“We were friends in elementary school,” Daniella explained, still surprised by meeting Harper here. “Harper’s family moved away, and we lost touch.”
“I tried to find you before I went to college,” Harper told Daniella. “But you’d already left for Atlanta.”
“I was in too much of a hurry to get away,” Daniella said with a wry grin. “What brings you back to Sapphire Bay?”
“I was working in New York City as a trauma nurse. The last five years have been tough, and I needed a break. Granddad had a stroke last year and needs a little more help around his house. So, I came home to give him a hand.”
Daniella placed her hand on her friend’s arm. “That’s the best reason in the world to come back. Welcome home.”
A sadness filled Harper’s eyes. “It’s good to be here. I’m sorry about Marcus. Mom told me he was sick. I was heartbroken when I found out he’d died.”
“He was a great brother. Do you remember when Rebecca Symes and her friends started bullying us? He left high school early to talk to them. They never touched us again.”
“How are Owen and your parents?”
Daniella wouldn’t tell Harper about Owen having PTSD or how much they were worried about him. If he wanted anyone to know, he’d tell them. “They’re fine. Owen’s staying with Mom and Dad while he decides what he’d like to do next.”
“That sounds like Owen. He always planned everything down to the last detail before taking the first step.” Harper sent a grateful smile to Jackie. “I still can’t believe Jackie gave me a part-time job. Working for a few hours a week in this gorgeous store is exactly what I need.”
Jackie smiled at Daniella. “Harper knows how to knit.”
“I don’t have to knit to be your friend. It’s perfectly acceptable to be an enthusiastic observer.”
Harper chuckled. “You’re still the same Daniella. I’d better finish restocking the shelves or my amazing boss might have something to say to me.”
“The only thing I’ll say is that I’m glad you’re here.” Another customer approached the sales counter, and Jackie hurried across to greet them. When the woman left with a bag of yarn, Jackie glanced at Daniella and smiled. “Thanks for coming by for an early lunch.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it. There aren’t many times when we both have a few minutes spare at the same time,” Daniella replied, her gaze still on the crafts. “Your store is like a warm hug.”
“That’s what Aidan tells me, too.”
Daniella followed Jackie into the kitchen at the back of the cottage. “So, what’s the special occasion for lunch? Not that I need an excuse to spend time with you.”
Jackie’s face softened, a mix of happiness and nerves. “Well, I have news. Aidan and I have set a date for the wedding. It’s next January at the BioTech building.”
“That’s fantastic!” Daniella was thrilled for her friend. With Jackie and Aidan’s work commitments, and the long list of people searching for a venue for special occasions, it was challenging finding a wedding date that suited everyone.
“And,” Jackie continued, a little hesitantly, “I was hoping you’d be one of my bridesmaids.”
The offer warmed Daniella more than any hand-knitted sweater could. “I’d love to. My answer is a big, squishy yes!”
Jackie threw her arms around Daniella’s shoulders. “That’s awesome. I can’t wait to show you my wedding planner and all the ideas I’ve already had.”
Daniella loved seeing Jackie so excited. The last few months had been full of so many ups and downs that it was good to have something positive to focus on. Something that would help Jackie heal old wounds and create a better and brighter future with Aidan.
* * *
Harrison feltthe weight of the antique dresser as he navigated the narrow doorway into the first community housing cottage on Anchor Lane. The piece was a donation from the historical society, a relic that had seen better days but still held a charm that new furniture couldn’t match.
Percy, a wiry man with white hair and a penchant for storytelling, directed him with a series of pointed gestures.
“Careful now, that’s been in Sapphire Bay longer than any of us,” Percy said, his voice a mixture of pride and caution as Harrison set the dresser down against the bedroom wall.
“It’ll be a nice touch for the cottage,” Harrison replied, wiping the sweat from his brow. “It adds character to what we’ve done.”
Percy nodded, his eyes scanning the room. “Just wait until you see the dining table we borrowed. It’s from the old Mason homestead.”
Harrison had no idea who or what the old Mason homestead was, but if the table was better than the dresser, he was looking forward to seeing it.
