Lighthouse Way (Huckleberry Bay 1)

“You don’t break out these fancy little forks for me.” He picks one up and eyes it.

“It’s for appetizers,” I inform him. “And if you’d like to use little forks, which look hilarious in your big hands, by the way, we’ll use them later. I just have to open the wine, and then I think everything is ready.”

“There’s no need to be nervous.” Before I can start fussing over a vase of flowers again, he takes my hand and pulls me against him. “Everything looks great. Everyone will have a great time.”

I smile and take a deep breath. I haven’t had a girls’ night in a really long time. And today, not only are June and Sarah coming over, but all the sisters from Three Sisters Kitchen are, too.

“I’ve seen some pretty posh parties in my time,” he says and tilts my chin up to meet my gaze with his.

“Of course, you have. You’re a celebrity race car driver.”

“That’s right. And as such, I can assure you that this rates up there with some of the fanciest. Don’t worry, sweetheart.”

He brushes his lips across mine and then sinks into me, kissing me until I can’t even remember why I was worried in the first place.

“For the love of God.”

I pull back and look at the open front door—when did June open it?—and see all five women grinning at us.

Well, four are grinning. June looks pained.

“Every time I turn around, you two are wrestling around like a couple of teenagers,” June complains.

“I think it’s sweet,” Cordelia says with a wink.

“Well, you have to go,” June informs Wolfe. “This is girl time.”

“I’m aware,” Wolfe says with a good-natured smile as he loops his arm around my shoulders. “And I’m going. I’m hanging with Zeke, finally digging into the Ford. Just call if you need me.”

“We won’t need you,” June says.

“Speak for yourself.” I pin June with a glare and then offer Wolfe an apologetic grin. “Have fun with the car.”

“I plan to. Have a good time, ladies.”

He walks out the front door, and all of us watch him go.

“So, how do we order one of those?” Darla asks.

“He fell into my lap.” I shrug and then clap with excitement and gesture for the ladies to follow me into the kitchen where Darla and Mira set platters on the counter. “I’m so glad you’re all here. Okay, I don’t think you all know Sarah.”

“We met her at the diner,” Mira replies with a wink.

“And I go into the restaurant for their breakfast,” Sarah agrees. “We’ve met.”

“Perfect.”

“Can I ask a favor?” Cordelia asks. “I really want a tour of this place. The food will keep in the fridge and oven for a little while, if that’s okay.”

“Of course.” I love showing off the property, so we stow away the food, and I lead everyone outside and over to the lighthouse entrance. “We’ll start here. It’s over a hundred steps to the top, but I’m game if you are.”

“We are,” Mira says with a grin. “I’ve often wondered why you don’t offer tours. You’d make a killing with the tourists.”

I unlock the door, lead them inside, and reply as we start up the steps.

“I love talking about the lighthouse, but I don’t like the idea of people driving up here and just wandering around. This isn’t a state or federal park, it’s my home.”

“That makes sense,” Cordelia agrees. “And let’s be honest, a lot of people don’t respect boundaries.”

“Exactly.” I nod and stop halfway up so everyone can catch their breath, including me. “Let’s rest for a second, and I’ll fill you in on some history. If you’re interested.”

“Tell us everything,” Mira says with an excited grin.

“You know, I’m not sure that I even know the history of the lighthouse,” Sarah says thoughtfully. “It’s just always been here, and we hung out up here when we were kids.”

“Same,” June says. “I don’t know all of it, anyway.”

“Then let me change that.” I clear my throat and glance out the narrow window that looks out at the sea. “The tower and the light were built in 1870, making it the oldest standing lighthouse in Oregon. The original lightkeeper was Reginald Masterson, my three-times great-grandfather.”

I turn to June and Sarah.

“Rose’s dad.”

“Ah, makes sense,” Sarah says with a nod.

“It’s amazing that it’s been in your family from the very beginning,” Darla says.

“I agree,” I reply. “So far, we’ve been lucky enough to keep it in the family. Most lighthouses are now automated, but some, like this one, are still maintained by the lightkeeper. That’s been me for the last several years.”

I lead them to the very top, and we all watch for a few moments as the lens spins in a circle.

“How far out at sea can the light be seen?” Darla asks.

“On a clear night, as far out as about twenty-seven nautical miles offshore before it’s out of sight due to the Earth’s curve.”