Aidan satin his temporary office surrounded by blueprints and sketches of the research and development laboratories being built for BioTech Industries.
The high-tech prosthetics his team created were sent around the world, changing people’s lives. A month ago, he was working in New York City, hunched over his desk, refining the latest designs for his clients. And, after the morning he’d had, he wished he was still there.
When, David, his boss asked him to come to Sapphire Bay to oversee the initial fit-out of his team’s research area, he’d leaped at the chance. From the start of the process, he’d been involved in reimagining what their new research and development center could look like. Helping to bring those plans to life was something very few people were able to do.
Frowning, he picked up one of the packing slips on his desk as he spoke on the phone with David. “Only half the 3D printers we need have been ordered. I’ve spoken to Bryce to see if he can do anything as Project Manager, but he hasn’t had any more luck than I have. How are we supposed to meet our deadlines when we don’t have the technology we need?”
“It’s frustrating, but we’ll find a solution.” David’s voice was calm and steady. “Did the company say how long it’ll take to deliver the other printers to Sapphire Bay?”
“They’re too expensive to keep in stock. We won’t get them for at least another month. The only thing we can do is take a few of the printers from our lab in Manhattan and bring them here. But that’ll have too much of an impact on the work we’ve already scheduled.”
“I’ll send you the contact details of someone I know in Los Angeles. They might be able to help.”
Aidan sighed. “Thanks. I’ll call them today.”
“You aren’t usually this stressed. Is everything else okay?”
“Apart from some minor issues, everything’s going reasonably well. I keep forgetting that working from Sapphire Bay isn’t as easy as being in the city. If something goes wrong, it takes a lot longer to fix.”
David chuckled. “I thought our barbecues beside the lake might’ve made you overlook the disadvantages of living here.”
“They’ve made a difference, especially when Andrea bakes her famous chocolate chip cookies.”
“Are they good enough to make you stay in Montana for another year?”
Aidan ran his hand through his hair. “I wouldn’t go that far.” Most of his team couldn’t wait to move to Sapphire Bay, but he wasn’t sure this was where he wanted to live. “Thanks for listening.”
“You’re welcome. There’ve been days when I felt the same way, but I try to remember that this project is special. We couldn’t afford to build a research facility in New York like the one you’re working on. Once it’s opened, we’ll make a difference in many people’s lives.”
Aidan had seen the impact BioTech’s medical devices were making. As frustrating as it could be, if it meant helping to create a facility on the moon, he would’ve done it.
“Besides,” David continued, “you told me you needed a change of scenery.”
Aidan smiled. “That’s true. You can’t get much different than Sapphire Bay. Are you still coming for a run tonight?”
“I wouldn’t miss it. Andrea’s providing the food for a client’s wedding anniversary, so I’m free until eight o’clock. I’ll meet you at your place at five.”
“Sounds good. See you soon.” Aidan ended the call and stared at his cell phone. If his brother was alive, he’d tell him to get on with the job and stop stressing about every last detail.
But it was because of his brother that he wanted everything to be perfect—even if that meant working long hours and having too many sleepless nights.
* * *
Jackie slida box of flowers out of her truck and headed into The Fairy Forest, a fairy-themed events center in the heart of Sapphire Bay. A few years earlier, Daniella had risked everything she owned to start her dream business. It was an instant hit with people of all ages from around Flathead Lake and had become one of the town’s most popular attractions.
Anyone stepping into the red-brick building for the first time would be amazed at what was inside. With its whimsical decorations and breathtaking forest of trees, flowers, and twinkling fairy lights, it was the perfect setting for Jan and Cliff’s wedding.
Daniella walked through a doorway sculptured to look like the trunk of an ancient tree. Wearing a pair of golden wings and a pretty tulle dress, she looked like she’d stepped straight out of a fairy tale. “You’ve come at the right time. I’ve just finished the archway behind the bridal party’s table.”
Jackie’s eyes widened. “You must’ve been here before the sun rose to finish it.”
“I don’t mind starting work early. We’re fully booked for events today, so the sooner I set up each room, the happier my clients are. Do you need a hand to bring anything inside?”
“There are still a few boxes in the truck, but only help me if you have some spare time.”
“For you, I’ll make the time. Is your truck unlocked?”
Jackie nodded. “The box on the back seat is the last of the table decorations. If you could bring that inside, it’d be great.”
