All Is Bright Read Online Free PDF

real life of his own. His work had been everything to him after Holly’s death ten years ago. It had been enough for a long time, but it wasn’t as satisfying anymore. Holly had been a sweet wife, and though he hadn’t intended to lock himself up in a house alone for the rest of his life, that’s exactly what he’d done. How did he go about breaking free of the reins that pulled him in every time he thought of dating? He hadn’t thought he’d be such a coward about being hurt again. Some protector he was when he couldn’t throw off his own fear.
    Delilah touched his arm. “Thanks for trying to help, Tom. It means more than you know.”
    He touched his fingers to his hat. “Talk to you soon. Don’t go out alone after dark. No walks down the road or along the beach unless Alec is with you, okay?”
    â€œYes, Sheriff Worrywart.” The hint of a smile lifted her lips, and her eyes were soft. “I’ll e-mail you with those names.”
    He nodded and walked back down the pier toward shore. If he turned around, would she be watching? He couldn’t bring himself to check.

    The last of the dying sunlight shone through the double windows in Delilah’s studio apartment on the top floor of Tidewater Inn. The room was large with a queen bed taking up one side of the room, and a small love seat and two chairs occupied the other side. Her small kitchenette held a single sink, a short run of counter, and a small fridge. She’d brought her sewing machine up from the butler’s pantry to work on the wedding dress.
    Her back ached from sewing beads and sequins back into place. She reclined and rubbed her burning eyes. The wedding dress needed only to be pressed now, and it was ready for the wedding.
    Lifting the heavy folds, she returned the dress to the padded hanger and raised it to the tall hook on the wall. Elin would be so pleased. Someone tapped at her door, and she went to open it.
    Her hair in a ponytail and dressed in yoga clothes, Libby stood outside. Her face was pink and slightly damp. “I’m probably smelly from my workout, but I’m so mad I could spit.”
    Delilah stood aside. “What’s wrong? You look hot. I’ve got cold-pressed green juice in the fridge. Want some?” At Libby’s nod, Delilah grabbed a bottle and handed it to her hot friend. “Sit down and tell me what’s wrong.”
    Libby dropped into one of the chairs and took a swig of the cold juice. “I got a call from the florist, and they won’t be able to deliver the flowers you ordered for Elin’s wedding. They’re going out of business.”
    â€œYou’re kidding! Without at least fulfilling the orders they have?” Delilah’s mind raced trying to figure out how to get the flowers in only five days. While the order wasn’t huge, it was specific with Elin really wanting lily of the valley in her bouquet.
    Libby took another gulp of her juice. “I haven’t told Elin yet. She doesn’t need any more stress.”
    Delilah fixed her with a stare. “Neither do you.”
    â€œI’m fine. You’ve already got so much on your plate. I can make some calls for you and see if I can find the flowers.”
    Delilah fell silent as she thought about it. While she didn’t want to add to Libby’s workload, finding more flowers was going to be a hassle. And she didn’t know how reliable the other florists were. She’d trusted Hope Beach Floral, and they had always come through for her. “I probably ought to make a trip to Kill Devil Hills and actually look at what they’ve got.”
    â€œLike you have time for that.” The flush on Libby’s face was beginning to fade. “Though Tom has a nice big boat, and he could run you over in a jiffy. Much faster than waiting on the ferry.”
    Delilah wagged a finger at her. “I see your nefarious plan.”
    â€œBrilliant,