside of Treasure Harbor where Paige rented a small apartment overlooking Bounty Beach.

  Although he knew it cost a pretty penny to live there due to its prime location, the humble dwelling surprised him. He’d have expected a fancier condo, but her choice of living spaces indicated she truly had broken free of her parent’s stronghold. They surely hadn’t approved of her place, most certainly viewed it as beneath her.

  His respect for her renewed and grew. When he thought about it, she never had caved much to her parent’s wishes. Most of his fears and worries that she would fall to their demands were born from his own insecurities. With that realization, his stomach churned. Their separation had been his fault. He’d known her parents hated him. He should have anticipated they’d do anything to tear him and Paige apart. Most importantly, he should have had faith in his fiancée instead of trusting those who had the motive to break their bond.

  He’d discussed it with Paige briefly the night they uncovered the lies, and she’d told him it wasn’t his fault, but the enormity of it hadn’t hit him yet. Now that it had, he had to own his faults.

  Paige’s apartment was ground level. After he had parked behind the building, he walked the twenty feet to her rear door. He rang the doorbell then stared at his empty hands. He should have brought her flowers. Too late now.

  She opened the door. The dark green sweater she wore accented her fair complexion. She’d always bemoaned her pale skin, hadn’t thought it fair to live at a beach and not be able to tan. Every time she complained, he’d told her she had beautiful skin, and he would love her no matter what shade her skin happened to be. And then he’d follow his declaration by trailing a finger down her smooth cheek, which inevitably led to a kiss.

  “Did I wear something wrong? Do I have lipstick on my teeth?” Paige stood at the door, her hands moving in nervous motions.

  “You’re perfect.” He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her.

  Ten years ago, he’d stood at the door of her parent’s house for their first date. He’d been nervous then, not sure what to expect. Her dad had glared at him the entire time he’d stood waiting for Paige. He’d been young, naïve, and unprepared for the future.

  This time was different. It was him and Paige, no one else to interfere. They were older, wiser, and knew what they faced.

  The one thing which remained unchanged was Paige’s beauty. Inside and out, she was the rare jewel that sparkled in his world.

  He held out a hand, assisted her down the single step and didn’t release it until after she sat in the passenger seat.

  “I’m looking forward to tonight.” Her smile warmed him, and her eyes shone like emeralds under a light.

  “Me too.” He closed her door, then took his spot.

  They drove to Harborview Inn where he’d called earlier in the day to make reservations. When he paid the bill an hour and a half later, he remembered very little about their meal. His mind was preoccupied with discussing the future and making plans.

  Paige glanced at the gold watch encircling her delicate wrist. “The tours don’t start for another hour.”

  “Let’s go for a walk on the beach.” They had held some of their best talks while walking along the shore. He prayed this would be one of them.

  “I’d like that.”

  They walked to the beach’s entrance and slipped off their shoes, lining them against the wooden fence separating the sand and wooden planks of the boardwalk.

  He reached for her hand, noting the tremor that passed through Paige at their touch. They caught gazes and exchanged a smile.

  “I’ve always loved the ocean at sunset.” Paige had a dreamy expression as she watched shades of orange and pink dance on the horizon.

  “It’s the epitome of peacefulness.” He’d missed it in landlocked Indiana, though he did enjoy Lake Michigan in the summers.

  They strode languidly to the water’s edge. Small waves crested, then crashed and flowed to kiss their bare toes. Still warm from the summer, the foamy water contrasted the cool air.

  He turned to face her, took hold of her other hand. “Can we talk?”

  “Isn’t that what we’re doing?” She gave him a quirky smile.

  “Serious talk.”

  “Ah.” She gripped his hand tighter. “What about?”

  “Us.” His chest tightened, and he drew a long breath, forcing air into his lungs.

  “What about us?” she asked, speaking slowly.

  “I need to apologize for leaving without talking to you. We were engaged, and I should have had more faith in you.”

  Paige put a finger to his lips before he could say more. “We’ve already talked about that. My parents showed you what seemed to be irrefutable proof, and you knew there was no possible way the baby was yours. What happened was horrible, but my parents are to blame, not you.”

  “Still—”

  “Still nothing,” she interrupted. “Should I apologize because I should have known something wasn’t right when you left without a trace?”

  “No. I was the one who left and was in the wrong.”

  “We’re friends, right?”

  He nodded. “Of course.”

  “Then I’m asking you as a friend, please stop blaming yourself. Now that I know the truth, I’m not angry with you. Not at all.”

  Deep in his heart, he’d known that would be her response, but hearing it soothed his conscience. He’d probably always fight against niggles of guilt, but moving forward had to take priority, not grasping on to the past. “I’ll try.”

  “That’s all I ask.” A hint of disappointment flickered in her eyes. “Was that all?”

  “No.” He tugged at her hands, inviting her closer. “I made some decisions today. Ones that hopefully involve you.”

  Hope reflected against the sunset in her eyes. “Are you…” She trailed off as though saying the words might jinx them.

  “I’m staying in Treasure Harbor and living in Uncle Peter’s house.” He watch
ed her closely for a reaction, pleased with what he saw. “I’ll take the money I had saved for a down payment for a house and use that to renovate this one.”

  “That’s a wonderful idea.” Abruptly, she freed her hands and threw her arms around his neck. “I’m so happy you’re staying.”

  He breathed in the fresh, floral scent of her hair—she was so close. His voice dropped to a husky rasp. “I was wrong when I said we had no future. When I thought of leaving you here, my heart broke, and I knew I couldn’t do it. We’ve been given a second chance. Will you take it with me?”

  “Yes. Of course, yes.”

  Her exuberance made him laugh. Until their eyes locked and held the longing of years lost and love rediscovered.

  “How many couples get to have a second first kiss?” he whispered in her ear, cradling the rear of her neck.

  “One, for sure.” She never broke eye contact, but lifted her mouth to meet his.

  It was a sweet kiss that hastened to a deep promise of renewal. A vow to do better and not waste the opportunity they’d been granted. A kiss he’d always remember as the start of the rest of his life.

  Chapter Seven

  Paige paced the length of the Spindrift’s conference room. Her boss had agreed to let her use the room free of charge when she’d told him the purpose. He wholeheartedly supported the effort, but he was an easy sell.

  The door burst open, and Levi walked through with his hands full of catering trays from the Ocean Breeze.

  She hurried to grab the sliding top tray. “Is there more to bring in?”

  “Three gallons of sweet tea and several tubs of salads.” Levi laid his platters on the oblong table against the wall.

  “I’ll help.” She set the tray she’d taken next to the others and followed Levi outside.

  “Agnes wouldn’t let me pay. Seems the whole town is behind this.” He popped the trunk and grabbed the jugs.

  “Let’s hope the families are as well.” She tucked a large carton of potato salad under one arm and then grabbed the broccoli crunch salad with the other.

  “Aren’t you the one who said it’s time?”

  “Yes, but I’m doubting myself.” And I’m afraid of letting you down. What would happen if her idea backfired after she’d convinced Levi to move forward with it? She didn’t want to add any drama to his life.

  He dusted a kiss on her forehead. “Have faith.”

  Once inside, they arranged a serving line of food, starting with heavy duty plastic plates and utensils. Levi helped her move two half-circle tables together to form a whole table, and they situated twenty chairs around the circumference. If more people than that came, they could squeeze in a few more seats, but she’d be happy to have twenty in attendance.

  She stole a glimpse at her watch. Fifteen minutes to go. Bowing her head, she recited a brief prayer for a spirit of unity among the Burton and Callahan families.

  Avery and Brody came in, the first to arrive.

  Brody shook hands with Levi. “I hope you don’t mind me here since I’m not from either family.”

  “You’re marrying into one which is good enough.” Levi pointed to the array of food. “Grab a bite to eat. We’ll get started once everyone is here.”

  Paige greeted Avery as she walked by and they exchanged a brief hug.

  “Thanks for coming,” she told Avery.

  “I think it’s great what you and Levi want to do.” Avery’s smile supported her words. “Our generation can be the one to stop this once and for all.”

  “That’s what we are hoping for.” More guests arrived, and Paige moved to greet them.

  By five minutes past their announced starting time, all twenty seats were filled and five more had been added. She’d been so busy speaking with her cousins and friends that she hadn’t had a chance to talk with Levi.

  Searching him out, she found him and sidled up to him. “Look at this. With all of us working together, we can make a change. It’s going to happen.”

  A cautious smile tugged at Levi’s lips. “I don’t want to get my hopes up, but this is fantastic.”

  “Start talking. Let’s get this going.” Excitement pumped through her veins.

  Change was coming. She felt it

  Levi stood at the front of the room. “May I have everyone’s attention?”

  The room quieted, and heads turned to face Levi.

  He cleared his throat. “I’m sure you’ve noticed that the group we’ve gathered today are members of the feuding Callahan and Burton families. Recently, I’ve been made aware of several circumstances in which the feud has severely hurt innocent people. I’m sure for each of those stories, every one of you could share three more stories of friends and family you personally know who’ve been negatively impacted by this feud.”

  Murmurs of agreement circled the room. Paige listened in to the comments she could, and not a single person denied damage from the grudge.

  Tapping on the mic to regain control, Levi shot her a look. She closed the distance between them and stood by him in a show of support.

  “For the first time, I see hope of the disagreements coming to an end. I look out at each of you and see a community of friends, regardless of what your last name happens to be. I also know there’s been a change since I left eight years ago. Many of you wouldn’t speak to me then, but have treated me as a friend since my return.”

  Apologies came forth, and Ed Callahan, one of his first cousins, rose from his seat. “Let me be the first to say publicly I’m sorry for not treating you like family when we were children. I allowed my parents to influence my bad behavior without ever questioning why, and for that I am sorry.”

  Agreements from many of Levi’s relatives filled the air. Paige’s heart ballooned into love for these people willing to stand and admit their mistakes.

  Levi held out a hand. “I appreciate the sentiments, but I didn’t bring up the subject to condemn anyone, rather than make the point there is a change happening right in front of our eyes.” He pointed to the tables. “Ryan and Lara are perfect examples. Love trumps hate—it has to.” Reaching for Paige’s hand, he continued. “But love needs to be spread in order for it to overcome. That’s what this meeting is about. Paige and I would like for all of us to brainstorm ways to reach those holding on to the feud and find ways to end the animosity between families once and for all.”

  An enthusiastic cheer followed Levi’s speech.

  Ryan Burton stood. “May I say something?”

  “Yes,” Levi answered.

  “When Levi and Paige approached me this week about coming together as families to solve this ongoing fight, I was more than happy to participate, and I thank them for the invitation.” He nodded to her and Levi. “Creating unity among our generation shouldn’t be a problem. Most of us want to move beyond a centuries-old scandal. If we handle this right, the future generation will also be free of it, so essentially the problem becomes getting our parents and grandparents on board.”

  Some said “absolutely,” but Paige couldn’t pinpoint the voice.

  Avery Callahan pushed back her seat and stood. “Most of you know I despise the treasure and want nothing to do with it, but ever since Paige invited me here earlier in the week, I’ve been thinking about solutions.” Most everyone in the room chuckled. Avery’s aversion to the treasure was legendary. She even refused to sell titles on the topic in her bookstore. “As Ryan pointed out, the older generations will be the difficult ones to reach. The only feasible solution that I can think of is that the treasure must be found. I believe that’s the only way to move forward.”

  Lara gave her sister a weary look. “You don’t even believe there is a missing treasure.”

  “I could be wrong.” Avery shrugged. “Either way, we need to find concrete proof that it doesn’t exist, or locate the goods.”

  Paige contemplated the idea. It had merit, but she doubted the feasibility. “That’s an interesting idea, but how are we going to find it if no one in centurie
s has been able to?”

  Bree joined the discussion. “We have one thing going for us that no one else did. Teamwork.” She waved an arm to include everyone there. “If we all work together, we’re bound to uncover more information than working alone or as a small team.”

  Rising from his spot, Victor addressed the room. “I wholeheartedly believe that it’s time to lay this feud to rest, so I’m not trying to be difficult, but how will finding the treasure help matters? It seems to me that if it’s found, it will only fan the flames as each family argues that the fortune belongs to them.”

  Unfazed, Levi held the mic to reply. “I understand, and there is a risk that could happen, but that’s why we’re here today, to trade ideas and create a game plan. Does anyone have any more thoughts?”

  Tanner Burton, one of Paige’s first cousins, took the mic. “How many of us believe a lost treasure exists?”

  “It absolutely exists.” Ryan came to the front again. “I have the journals to prove it, and many of you have seen them.”

  Paige bit her tongue, reminded herself they were here to form a unified coalition. To do that, she’d have to forget that Ryan’s family guarded the journals closely, not even allowing many of the other Burtons, including her family, to see them.

  Levi stood beside Ryan. “Are you willing to share them with everyone for the sake of a solution?”

  “Technically, they belong to my parents, and they probably wouldn’t agree, but, I have a way to get around that.” He motioned to Bree. “Doesn’t the University have a new technology that can safely scan the information from the journals without any physical damage and put it into a document?”

  “Yes, they do.” Bree grinned, her excitement at the prospect shining through. “I’d be happy to take the lead on that. If I take them in tomorrow afternoon, I can be done by the night and email everyone the file.”

  “Is anyone opposed to proceeding with this action?” Levi asked.

  All eyes shifted to Victor, who’d been the only one to voice a measure of concern.

  He laughed nervously. “Don’t look at me. If the majority thinks it is in the best interest, then I’ll go with them.”