Paradise 4: A Love Story from Cross Village to Mackinac Island

By G. G. Galt

SWEET ROMANCE: Mystery, and Book 4 in "Paradise: The Northern Michigan Series." Kate and her family vacationed in Northern Michigan–– where the rich and famous flew in from all over the world to do their thing in and around Harbor Springs––play in the deepest harbor in all of the Great Lakes. Others contented themselves with drives through the beautiful Tunnel of Trees to have dinner at Legs Inn in Cross Village or camp at Wilderness State Park near Mackinaw City. Cottage owners in the area came to know who owned what even though they kept the information among themselves. “We should always protect our own,” grandfather reminded his family, “these city-folk are part of us now.” Legend had it Native American ghosts stood guard fifty miles either side of Devil’s Elbow on M-119. Whether true or not, since 1968, armed property owners and caretakers were suspicious of trespassers and didn't hesitate to protect their families and pricey retreats. Between them and the redneck militia’s watchful eye, the area was once again considered safe. But Kate wondered. Was it really?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gemini Press Books
• Release date: Jan 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310404603

G. G. Galt

Books by G. G. Galt are available through Apple Books, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Diesel, and other major online retailers, as well "Brick & Mortar" Bookstores.ABOUT THE AUTHORG. G. Galt's stories are fictional adventures happening in factual locations––ones that didn't happen, but could have. Her illustrated romantic fantasies often take place on the shores of Little Traverse Bay and Lake Charlevoix in Northern Michigan. Others happen on the East Coast–– traveling coast-to-coast by car or train.The stories originate from Galt's love of genealogy, history, music, art, antiques, and old house restoration. For inspiration she draws from sweet memories ladened in history.The author's most recent publications are as follows: (A) The Love Box Series--Love Boxes: A Love Story from Northern Michigan to Points Beyond, Love Boxes 2: The Vacation, Love Boxes 3: The Twilight Zone, and Love Boxes 4: The Bay View Cottage. (B) The Paradise Series––Paradise: A Love Story from Petoskey to Harbor Springs, Paradise 2: A Love Story from Cross Village to Harbor Springs, Paradise 3: A Love Story from Harbor Springs to Sausalito. Paradise 4: A Love Story from Cross Village to Mackinac Island.Forthcoming Spring 2018: Paradise 5: A Love Story from Mackinac Island to Points Beyond. Forthcoming: Paradise 6: Paradise 6: A Love Story from the Saint Lawrence Seaway to Mackinac Island.Each of the ten books in the two series is complete, but the author recommends reading them in order––one at a time––for the sake of continuity.

Book preview

PARADISE 4

A Love Story from Beautiful

Cross Village to Mackinac Island

By G. G. Galt

Copyright © 2014 By G. G. Galt

Gemini Press Books

An Imprint OF Worldwide Staging Company

PARADISE 4: CROSS VILLAGE TO MACKINAC ISLAND

ISBN: 9781310404603

All Rights Reserved

Smashwords Edition and License Notes

Except for the purpose of brief reviews no part of this book may be used, sold or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without approval of the author or worldwide staging company.

Thank you for reading the Paradise Series. If you enjoy this book, we invite you to share it with your friends. If you’re reading it, and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment, then the author invites you, on the honor system, to visit your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. If you cannot afford to purchase it, the author hopes you will read it anyway, and if you feel so moved, share it with other readers who might also enjoy it. Either way, by sharing this book or by purchasing it, you are supporting the author's hard work.

DEDICATED

To all who work and play in Northern Michigan

And to the sweet memory of those who no longer can.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Heartfelt Appreciation

To Family and Friends,

Photographers and Gemini Press;

For their support and help.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE

COPYRIGHT

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

PROLOGUE

SETTING & CHARACTERS

CHAPTER ONE

THE GOOD LIFE

CHAPTER TWO

BIRDS AND BEES

CHAPTER THREE

MAN IN THE CELLAR

CHAPTER FOUR

THE WOODPILE

CHAPTER FIVE

A DINNER DATE

CHAPTER SIX

WILD STREAK

CHAPTER SEVEN

PAINTED LADY

CHAPTER EIGHT

ALL SUMMER LONG

CHAPTER NINE

BREAKFAST IN BED

CHAPTER TEN

FIRST ANNIVERSARY

CHAPTER ELEVEN

STRANGERS IN PARADISE

CHAPTER TWELVE

MEETING KARSON

EPILOGUE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A NOTE TO READERS

INTERVIEW EXCERPTS

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

MAP: EMMET COUNTY

MAP: STATE

LINKS

PROLOGUE

SETTING AND CHARACTERS

Everyone gathered on the porch of the Harbour Inn and gazed across Little Traverse Bay. Nothing unusual about that except nobody ever tired of doing it. Picasso and Kate waved to the crowd and took center stage. Kate and I want to invite you all to Sausalito on New Year’s Eve. We figure you’ll be ready for warm weather and a celebration.

Yes, and in case you are wondering what it’s all about, Picasso and I are getting married. In the midst of the applause and back slapping as they mingled with the crowd, everyone wished them well. Two of their friends pushed the piano from the lobby onto the porch for Charlotte Ross Lee; once she positioned herself in front of the old upright, she let it rip, one song after another. An hour later she ended with The Entertainer as everyone danced down the steps and toward the waters edge. Waves three breakers high rolled across Little Traverse Bay as the setting sun glimmered across water and warmed the bucket seats of Kate’s little red roadster. Propped up against its windshield was a big wooden plaque. Picasso read its fancy script aloud:

"Sing like no one’s listening, love like you’ve never been hurt, dance like nobody’s watching, and live like there’s heaven on earth!"

It’s by Mark Twain, Picasso’s sister told them, a gift from all of us. We want you guys to hang it in your office––so you’ll remember to take time to party.

Office? No way, Picasso burst out, It’s going on our front door!

Kate nodded. "It’ll be a good reminder.

The restaurant and inn in Northern California continued to do well. And although they weren’t on easy street, the partnership between Picasso and Kate worked magic. They were both hard workers and gave customers far more than expected. Everybody loved the place, came back, and told their friends. News spread and soon they were on the list of the most popular bistros in Sausalito.

One day they looked at the books and realized they were out of the red—and actually showing a profit. Good news. It would help pay for their wedding on New Year’s Eve. When the time finally arrived, everything went as expected and better.

In high spirits as their guests departed on the third of January, everyone was told to