And if two kittens and possibly a puppy became part of her future, she wasn’t going to complain.
Two days later,Pastor John stood in front of the tiny homes the community had completed. With their bright red roofs and wide verandas, they’d make perfect homes for the first two tenants.
So far, the official opening ceremony had gone incredibly well. John had blessed the site and, with the construction foreman, had planted an oak tree. Children from Nora’s elementary school had sung a beautiful song and a reporter from the local television station had interviewed the people who would be moving into the homes.
Zac tightened his hold around Willow’s waist. “You should be proud of everything you’ve achieved.”
“I’m only a small part of the fundraising committee. John did most of the work.”
“I spoke to Megan yesterday. She said you’ve been a big help. As well as planting trees and decorating the houses, the money you and Ryan raise the will pay for four more homes.”
Willow looked into Zac’s eyes and smiled. “It feels good to know we’re making a difference. Apart from anything else, the concerts will be a great community event. Did you enjoy Nora’s song?”
Zac grinned. “I did. She was so proud to be here.”
“The project means a lot to her, too. She’s spent a lot of time with Megan, helping to make the curtains and cushions for the houses. I thought I’d do something special for her.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know yet, but I’ll think of something.”
Zac gently pulled her into his chest and kissed the top of her head. “Sapphire Bay is lucky to have you living here.”
“It’s the other way around,” she reminded him. “I don’t know what would have happened if I’d stayed in Nashville.”
Sam cleared her throat. “I know what would have happened. You would have bought an enormous house, filled the garage with Lamborghinis, and toured the world wearing glittery costumes and false eyelashes.”
Willow laughed. “I knew there was a reason I wanted to come home. Taking photographs and making jam for my friends sounds so much better.”
“Since we’re talking about food, can you help Mabel and me in the kitchen? Everything took a little longer to prepare and we’re only halfway through putting it on the tables.”
Zac looked at Willow. “If you have something else to do, I can give Sam a hand. I want to speak to Mabel anyway.”
“We’ll both help,” Willow said. “A lot more people have come to the opening than we expected and they’ll all be hungry.”
As they wound their way through the crowd, Willow smiled at the snippets of conversation she overheard. Everyone who’d looked inside the homes was impressed.
Sam held open the back door of The Welcome Center. “Quite a few people are visiting the center as well as looking at the tiny homes. Mr. Jessop is showing a group around the community garden at the moment.”
“He’d like that,” Willow said. “He loves showing people what he’s been doing.”
Sam glanced at Zac, before speaking to Willow. “Did Mr. Jessop tell you he has the funding to build a greenhouse?”
Willow’s eyes widened. “That’s wonderful. He’s been wanting to grow vegetables year-round for ages. Who’s sponsoring the project?”
“That’s the thing,” Sam said as they walked down the hallway. “The person or company who donated the money have asked that their name remain anonymous. Even Mabel doesn’t know who gave The Welcome Center the money.”
Zac followed Willow and Sam into the kitchen. “As long as the center can grow its own vegetables, does it matter who gave them the money?”
“Not really,” Sam said. “But it’s nice to be able to say thank you.”
Willow shrugged. “Sometimes people think about you differently if you give away a large amount of money. Most people want to be treated like everyone else, regardless of who they are or what they have done.”
Sam’s gaze shot to Zac. “Maybe. But I still think Mr. Jessop would like to say thank you.”
Zac frowned. “I can almost guarantee the person who donated the money knows how he feels.”
“It’s interesting you should say that,” Sam said. “Because just the other day I thought I saw—”
