The Starlight Café’s involvement ensured no one would go hungry, with a menu that would be as fun and exciting as the camp’s activities.
As they walked around the grounds, Daniella pointed out the zip line that stretched across a vast expanse, offering a breathtaking view of the gorgeous fields surrounding the ranch. The high-wire obstacle course loomed in the distance, a network of ropes and platforms that promised to be challenging.
“In three weeks,” she said, her voice a mixture of determination and exhaustion, “all the cowboy props need to be set up here. The hats, the wagon wheels and barrows, even the old saloon backdrop I’ve been working on.”
Harrison listened intently. “You’ve put a lot of work into the opening day. Everyone’s going to love it.”
“I hope so. I didn’t realize how much there was to do. Having the opening of the community housing project and this one, straight after each other, has taken more time than I expected.”
They reached the end of the tour and stood on the edge of the property where the land met the sky. Daniella felt a quiet satisfaction, knowing that the activities she’d organized for the opening day would be fun and exciting. But beneath that, deep-seated tiredness tugged at her bones, a reminder of the long days and even longer nights she’d spent contacting people who could bring BioTech’s vision to life.
Harrison seemed to sense her fatigue. “Let me help,” he said gently. “With the props, the setup—whatever you need. You don’t have to carry all this on your own.”
Daniella looked up at him, struck by the offer, by the sincerity in his eyes. It wasn’t just the help he was offering, but the companionship, the understanding of how much time was involved in creating events that people enjoyed. She realized then that this project, like the community housing, was more than just a task to be completed—it was a part of her, a reminder of her love for Sapphire Bay and its people.
With a deep breath, she accepted his offer. “Thanks. I’d like that.”
As they returned to Daniella’s truck, she paused to lean against a fence. In a few weeks, the camp would be filled with laughter and excitement. “A lot of people have spent all their spare time here, creating a camp the children will love,” she told Harrison, breaking the comfortable silence. “But seeing it come together, it’s worth every long day we’ve had.”
He nodded, his gaze still on the zip line that threaded between the trees like a promise of adventure. “I used to be a high school counselor in Nashville. My students would have loved a place like this. It’s not just a camp; it’s a place where young people can feel normal, where the challenges they face don’t matter.”
Daniella turned to look at him, seeing the passion in his expression and the way his hands moved as he spoke of his past life.
“A place like this allows children to push their limits and find new strengths,” he continued. “I’ve seen how transformative the right kind of support can be for children facing tough odds. It’s one of the reasons I loved my job so much.”
She felt a pang of respect for Harrison. “It sounds like you were more than a counselor to your students.”
He shrugged. “It was about giving them a space to grow. That’s what BioTech Industries has created here. It’s something special.”
“That’s what I think, too,” Daniella told him. “Hopefully, when other companies see what BioTech has done, they’ll build something like this in their communities.” She glanced at her watch. “I’d better head back into town. I have to confirm some bookings people have made for The Fairy Forest.”
“If BioTech needs another pair of hands to help at the camp, you can count me in. I may not be able to offer much in the way of counseling, but I can make sure the zip lines are secure, and maybe even cheer the kids on from the sidelines.”
She smiled, grateful for how much he cared. “I’ll tell Aidan you’re interested in helping next time I see him. And I’m sure the children will appreciate having you here, especially when you know how to bring out the best in them.”
They settled into the truck. As Daniella started the engine, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. This camp wasn’t just another task on her checklist—it was a mission that she and the volunteers were bringing to life together. It was good, honest work. The kind that made her feel connected to her community and to her brother’s memory.
And with Harrison willing to lend a hand, the load already felt more bearable.
CHAPTER7
The doorbell to A Stitch in Time jingled as Daniella stepped inside Jackie’s store. She smiled when she saw a group of knitters chatting around a large wooden table, balls of wool bobbing in their baskets as they worked on their latest creations. The store was a kaleidoscope of colors with yarns of every hue and texture lining the walls, and the air held the comforting scent of cedar and lavender.
Jackie was at the counter, helping a customer choose the right shade of wool for a winter scarf. While her friend was busy, Daniella took the opportunity to look at the colorful displays. Her fingers skimmed over the gorgeous baby clothes and the soft textures of hand-knitted garments sitting on another table.
She stood in front of some hand-carved ornaments. With their intricate details, each piece seemed to carry a story, a piece of the heart of Sapphire Bay. On another shelf, her brother’s glass bowls glistened like polished jewels under the LED lights.
Daniella still couldn’t believe Owen was able to create such beautiful bowls. When they were younger, he avoided any form of art like the plague—even his teachers couldn’t get him to participate in any classes. It just showed how much a few years and different life experiences could change a person.
As Jackie said goodbye to her customer, Daniella’s gaze was drawn to the new salesperson tidying up a display of knitted caps. Something about her seemed familiar—the curve of her smile, the way she tucked her hair behind her ear. When she turned around and looked at Daniella, a flash of awareness passed between them.
“Harper?” Daniella said as she stepped closer. “From Sapphire Bay Elementary?”
The recognition in Harper’s eyes turned into excitement. “Daniella! Wow, it’s been years!”
“I haven’t seen you since your family moved to Polson.” Daniella opened her arms and hugged her friend. “It’s so good to see you.”
Jackie joined them, her expression a mix of delight and curiosity at the reunion unfolding in her store. “Do you know each other?”
