by Judith Keim
Finding Family
Judith Keim
Table of Contents
Title Page
BOOKS BY JUDITH KEIM
CHILDREN’S BOOKS BY J. S. KEIM
PRAISE FOR JUDITH KEIM’S NOVELS
Finding Family | A Salty Key Inn Book - 4 | Judith Keim | Wild Quail Publishing
Dedication
CHAPTER ONE | SHEENA
CHAPTER TWO | REGAN
CHAPTER THREE | DARCY
CHAPTER FOUR | SHEENA
CHAPTER FIVE | REGAN
CHAPTER SIX | SHEENA
CHAPTER SEVEN | DARCY
CHAPTER EIGHT | REGAN
CHAPTER NINE | SHEENA
CHAPTER TEN | REGAN
CHAPTER ELEVEN | SHEENA
CHAPTER TWELVE | DARCY
CHAPTER THIRTEEN | SHEENA
CHAPTER FOURTEEN | DARCY
CHAPTER FIFTEEN | SHEENA
CHAPTER SIXTEEN | REGAN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN | SHEENA
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN | DARCY
CHAPTER NINETEEN | SHEENA
CHAPTER TWENTY | REGAN
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE | DARCY
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO | SHEENA
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE | REGAN
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR | DARCY
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE | REGAN
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX | SHEENA
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN | DARCY
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT | REGAN
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE | DARCY
CHAPTER THIRTY | REGAN
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE | SHEENA
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO | DARCY
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE | REGAN
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR | DARCY
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE | SHEENA
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX | REGAN
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN | DARCY
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT | REGAN
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE | SHEENA
CHAPTER FORTY | REGAN
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE | DARCY
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO | SHEENA
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE | DARCY
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR | REGAN
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE | SHEENA
CHAPTER FORTY- SIX | DARCY
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN | REGAN
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT | SHEENA
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE | REGAN
CHAPTER FIFTY | SHEENA
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE | DARCY
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO | SHEENA
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE | SHEENA
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR | SHEENA
CHAPTER ONE
About the Author
Acknowledgements
BOOKS BY JUDITH KEIM
The Talking Tree (The Hartwell Women –1)
Sweet Talk (The Hartwell Women – 2)
Straight Talk (The Hartwell Women – 3)
Baby Talk (The Hartwell Women – 4)
The Hartwell Women Series – (Boxed Set)
Breakfast at The Beach House Hotel –1
Lunch at The Beach House Hotel – 2
Dinner at The Beach House Hotel – 3
Christmas at The Beach House Hotel – 4
Fat Fridays (Fat Fridays Group – 1)
Sassy Saturdays (Fat Fridays Group – 2)
Secret Sundays (Fat Fridays Group – 3)
Finding Me – A Salty Key Inn Book – 1
Finding My Way – A Salty Key Inn Book – 2
Finding Love – A Salty Key Inn Book – 3
Finding Family – A Salty Key Inn Book – 4
A Christmas Star – A Seashell Cottage Book – 1 (Late 2018)
Going Home – A Chandler Hill Book – 1 (Early 2019)
Coming Home – A Chandler Hill Book – (Late 2019)
Winning BIG – a little love story for all ages
For more information: www.judithkeim.com
CHILDREN’S BOOKS BY J. S. KEIM
The Hidden Moon (The Hidden Moon Series – 1)
Return to the Hidden Moon (The Hidden Moon Series – 2)
Trouble on the Hidden Moon (The Hidden Moon Series – 3)
Kermit Greene’s World
For more information: www.judithkeim.com
PRAISE FOR JUDITH KEIM’S NOVELS
THE BEACH HOUSE HOTEL SERIES
“Love the characters in this series. This series was my first introduction to Judith Keim. She is now one of my favorites. Looking forward to reading more of her books.”
BREAKFAST AT THE BEACH HOUSE HOTEL is an easy, delightful read that offers romance, family relationships, and strong women learning to be stronger. Real life situations filter through the pages. Enjoy!”
LUNCH AT THE BEACH HOUSE HOTEL – “This series is such a joy to read. You feel you are actually living with them. Can’t wait to read the latest one.”
DINNER AT THE BEACH HOUSE HOTEL – “A Terrific Read! As usual, Judith Keim did it again. Enjoyed immensely. Continue writing such pleasantly reading books for all of us readers.”
CHRISTMAS AT THE BEACH HOUSE HOTEL – “Not Just Another Christmas Novel. This is book number four in the series and my introduction to Judith Keim’s writing. I wasn’t disappointed. The characters are dimensional and engaging. The plot is well crafted and advances at a pleasing pace. The Florida location is interesting and warming. It was a delight to read a romance novel with mature female protagonists. Ann and Rhoda have life experiences that enrich the story. It’s a clever book about friends and extended family. Buy copies for your book group pals and enjoy this seasonal read.”
THE HARTWELL WOMEN
“This was an EXCELLENT series. When I discovered Judith Keim, I read all of her books back to back. I thoroughly enjoyed the women Keim has written about. They are believable and you want to just jump into their lives and be their friends! I can't wait for any upcoming books!”
“I fell into Judith Keim's Hartwell Women series and have read & enjoyed all of her books in every series. Each centers around a strong & interesting woman character and their family interaction. Good reads that leave you wanting more.”
THE FAT FRIDAYS GROUP
“Excellent story line for each character, and an insightful representation of situations which deal with some of the contemporary issues women are faced with today.”
“I love this author's books. Her characters and their lives are realistic. The power of women's friendships is a common and beautiful theme that is threaded throughout this story.”
THE SALTY KEY INN SERIES
FINDING ME – “I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series and cannot wait for the others! The characters are endearing with the same struggles we all encounter. The setting makes me feel like I am a guest at The Salty Key Inn...relaxed, happy & light-hearted! The men are yummy and the women strong. You can't get better than that! Happy Reading!”
FINDING MY WAY- “Loved the family dynamics as well as uncertain emotions of dating and falling in love. Appreciated the morals and strength of parenting throughout. Just couldn't put this book down.”
FINDING LOVE – “I waited for this book because the first two was such good reads. This one didn't disappoint.... Judith Keim always puts substance into her books. This book was no different, I learned about PTSD, accepting oneself, there is always going to be problems but stick it out and make it work. Just the way life is. In some ways a lot like my life. Judith is right, it needs another book and I will definitely be reading it. Hope you choose to read this series, you will get so much out of it.”
OTHER COMMENTS
“Always love books written by Judith Keim. From these strong women who go through lots of difficulties and adventure to the Florida beach hotel books. Every book is entertaining and fun to read with plenty of excitement and surprises.
“I was first introduced to Judith Keim’s books
with her Beach House series and since then look forward to each new book from this author. Her stories draw you in so you become invested in the lives of her characters and want to know what comes next.”
Finding Family
A Salty Key Inn Book - 4
Judith Keim
Wild Quail Publishing
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, public or private institutions, corporations, towns, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. This book may not be resold or uploaded for distribution to others.
Wild Quail Publishing
PO Box 171332
Boise, ID 83717-1332
ISBN# 978-0-9992448-1-4
Copyright ©2018 Judith Keim
All rights reserved
Dedication
In loving memory of my parents, Charles and Dorothy Schott, who provided me with the best, the kindest, the most loving family any lucky child could have.
I still hold you close to me.
CHAPTER ONE
SHEENA
Sheena Sullivan Morelli stood outside Gavin’s, the new restaurant at the Salty Key Inn on the Gulf Coast of Florida, feeling as festive as the mini-lights wound around the trunks of the palm trees that softened the outline of the building. She was dressed in her finest on this unusually warm, mid-December night, and the tropical Gulf breezes felt good as they caressed her skin.
From among the hibiscus planted around the perimeter of the restaurant, lights twinkled like the stars in the inky sky above and lent a sense of peace to the area. That, and the fact that Petey, the pesky peacock Rocky Gatto had rescued and brought to the hotel, had decided not to bother with this celebration and was hanging out down by the bay.
“Let’s make this an evening to remember!” said Sheena, giving her younger sisters, Darcy and Regan, an encouraging smile.
Named after their uncle, the restaurant would, they hoped, bring in enough revenue for them to be considered successful in meeting the terms of his will. With less than a month before their final meeting with Gavin’s estate lawyer in Boston, they were trying their best to prove to him that they had succeeded in beating the challenge of turning his rundown hotel into a profitable operation within one year. Winning meant they would inherit Gavin’s sizable estate along with the hotel. More than that, it would determine how they’d spend the rest of their lives.
Sheena brushed an imaginary crumb off her blue linen dress and studied her sisters. Darcy was wearing a green sheath that offset her red curls nicely. And Regan, beautiful as ever, even with the scar on her face she couldn’t quite hide, had chosen a violet, flowy dress that matched her striking eyes. Funny, Sheena thought, how she hadn’t really known her sisters until the three of them had been forced to live and work together at the hotel. And when Regan and Brian Harwood, now her fiancé, were in a serious motorcycle accident a few months ago, frightening everyone, they’d become even closer.
“I hope everyone likes what they see,” Regan said. “Mo and I did our best decorating the interior with the budget we had.”
“Don’t worry. It’s gorgeous,” said Darcy, giving Regan an impish nudge with her elbow.
“The restaurant is stunning,” said Sheena, “and the food is great. We were lucky to get Graham Howard as our chef.” She turned as a stream of people headed their way from the parking lot, which was filling up fast.
“Here we go! Make it good,” said Sheena softly, prompting Darcy and Regan to roll their eyes at the big-sister moment Sheena couldn’t help.
They’d invited county commissioners, members of nearby city and town councils, other government officials, news people, owners and managers of other hotels in the area, and even the governor of Florida to join them for this grand opening. It had been a bold move on their part, but it had already paid off in publicity, even though the governor and some county commissioners had politely declined. The fact that Darcy had been writing a column for a local newspaper helped them. She was acquainted with the ins and outs of generating publicity and had invited several writers of local social columns, travel blogs, and magazines.
Sheena was soon swept up greeting people and ushering them inside to enjoy drinks and to taste the delicious-looking food displayed in the bar and on a long buffet in the dining room.
The dark wood paneling on the walls of the main dining room supplied a rich background for the brass and crystal wall sconces that spread a soft glow along the room’s edges. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting their own warm light. White linen cloths covered the tabletops, which were set with sparkling wine goblets and silverware that reflected the light from the chandeliers and sconces. Flickering battery candles sat among tasteful, holiday greenery, adding a pine perfume to the mouth-watering aroma of the hors d’oeuvres being passed by staff.
Upstairs, the large function room held another bar and more food to sample, drawing people through the entire restaurant. A buzz of conversation enhanced the sense of excitement. The crowd was a pleasing mixture of people who, hopefully, would be a source of future business.
Kenneth Cochran, better known as Casey, was a Cornell Hotel School grad and manager of the restaurant. Tall and thin, he was a natural at his job with his ever-present smile and alert blue eyes. Tonight, he seemed to be everywhere, overseeing staff, and greeting people. Sheena observed him with satisfaction as guests responded to his attention. If she and her sisters won the challenge, they hoped to hire Casey as the hotel manager to help Sheena, who would remain an active overseer of the property.
Sheena looked up as her husband, Tony, appeared with their two children. Tears stung her eyes when she noticed the effort Michael, at eighteen, and Meaghan, at fifteen, had put into their appearance. After initially being against her plan to come to Florida, they now embraced their new lives and were proud of all she was doing.
“Hi, Mom,” said Michael. His brown eyes, so like Tony’s, sparkled. “Okay if I help myself to some of the food?”
She laughed at the typical, teenage hunger of a still-growing, young man. “Of course. Enjoy.”
“You look pretty, Mom,” Meaghan said. “Thanks for letting me wear your necklace. It’s great with my new holiday dress.” She twirled in front of Sheena. Her auburn hair, like Sheena’s, swung above her shoulders and brought out the hazel in her eyes.
“You look pretty, too, sweetheart,” Sheena said. Her little girl was growing into a beautiful young woman.
Tony gave her a smile that warmed her heart. His smile had been one of the reasons their marriage had been prompted by the unexpected creation of Michael all those years ago. And though they’d always loved each other, their relationship had grown even stronger during their time in Florida.
He kissed her. “See you later. I’m going to mix with the crowd a little. Brian and I are hoping to pick up some new business.”
She gave him a heartfelt smile. Following Brian Harwood’s motorcycle accident with Regan, Tony had agreed to become a partner in Brian’s construction company and was now settled into his new life in Florida. As Tony walked away, Sheena noticed Blackie Gatto headed in her direction.
Blackie was Uncle Gavin’s financial advisor and a great supporter of her and her sisters as they attempted to do as their uncle wished by transforming what had been a small, run-down, family hotel into the upscale, full-service resort property he’d envisioned.
“Welcome to Gavin’s,” Sheena said to him, giving him a quick hug. “I’m so glad you could make it.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he replied, lifting her hand, and kissing it in a gallant gesture. He indicated their surroundings with a
sweep of his arm. “I think Gavin would be very pleased with this.”
“We hope it brings in enough new business and revenue for us to complete our challenge here at the Salty Key Inn.”
He nodded and settled his gaze on her. “I hope so, too. The downside of borrowing the money from Gavin’s estate to complete the restaurant could be difficult for you and your sisters if you fail.”
Sheena’s stomach curled inside her, but she didn’t want Blackie to see how worried she was. For the sake of her sisters and her family, she had to remain upbeat. With only a few weeks remaining to accomplish everything they had left to do, self-doubt could ruin them.
“I probably shouldn’t warn you, but a special guest is going to appear this evening,” Blackie said mysteriously.
“What? Who?” Sheena said and turned when Tony joined them.
“How are you, Blackie?” Tony said.
Sheena smiled as they shook hands. At one time, Tony had thought she and Blackie had something going on between them. With his Italian temper rising, he’d even yelled at Blackie to keep away from her. Now, they all could laugh about it.
“Heard you bought into Brian’s company,” Blackie said to Tony. “A good investment, if you ask me. The two of you guys can make a real go of the construction business in this part of the state.”
“Thanks,” said Tony. “Brian is still recovering from his motorcycle-accident injuries, but he’s able to do more each day in the field.”
“Nice to keep it all in the family,” said Blackie. He waved to a gentleman in the crowd. “Well, guess I’d better go say hi to a few other people.”
After he left, Tony wrapped an arm around Sheena. “You look beautiful, Mrs. Morelli.”
She smiled at him. “Thanks. When you entered the restaurant with the kids, I could hardly believe how grown up they looked.”
“Just a couple more years and we’ll be on our own.” Tony gave her a sexy grin that sent a gleam to his dark brown eyes. “It’s gonna be great. Really great.”
