Read Online Love Finds You in Martha's Vineyard by Melody Carlson - Free Book Online Page A

save up enough for their dream vacation.
    Waverly still remembered feeling cautious when the time came to book the big trip. So used to fretting over finances, she’d actually suggested they wait another year to take the trip. But Neil had remained steadfast, insisting they had to go. So they booked it shortly after the New Year. In late February, during a Chicago blizzard, they’d packed their bags and left. Once they made their escape from O’Hare, Waverly’s regrets evaporated, and the rest of the trip turned out to be amazing and memorable—well worth all the little things they’d gone without to afford it.
    Of course, there’d been no way to predict it would be their first and last big trip like that together. But looking back now, Waverly thanked God that Neil had convinced her to go.
    Now—although today was completely different—she experienced a similar rush of excitement as she boarded the plane, found her seat, and buckled her safety belt. She was really doing this. No turning back. Every bridge was burned. Her nonstop flight to Boston would arrive in the afternoon. After that she’d ride a shuttle to the ferry, which would transport her directly to Vineyard Haven—her final destination. She felt like she was about six years old, like Christmas was just around the corner.
    Vivian had been hard to reach this past week, plus Waverly had been distracted with packing and preparing for her exodus, but she had told her mother which ferry she’d booked and when she’d be arriving. Vivian had promised to meet her at the ferry. Waverly hoped she didn’t forget. But even if she did, Waverly figured she could probably walk to town. According to the map she’d studied, the ferries were only a block or two from the center of the downtown area. Still, she hoped Vivian would remember since it sounded as if there was a lot going on there for them too.
    â€œJanice just arrived,” Vivian had told her during the weekend. “She’s taking her vacation here, sharing Aunt Lou’s bedroom, so it’s pretty cozy in the bungalow. But you’re welcome to stay with me in my room, if you don’t mind sharing a bed. Otherwise you can start settling into the apartment. Aunt Lou had to store some things there. She had things brought over from Boston, but she’d overestimated on how much furniture our little bungalow can hold. It started feeling like a warehouse in here. But I’m positive she won’t mind if you use her things.”
    Suddenly Waverly felt concerned—or maybe even territorial. Surely her mom and aunt would let her arrange the studio apartment herself. “My things are coming too,” Waverly said with hesitation. “They should be here by the end of the week.”
    â€œThat’s wonderful, dear. As I recall, your aunt only had a sofa bed and a few other pieces stored there. If necessary, we can find someone who’ll like them. We’ll sort it out when you get here, darling. No worries.”
    Waverly was still trying to wrap her head around this new side of Vivian. She wasn’t used to her mother being so congenial and easygoing. But she appreciated it. As Waverly stood outside now, leaning into the rail of the ferry boat and watching as it cut through thick, luminescent curls of water, she felt incredibly happy and free. The sea breeze against her skin, the summer sun on her head—everything seemed absolutely perfect. Picture perfect.
    She took numerous photos, telling herself that someday, when she had the time, these very photos would inspire her to paint. Watercolors perhaps. Or maybe she’d break out the oils eventually. She stared in wonder at the vastness of the water and sky before her. So much blue—varying shades of blue around her. As they got closer to what appeared to be land, probably the island, she noticed more boats. Some sailboats, some yachts—nautical slices of pristine white