“I saw her for a few minutes before she came into town,” Noah said softly. “She enjoyed having dinner with us.”
“I ruined her family’s life.”
Noah touched his granddad’s arm. He knew how much he was hurting because he felt it too. “Cassie would disagree with you.”
“Maybe.” Patrick took off his toolbelt. “I’m heading to the kitchen for coffee. Do you want to join me?”
“Sure. The only thing I have to do is buy Jack some fudge and meet Cassie for lunch.”
“That gives us plenty of time. After we’ve had coffee, you could help with the framing.”
“I haven’t picked up a hammer in years.” The last time Noah had done any construction was when he was at college. His grandfather had given him a job over the summer break. It had been long, hot days, but he’d enjoyed every minute.
“It’s like riding a bicycle. Once you know how, you never forget.”
“I don’t know if the person in charge would agree with you.”
Patrick cleared his throat. “He’s a flexible guy.”
Noah looked closely at his grandfather. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”
“Coffee first, then we talk. I’m still recovering from last night.”
Noah couldn’t blame him. Even after walking Cassie home, the knowledge of what had happened to her family weighed heavily on his mind. But, one way or another, Noah vowed to make it up to Cassie and her dad. Even if it meant doing the one thing he never thought he would.
Cassie lockeda glass cabinet in her jewelry store and studied the display. The copper necklaces looked lovely against the deep red velvet she’d found at the market. With the photos she’d uploaded onto her website, they shouldn’t take long to sell.
After spending a lot of time working on the royal collection, it was nice to add something different to her catalog.
The doorbell chimed and Brooke rushed into the store. “You’re not going to believe what has happened.”
“You’re smiling, so it can’t be too bad.”
Brooke did a happy dance. “It’s so awesome that I don’t know where to begin. The person in charge of the marketing team at Wilson Enterprises received my first shipment of fudge. She was so impressed with the taste and the packaging that she’s featuring it on the landing page of the prestige website.”
“That sounds great.”
Brooke threw her hands in the air. “It’s more than great. It’s mind-blowing. Wilson Enterprises want me to send them another two thousand bags of fudge. Two thousand! I’ll have to employ more staff and order a lot more ingredients. This could be life-changing.”
Cassie’s eyes widened. “When do they want it?”
“By the end of the month. I know. It’s not far away. But it’s totally doable. Kathleen and Daniella are going to work more hours, and I’ve offered the students in the church hospitality program a job. I can’t believe this has happened—and it’s all because of you.” Brooke rushed across the store and hugged Cassie tight. “If Noah hadn’t come here to find you, and he didn’t find my store, none of this would have happened.”
“I’m really happy for you. But what about your wedding? You still have a few things to organize.”
“We’ve booked all the main things. As long as we don’t make any changes, we’ll be okay.”
Cassie hoped everything went according to plan. “If you need an extra pair of hands, just ask.”
“You’re even busier than I am. I can’t wait to see your new collection.”
“I’m sending each necklace to Manhattan as soon as it’s finished, but I’ll call you before the next one leaves my studio.”
“That would be great.” Brooke checked her watch. “I’d better get back to the store. Kathleen will want a lunch break soon.”
The doorbell jingled and Brooke looked over her shoulder. “Noah! It’s good to see you. Thanks for everything your company has done for me.”
Noah smiled as Brooke gave him a big hug. “I should come to Sapphire Bay more often.”
