Page 10 of Finding Home at Hearts Hotel

“What a weasel,” George choked. “That man… I don’t know what she saw in him.”

Uncle George had seen Maggie as his own child when she’d lost her parents and came to live with them. He was very protective of her, as he was of all of his family.

“She was young,” Linda reminded him. “I guess we all made mistakes.” She looked over and smiled at her brother. “The only one who did was Michael.”

“I got lucky,” Michael’s voice dropped, and his eyes darkened with emotion. “Twice now.”

“You really did,” George and Linda said in unison.

“You were also lucky, Uncle George,” Linda pointed out to George. “Even though it didn’t work out the first time…” She grinned at the look on her uncle's face as Linda neatly steered the conversation back to Anna. “I think your second chance of love is with your first and only true love.”

George sighed, and Linda saw the look of defeat on his face when he realized she was not letting this conversation go.

“Anna and I have talked,” George admitted. “As you know she has retired from lecturing at the college in Charleston and has decided to move back to Sweet Blossom Bay.”

“That’s wonderful news, Uncle George,” Linda said, her eyes and heart lighting up for him.

“Looks like everyone really is coming home,” Michael smiled.

“What do you mean?” George’s eyes were curious as he looked from Michael to Linda and then back to his nephew.

“Well,” Michael started. “I’m moving here; Linda has already basically moved here.”

“That is the best news,” George stated, sighing. “And it makes my old heart soar with joy.”

“That’s not all,” Linda told him. “Ethan and Olivia are going to move here and start a clinic in Sweet Blossom Bay where the old campground across from Hearts Hotel was.”

“What?” George’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really?” He stared at Linda as if he was dreaming. “That means that Sophia and Jake…”

“Yes, they will be here all year round now,” Linda said with a nod.

“And Ryan and Brooke are also moving here and opening a marine and wildlife center also in the campgrounds that will span across the street into the wetland beside Hearts Hotel,” Michael added.

Tears sprang into George’s eyes as he looked at his niece and nephew. “My whole family is coming home?”

“They are,” Michael and Linda chimed together.

“This really is the best news ever,” George sighed and slid down into his pillows. “I’m sorry, I’m feeling a little sleepy.”

“Of course,” Linda and Michael said, standing.

“We’ve drained you,” Linda’s voice was laced with guilt.

“No,” George assured her, shaking his head. “You’ve just given this old heart so much joy that now it will mend even faster.”

George's eyes started to slip closed, the heavy blankets rising and falling in a slow, tired rhythm as the evening shadows lengthened across the linoleum floor. He looked so small against the stark white hospital sheets, a far cry from the proud patriarch who had spent decades guarding the bay's shoreline.

Linda leaned closer, gently squeezing his rough, calloused hand to keep him anchored for just a moment longer. "Before you drift off, there's something else we need to tell you. Something we've been holding onto."

George's dark eyes fluttered open, focusing on her face with a sleepy curiosity.

“After all the good news, I hope this isn’t the other shoe dropping and about some more bills?" he mumbled, his voice a dry, raspy scratch.

"No," Michael said with a meaningful laugh. He leaned his broad frame over the bed rail, resting a hand on his uncle's shoulder. "No bills. Actually, it's the opposite of bills. It's the best news we've had in years."

Linda felt an emotional lump swell in her throat as she looked at her brother, then back down at her uncle. "You know how you've always worried about what would happen to this coast? About the family legacy when you're no longer running the hotel?"

George offered a slow, tired nod, his jaw tightening slightly. It was a silent, painful truth he had carried alone for far too long.