“Not as finished as this one, but whoever comes to the opening won’t mind. They know they’re still being remodeled.” Penny checked off the items on her phone, her lips moving silently as she counted chairs and examined the placement of a rug. “Good,” she said finally. “We want this to be perfect. The community’s put a lot of hope into these cottages.”
Harrison watched Penny leave. His mind was still on the earlier conversation with Daniella. When she said she wanted to get married and have children, it’d opened a door he wasn’t sure how to close. Or even if he had the right to ask her to give up the life she’d always dreamed of having.
As Daniella discussed the placement of another photograph with Percy, Harrison stood in the living room doorway, looking at the life being built within these walls, and wondered about the one he was making for himself.
CHAPTER8
The following day, Daniella stood on the sidewalk, watching the stream of people waiting to view the community housing project on Anchor Lane.
The morning air buzzed with excitement, a culmination of months of hard work and community spirit. The four quaint cottages, painted in the same pastel shades as the other buildings on Anchor Lane, were a testament to the determination of the community to preserve the past and provide for the future.
The Starlight Café, along with its neighboring businesses, was extremely busy. Its tables were spilling over with locals and visitors, all enjoying the delicious food. Daniella could feel the community’s heart beating in every conversation, every laugh that rang out in the crisp morning air.
An hour ago, Penny had opened the event with a speech, her voice carrying clear and strong over the crowd. She was followed by Pastor John, who blessed the houses and the future they represented. Percy, as chairperson of the local historical society, shared anecdotes about the town’s past, connecting the new cottages to Sapphire Bay’s rich history.
As people began to filter through the cottages, Percy and his team of volunteers were on hand to answer any questions, their knowledge of the town’s history adding depth to the visitors’ experience.
Daniella was making sure everyone was okay when Penny approached her.
“The cottages look wonderful, Daniella. I can’t believe how many people have come to look at them.” Penny’s eyes shone with pride. Out of everyone, she was working the hardest to make sure the project was finished on time and within budget. The county’s building regulations would’ve stopped most people from even starting the redevelopment but not Penny.
“It’s amazing to see it all come together,” Daniella replied, her gaze following the flow of visitors.
Penny’s expression turned sympathetic as she gently touched Daniella’s arm. “I heard about the application form you filled out to stay in the first cottage. I’m so sorry it didn’t work out. Have you found somewhere else to live?”
Daniella shook her head. “Not yet, but I’m still looking.”
“I’ll do the same,” Penny assured her. “Something will come up.”
Their conversation was interrupted when Daniella’s parents and her brother Owen arrived.
Her parents, Lynda and George, were warm and approachable, and didn’t overwhelm people when they met them. Lynda’s brown hair was cut in a stylish bob that framed her kind face, her eyes crinkling with laughter lines. George, taller, with neatly trimmed silver hair and a gentle, easy-going personality, stood with his arm comfortably around his wife’s waist.
Owen, her brother, was a striking contrast to their parents. He was taller, like their dad, with a lean build and short, dark hair. His eyes were sharp and observant, holding an intensity that spoke of his protective nature, especially when it came to his family.
Daniella tried not to frown. Owen had a habit of knowing what she was thinking before she said anything. And, because her thoughts were firmly on him, it was better if he didn’t look too closely at her.
Before she could introduce Harrison, Owen tilted his head to the side and studied her expression. Even when he wasn’t employed as a police officer, he still looked like one. His career had ingrained itself into his DNA and changed the man he’d become.
Daniella ignored her brother and introduced her family to Harrison.
Her parents greeted him with genuine warmth.
“It’s so nice to meet you, Harrison. Daniella’s told us so much about you,” Lynda said, her voice as welcoming as her smile.
“Good things, I hope,” Harrison replied with a smile, shaking Lynda and George’s hands firmly.
“Only the best,” George added, his tone friendly. “We’re grateful for everything you’ve done to bring the cottages back to life.”
“It’s an ongoing team effort. I was glad Penny gave me a job so I could work on this project.”
Owen didn’t join in his parents’ praise of Harrison and what the construction team had achieved. He was more reserved, eyeing Harrison with curiosity and caution. “I heard you’re a good builder,” he said, crossing his arms. “Where did you work before you came to Sapphire Bay?”
Harrison met Owen’s gaze, understanding the unspoken challenge beneath the casual words. “I was a counselor at a high school in Nashville. At college, I worked with a friend in his family’s construction business. It helped with my student loan and meant I could eat.”
Daniella watched the exchange, a nervous flutter in her stomach. “Owen’s the protective type,” she explained to Harrison. “But he means well.”
Owen glanced at her. “Someone’s got to look out for you.”
