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happy,” she added emphatically. “This is the best thing I’ve done for myself in a very long time.”
    “Met anyone interesting yet?”
    She stiffened at the oft-repeated refrain. “What is this obsession you have with my social life?” she asked, instantly annoyed. “I’ve only been divorced for a year and it’s been a rocky one. You should know that better than anyone. I’m hardly ready to rush into anything new.”
    “My, my,” Laurie said. “Aren’t you defensive? That must mean you have crossed paths with someone attractive. Tell me.”
    Shanna sighed, an unwanted image of the very attractive Kevin O’Brien now locked in her head. “Nothing to tell,” she insisted. A ten, maybe fifteen-minute encounter was not worth mentioning, though she seriously doubted Laurie would agree. Recently engaged, Laurie thought the entire world should be traveling in pairs.
    “Well, that’s just a plain shame,” Laurie declared. “I suppose I’ll have to listen to you go on and on about inventory, instead.”
    “I’ll restrain myself just this once,” Shanna promised. “You tell me about Drew. How are the wedding plans coming?”
    The last she’d heard, the occasion was to be opulent and excessive, every little girl’s dream wedding. Of course, a few weeks ago, it was going to be on a Hawaiian beach at sunset. It all seemed to be evolving at a breakneck pace that suited Laurie, but would have given Shanna hives.
    “Actually, that’s one of the reasons I called,” Lauriesaid. “Didn’t you tell me that the inn where you stayed last year was really wonderful and that they do weddings?”
    “The Inn at Eagle Point?” Shanna asked, surprised. “Here in Chesapeake Shores?”
    “That’s it,” Laurie said. “I couldn’t recall the name to save my soul. What would you think about us having the wedding there, something small and intimate?”
    “I’d love it, of course. The inn is charming, the food’s outstanding and the setting is spectacular, but I thought you wanted something huge, splashy and extravagant.”
    “I found out just how much huge, splashy and extravagant cost,” Laurie admitted ruefully. “Drew had a cow. He said if we spent that much on the wedding, we’d be ninety before we’d have enough money to buy a house.”
    “A good point,” Shanna agreed. “And fancy and expensive doesn’t guarantee happiness. I’m a living testament to that.”
    “So, would it be okay if I came for a quick visit, maybe weekend after next, to look over this inn, maybe talk to the owner about costs and available dates?”
    “That’s my store opening,” Shanna reminded her. “I won’t have a spare second.”
    “Two birds with one stone,” Laurie said happily. “And great planning on my part, if I do say so myself. I can help out at the opening. I’ll be your go-to girl for any last-minute details. You can send me out for ice or make me dust the shelves. You know how you love bossing me around. You’ll be in heaven.”
    “Are you sure this is about checking out the inn?” Shanna asked. “Or are you just anxious to get a look at this new life of mine, so you can give it your seal of approval? I know you weren’t overjoyed that I made this leap without consulting you.”
    “Well, you have to admit, you made the decision practically overnight. That’s not like you. You’re a lot of things, Shanna, but impulsive isn’t one of them. I’m worried about you.”
    “I’d been thinking about this for an entire year,” Shanna reminded her. “It was hardly impulsive. You have nothing to worry about.”
    “I suppose,” Laurie conceded. “But I will feel better if I see for myself if this suits you. So, how about it? Can I come to help you celebrate your grand opening?”
    Though she’d barely have time to breathe that weekend, Shanna found it impossible to resist the offer of help or a chance to show off Chesapeake Shores to her friend. She realized she did want Laurie’s blessing. Despite