Ivy and Shelly shared a wistful smile, and April knew they would miss their parents. April would, too, even though they had just met. Carlotta and her husband, Sterling, were fascinating and such an inspiration. Sailing around the world at their age—at any age, really—was an amazing accomplishment.
April and her party wound through the old hotel and gardens until they came to the terrace cafe. They were steps from the beach with a broad view of the sea. Although summer was officially over, September was often the warmest month on Crown Island. Children played in the surf, and couples strolled along the water’s edge. All around them, guests relaxed under colorful umbrellas with cool drinks in hand, talking and laughing.
“We’ve reserved our best table for you,” a server said as they were s
