Page 91 of Buried Secrets

“This is incredible,” Kaitlin said, running her fingers along the spines. “You must have every book written about Maine’s coastal history.”

“Nearly,” David said proudly. “Forty years of collecting. Feel free to borrow anything that interests you.”

“Really?”

“Of course. Books are meant to be read, not just displayed.” He pulled a slim volume from a high shelf. “This one might particularly interest you—it’s a collection of letters from nineteenth-century island residents. The author interviewed some of the oldest families and compiled their stories. It was a master’s thesis project, so it’s not widely published.”

Kaitlin opened the book carefully, scanning the table of contents. Several family names she recognized from the mansion’s records appeared.

“This is fascinating,” she said. “Thank you.”

They rejoined Matt and Susan in the living room, where coffee and homemade cookies waited. The conversation flowed easily, touching on everything from island politics to favorite books to travel stories. Kaitlin found herself relaxing and questioning herself about why she’d been so nervous.

“I should probably get home,” Matt said eventually, glancing at his watch. “It’s getting late.”

“Of course,” Susan said, though she sounded reluctant to end the evening. “Kaitlin, this has been such a pleasure. You must come back soon.”

“I’d love to,” Kaitlin replied, and again, meaning it completely.

As they gathered coats and said goodbyes, Susan pulled Kaitlin aside for a quick hug.

“He’s happier than I’ve seen him in years,” she whispered. “Thank you for that.”

In the Jeep, driving back through the dark island roads, Matt reached over and took her hand.

“So?” he asked. “Verdict?”

“They’re wonderful,” Kaitlin said honestly.

“They really liked you. I could tell.”

“How?”

“My father doesn’t offer his books to just anyone.”

Kaitlin felt something flutter in her chest.

Matt brought her hand to his lips for a gentle kiss.

As they pulled into the cottage lane, Kaitlin realized she wanted to belong to this place, these people, this life more than anything.

“Matt?” she said as he walked her to her door.

“Yeah?”

“Stay with me tonight?” she whispered.

Inside the cottage, as they walked together toward her bedroom, Kaitlin felt her new life click into place. She’d found her family and her home.

Chapter 26

The town hall buzzed with the festive energy of Widow’s Point Island’s annual Founders’ Day celebration. Red, white, and blue bunting draped from the ceiling beams, and tables groaned under the weight of covered dishes brought by seemingly every family on the island. A banner reading Celebrating 275 Years of Island Community hung above the makeshift stage where the island’s small band was setting up.

Kaitlin stood near the refreshment table, still adjusting to being the center of so much attention. Word had spread quickly that the new town clerk would be officially introduced at tonight’s celebration, and it seemed like everyone wanted to meet her.

Of course, it was also likely that the intrigue came from the circulating stories and rumors about her involvement in the mansion murder case.

“Nervous?” Matt asked. He’d appeared at her elbow with two cups of cider.