Destination Wedding ~ A Novel by Deanna Lynn Sletten Read Free Book Online Page A

full, yet they were the only two people on the entire strip of beach. She figured that people must flock to the other beaches on the island.
    "So, tell me how life is in San Diego," Claire said. "Are you still enjoying teaching college science, Professor?"
    "Yes, I am. Can't complain. How is Mandy enjoying teaching second grade?"
    "She just loves it. It's her second year at the charter school, and she enjoys teaching in the smaller classes. She had interned in a public school and she didn’t like it as much. The money isn't too good, but Craig earns a good income as a computer programmer, so she can afford to work there."
    "What about you?" Glen asked. "How's the boutique doing?"
    Claire smiled up at her brother. He was always looking out for her, even from two thousand miles away. "It's doing quite well. Better than I ever imagined. When I started it ten years ago, I never imagined it would be turning the profit it is now. I was able to hire two new part-time employees to help out this coming summer. It's wonderful."
    "That's great," Glen said. "And what about Steven? Are you still seeing him?"
    "Oh, yeah, we're still together," Claire said without much enthusiasm. She hadn't told anyone about the engagement yet and still didn't know if she was going to accept his offer of marriage or not.
    "But?" Glen asked.
    Claire stopped walking and stared up at him. "But what?"
    "It just sounded like everything was fine, but…"
    Claire shook her head. "No buts. Everything is fine with Steven."
    "Hmmm. Okay. If you say so," Glen said, moving off again down the beach.
    Claire stared after him, wondering what he'd meant. Did her voice reflect the hesitation she felt about her relationship with Steven? She shook it off and ran to catch up with him. She didn't want to talk about Steven this week with anyone, and she was bound and determined to keep it that way. When she made her decision about the proposal, it would be hers alone.
    Glen looked over at Claire mischievously. "Did you really suggest that Jim sleep out in a hammock the entire time we're here, or was Mandy exaggerating?"
    Claire laughed out loud. "Yep. I really did."
    Glen chuckled. "Wicked."
    Claire and Glen walked back to the resort and met up with the rest of the group and they all decided to go to dinner at a casual eating place that Sandra recommended. It was just a short walk downtown from the lodge, so they all took off on foot. Tomorrow, they had several golf carts lined up for the entire week that they could use to explore the island. Tonight, they'd have to hoof it.
    Walking downtown was another fun experience for the group of tourists. There were businesses and houses all along the narrow street, each one painted bright colors with yards separated by colorful flowering bushes, palm trees and other lush vegetation. White picket fences or vine covered archways sat in front of several homes. Even though the lovely loyalist-style cottages were close together, they each had the feel of a private yard because of the greenery. It was like walking through a village from a hundred years ago with children playing happily in yards or riding bikes down the streets and adults all waving hello to everyone they passed. Claire loved how friendly everyone was, and how small town this little gem of an island felt.
    The group entered the Lighthouse View Restaurant and stepped out onto the large, covered patio dining area that was open all around and jutted out onto the water in the harbor. True to its name, from any table in the place you could view the candy cane striped lighthouse across the way.
    The hostess quickly set up a table large enough to accommodate their group of twelve and everyone sat down in pairs. Claire maneuvered herself next to Mandy and across from Glen and Lisa, but since everyone was sitting as couples, she once again found herself next to Jim. Claire sighed. It was inevitable. They were going to be linked throughout this entire vacation.
    Menus were passed out