Page 54 of Dancing on Air

Cora hugged Emma as the one-year-old clung to his mother.

“They’re huge,” she blurted out, hugging the kids. Liam was playing shy, but Sophia reached for her, and Cora easily put the little girl on her hip and held her.

Both of the twins looked so much like Emma it was uncanny. Still, Sophia had a hint of blonde in her short hair, like JT’s lighter locks.

“I know. Welcome home,” Emma said, holding onto Liam. “He’s shy. He’ll take a while to warm up to you again.”

“Where’s my dog?” Cora asked, looking around.

“Bo stayed home this time,” JT answered. “We’ll bring him for dinner tomorrow night.”

JT glanced up. “You must be Max and Missy?” Her brother stepped away and shook Max’s hand.

“Right, introductions…” Cora started.

“Are not needed,” Missy said, moving over to shake JT’s hand first, then Emma’s. “May I say, I’m a huge fan. I bet you hear that all the time.” Her gaze darted between the pair of them.

“It’s still nice to hear.” Emma chuckled as JT wrapped his arm around her.

“For you. I’m still getting used to everyone knowing who I am,” JT joked.

“Let’s get you loaded up.” JT motioned to the car. “There’s plenty of parking on the island, and the rental is safer there than here.” He nodded to the dock’s small parking lot.

“Sure thing,” Max said, and he sprang into motion.

Missy, Emma, Cora, and the kids all headed up the stairs to the small deck area to watch.

“How was the trip up here?” Emma asked after putting Liam back in his stroller where he lay down and covered his face with a blanket. Max drove the car onto the ferry while JT helped.

“Wonderful. I don’t think I’m ever going to ride coach again. We had our very own private cabin,” Cora answered, still holding onto Sophia.

“I went coach. But my trip wasn’t near as long as yours was,” Missy added.

When Sophia grew restless, Emma sat her down in the stroller with her brother, where the pair of them fell fast asleep.

The trip to the resort was so wonderful. Just feeling the salty air on her face, being out in nature again, was a high to her.

It was like breathing for the first time in months.

Her entire life she’d dreamed about living in New York and being in the spotlight. Dreams didn’t compare to the last few years of living her best life.

Still, oddly, she missed the country, the quiet, nature.

Then the resort came into view and the excitement of being pampered for a few days filled her mind as she and Missy talked about their plans.

She’d had Sarah book the three of them massages for that night and couldn’t wait.

East Haven Resort sat on the very tip of its own private island, which was the largest island along this part of the coastline.

Cora had been there only a handful of times herself and had never spent the night in one of the swanky rooms. Still, she knew there was plenty to do on the island.

They had a small golf course, three swimming pools, a private beach, and spa accommodations to rival the best hotels.

She had, however, enjoyed the large garden area with their many miniature ponds and romantic gazebo overlooking the Atlantic.

Just looking at the massive historic four-story building had her heart racing. It was still early enough that the white building appeared to shine amongst all the greenery like a beacon.

Thick white columns held up second- and third-floor private decks for each suite. She could see several guests out enjoying the early evening on a few balconies.