Mrs. Russo start to stand, and Jen noticed Joe’s quick hand on her forearm with a shake of his head.
Mrs. Russo frowned at him, but remained seated. She did say to Mrs. Westland, “I think it’s wonderful. The most fun I’ve had in years.”
Mrs. Westland turned and looked at Mrs. Russo, and gave her a small smile and a wink. “Well, I can promise you that it’s only going to get better. Better even than the fireworks at Disneyland, if I do say so myself.”
She turned and waved across the room, and said quickly to Carrie, “I’m sure you’ll excuse me. The Thurstons have arrived and I absolutely must say hello.”
They all stared after her for a bit before Carrie and Dirk sat back down.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Dirk asked, not to anybody in particular.
Carrie sighed and shook her head. “My mother always has something up her sleeve. Hopefully it won’t be too painful, that’s all I can say.”
“That woman. I swear,” Mrs. Russo said.
“Ma, be nice,” Jose said.
Mrs. Russo took a sip of her wine and sighed, glancing over to the balcony that had a sweeping view of the bay. “Oh, look. The sun’s about to set. Looks like it’s going to be a beauty.”
Joe stood. “Nice change of subject, Ma. You want to go watch it?”
Mrs. Russo took another steely glance in the direction of Carrie’s mother, but composed herself. “Oh, no,” she said. “But you two go ahead.”
She smiled sweetly toward Jen, then looked at Joe.
Joe laughed and held his hand out for Jen. They strolled out onto the balcony and leaned against the railing. The sunset was, in fact, spectacular. Bright oranges, blues, reds—and it would only get better.
She glanced at Joe. She loved his smile, his warm eyes, his gentle ways. He looked down at her, and she looked away quickly, surprised that she’d noticed his soft lips.
“Looks like summer’s almost over. Not such good weather after Labor Day,” he said. “I’ve made a decision, though, and I wanted you to know.”
“Oh?” she asked.
“Yeah. Ma and I have decided to keep the business, and I’ll retire from my accounting firm. Working a gondola is a lot more fun than working spreadsheets.”
Jen laughed, and the news warmed her heart. She wanted Joe to be happy. And she wanted to be happy herself.
“And you. Now that the house isn’t up for sale, you can enjoy the rest of the summer.”
Jen sighed and glanced at the sunset that was now turning into deep pinks and purples.
“I can’t think of anything I’d rather do.”
Thank you so much for reading Newport Harbor House! In the next book in the series, Newport Beginnings, Carrie and Dirk’s fundraiser turns out to be a disaster, and Carrie’s life is about to be turned upside down—but Jen and Faith are there for her!
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Newport Beginnings
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The fourth book in this series is coming soon, within weeks. A Newport Christmas with Carrie, Jen and Faith is full of surprises! If you want to know when it’s live, join my mailing list and you’ll be the first to know!
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I have another series you might like.
As Deep as the Ocean is set on the beach where I lived for many years. It’s very personal to me, and I hope you like it.
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Cindy’s Newsletter
About the Author
Cindy Caldwell writes heartwarming stories interwoven with the bonds of friendship and family that combine what she loves most about women’s fiction and romance.
Cindy lives in and loves everything about the southwest, from its deserts and mountains to the sea. She discovered her passion for writing after a twenty-year career in education. When she’s not writing, she travels as much as she can with her children who, although adults, still need her no matter what they think.
Feel free to sign up for her list to hear about new releases as soon as they are available. Click here to sign up:
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Also by Cindy Caldwell
Wild West Frontier Brides (Archer Family)
The Chef’s Mail Order Bride
The Wrangler’s Mail Order Bride
The Bartender’s Mail Order Bride
The Teacher’s Mail Order Bride
The Blacksmith’s Mail Order Bride
Christmas at Archer Ranch
Saffron: Bride of Archer Ranch
Carol: Bride of Archer Ranch
Sage: Bride of Archer Ranch
Tarragon: Bride of Archer Ranch
Coming Soon:
Pepper: Bride of Archer Ranch
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River’s End Ranch
Honest Horseman
Gallant Golfer
Mischievous Maid
Discovering Dani
Snickerdoodle Secrets
Bashful Banker
Mistletoe Mistake
Picture Perfect
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Newport Beach Series
Newport Harbor House
Newport Beginnings
A Newport Sunrise
Coming Soon:
A Newport Christmas
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Vaquita Beach Series
As Deep As the Ocean
As Bright As the Stars
By The Light of the Moon
As Blue As The Sky
Newport Harbor House Page 15
