CHAPTER1
Daniella stood in the middle of The Fairy Forest, the fairy-themed events center she’d opened nearly two years ago. It had taken a lot of imagination and more money than she thought to create a little piece of fairy magic in the picturesque town of Sapphire Bay. But, looking back, it was all worth it.
Filled with twinkling lights, large artificial trees, and gardens overflowing with pretty flowers, it made Daniella happy each time she arrived at work. But what she loved the most about her job was creating unforgettable experiences that brought joy to others.
This afternoon, three groups of children were in The Fairy Forest, celebrating different birthday parties. Daniella’s pink fairy wings crinkled as she turned in a slow circle to make sure all the children were where they were supposed to be. There was only one problem with transforming a large room into an enchanted forest. There were too many places an adventurous child could hide.
Once they were all accounted for, she looked at the children who’d arrived first. With smiles on their faces, they were devouring the beautifully decorated party food. From cupcakes that looked like flowers, fruit skewers shaped like butterflies, and pink lemonade served in sparkly goblets, there was something to suit everyone.
One of the moms walked toward her. “I don’t know how you do it. Everyone’s having such a great time.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourselves,” Daniella said with a smile. “We work hard to make sure each event is as stress-free as possible.”
“Well, I just wanted you to know I appreciate everything you’ve done. Alicia will be talking about her birthday party for weeks.”
“That’s wonderful. If you need anything while you’re here, come and see me.”
Alicia’s mom smiled and walked back to her daughter’s party.
As Daniella watched one of the groups play musical chairs, a pang of loneliness settled in her heart. Despite being surrounded by happy children and parents, she couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was missing from her life.
A lifetime ago, she was a manager in a large advertising agency in Atlanta. Her days were filled with meetings and deadlines. It wasn’t until her eldest brother was diagnosed with cancer that she looked at her life and decided something needed to change.
She’d tried working fewer hours. She’d even joined a social basketball team to make friends outside of work. But the after-hours meetings and late-night phone calls from clients had crept back into her life.
A promise she’d made to her brother before he’d died had changed everything. Now, here she was, in the town she’d grown up in, creating special memories for the people she’d left behind.
A little girl tugged on Daniella’s tulle skirt. “I can’t find a wand.”
“That’s no good, Phoebe. How about we find a special one to go with your princess dress?”
The little girl nodded and held Daniella’s hand as they crossed the room. “I’m Snow White,” Phoebe whispered. “I wanted to be Ariel, but my friend wanted to be her because she’s got a mermaid’s tail.”
“She’s lucky.”
Phoebe looked up at Daniella and grinned. “My brother said her bedroom must smell fishy, but it doesn’t. It smells nice.”
Daniella smiled and stopped in front of some shelves. The best thing about being around children was that even when she was feeling down, they’d say something to make her day better.
Taking a glittery blue wand out of a container, she handed it to Phoebe. “Here you go. Make sure you make a special wish for your friend.”
“I will. Thank you.” And with a dimple-laden grin, Phoebe hurried back to the group of children on the far side of the room.
The main doors opened and Daniella’s friend, Jackie, came into the room pushing a food cart.
Daniella hurried across to her. “You didn’t have to bring in the birthday cakes.”
“It’s okay. I saw Megan in the foyer. She has to pick up Nora from the after-school program at the church, so I said I’d bring them in.” She looked at the parties going on around them. “I wish I’d had a place like this when I was younger.”
“You don’t have to be young to enjoy The Fairy Forest. Why don’t you come here for your next birthday?”
Jackie’s eyes gleamed. “I might just do that. Aidan would look incredible in a pirate costume. I just popped in to see if you’re still coming to dinner tonight.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Are you sure you don’t want me to bring anything?”
“I’ve got everything we’ll need.” With a quick look at her watch, Jackie pushed the cart closer to Daniella. “I have to get back to work. Is six o’clock okay?”
“Perfect.” With a wave to her friend, she wheeled the birthday cakes across to each party.
