Free Farewell to Cedar Key by Terri Dulong Page B

after divorcing his wife.
    As if reading my thoughts, he said, “We have a daughter. Lily. I needed . . . wanted . . . to be close to her, so that I could see her often.”
    â€œThat’s understandable. I’ve always felt bad that Grant is in the Boston area, but it’s worked okay all the way around for both Grant and Orli. He visits here occasionally, and Orli spends some holidays and summers up there with him and his mother. So I think he’s always felt very included in her life. That’s why this birthday celebration is so important to both of them, and they feel that I should also be there.”
    â€œOh, I agree,” Simon said. “Yes, family is very important no matter the miles that separate you or the circumstances that make you a family.”
    â€œHow old is your daughter?” I asked.
    â€œLily just turned 18.”
    Before I could ask any more questions, he called Brandy over for the check, passed her his credit card, and said, “Well, I’m very glad we had this lunch, Josie, and that you’ve accepted the position. Would it be all right if I called you should I have any questions concerning the office or if I’m looking for ideas and suggestions? I’m traveling back and forth to St. Augustine until the apartment here is finished, so maybe we could get together again when I’m on the island.”
    I got the feeling that the subject of his daughter was closed, but I also felt that there might be more to his story.
    â€œSure,” I said, standing up to leave. “And again, thank you so much for offering me the position. You have both my home and cell numbers, so just give me a call anytime.”
    He bent his head to sign the receipt and said, “Great. I’ll be in touch.”
    As I walked toward the stairs, I could feel his eyes on my back following me as I left.

10
    â€œO h, Mom! I love you so much,” Orli squealed as she enveloped me in a tight bear hug. “You’re the best. You really are! We can go to Boston for the holidays?”
    â€œWe can,” I said, sharing her excitement. “Not only do I have a new nursing position, but I don’t have to start till January, so that will free us up to go. I’m going to call your father now to let him know.”
    â€œGreat,” she said, heading to her room. “I’m calling Laura to tell her. Tell Dad I love him when you talk to him.”
    I dialed Grant’s cell phone, and he picked up right away.
    â€œHey, Josie. How’s everything going?”
    â€œVery well,” I said, and proceeded to tell him about my new job and that we could accept his offer to spend the holidays with him.
    â€œThat’s wonderful news. I’m so happy for you that you got the job, and I’m happy for me that you guys will be up here for Christmas and Orli’s birthday. I know my mom will be excited too.”
    â€œDo you have a date in mind for us to fly up there?”
    â€œHold on, I’m looking at my calendar.” There was a pause, and then he said, “Okay, Christmas is on Thursday and Orli’s birthday the following Sunday. Why don’t I book you on a flight for Monday, December twenty-second, and you can fly back home on Tuesday, the thirtieth. Would that work for you?”
    â€œIt would. Sounds great.”
    â€œOkay, I’ll get everything booked and I’ll be in touch soon.”
    â€œOrli sends her love, and, Grant, thank you.”
    â€œLove back to her and it’s my pleasure.”
    I hung up the phone and felt a smile cross my face. He really was a very special man. Sometimes I wondered if maybe I had been wrong not to marry Grant almost sixteen years ago when I realized I was pregnant with Orli. But no, I think our relationship had evolved over the years the way it was supposed to, minus a marriage contract. It would have been very difficult for Grant to support a family as a new grad trying to get