Page 55 of Dancing on Air

Long wide steps led up to the main veranda, where tables and chairs lined an entire side overlooking the biggest swimming pool.

“Oh my god. It’s even more beautiful than the pictures,” Missy said next to her. “I can’t believe we get to stay here for four whole nights.”

“Believe it,” Max said, wrapping his arms around Cora. She leaned back into his chest and watched as they grew closer.

“You can park in the lower parking area,” JT said to Max when the ferry bumped against the dock. “Sarah or someone will be here shortly…” he started, and just then they heard a small horn honk.

Glancing over, she saw Lilith in a golf cart stop directly next to the dock.

“I’m here,” Lilith said a little breathless. “Look at you.” Lilith rushed to wrap her arms around Cora. “You get even more gorgeous each time I see you. Gosh, and so skinny. I need to take up dancing,” she joked.

“You just had a baby. How are Brooke and Alex?” Cora asked.

“Beautiful, just like you.” She glanced over. “You must be Max and Missy.” Lilith frowned slightly. “You were in town not long ago. I ran into you…” She motioned towards Missy.

“At Ed’s Pizzeria. Yes, I was here a few weeks ago to scope the place out. I only stayed a night. You have a good memory,” Missy answered.

“Well, we’re happy you’re a Silver Cove frequent flyer then,” Lilith joked. “You can park anywhere. Leave your bags where they are. They’ll be taken up to your rooms.” She motioned to the golf cart. “I’ll give you the tour.”

Cora gave Emma and her brother another hug and told them she’d see them the next day.

Missy sat up front with Lilith, while Max and she took the back seat of the six-seater golf cart.

“East Haven was built in the early eighteen hundreds. No one knows the exact date it was finished, since technically it was a private home up until eighteen-eighty-eight,” Lilith said as she drove slowly on the paved pathways.

As they started around the building, heading towards the ocean-facing side of the island, Lilith continued to chat about the island’s history. The rumors of pirates. How it had become a resort.

The massive porch wrapped around the main building of the resort, and there were porch swings and recliners to enjoy everywhere on it.

Lilith continued to give them the history and fun details about the resort while they passed the smaller pools and the hot tub. Then they headed towards one of the beach areas, through the flower gardens, and past the other pool and golf course.

Private trails weaved through the colorful flowers that veered off towards the golf course and tennis courts.

Finally, they stopped their tour at the back of the large building, where Lilith parked the golf cart.

“This is where the tour ends.” She smiled and got out. “At least on the outside.”

Just then, Sarah came out the back door.

“Cora.” Sarah rushed down the stairs and hugged her. “You made it.”

“I did. Where’s Luna?” Cora asked after hugging her friend.

“At home with Ben. They have the flu, which means I’m stuck here for the night,” Sarah answered. “If they feel better, they’ll join us tomorrow night for dinner with the rest of the gang.” Sarah held out her hand for Max and Missy.

Once those introductions were made, they stepped around the porch and entered the main doors.

Inside the glass doors sat the classic three-story wood spiral staircase. A small wood desk sat in the middle of the circle.

“We’ve got you all checked in,” Sarah said. “I’ve given you rooms near one another. You’re all set for massages in our spa, which gives you plenty of time before and after to get ready for dinner. The main dining room.” She motioned to the left of the front doors, more for Max’s and Missy’s benefit, since Cora had been there a few times.

While Sarah finished her speech about the place, Lilith pulled her aside.

“So, you and Max?” she asked. Cora smiled and then nodded. “You look really happy.”

“So do you.”

“It’s early yet, but we’re having another baby,” Lilith said, laying her hand over her stomach.