“I don’t need looking after.”
“Everyone needs someone to take care of them,” Owen said quietly.
Daniella knew his concern came from a good place but, sometimes, she wished he’d stop looking after everyone else and pay more attention to his own life.
The conversation shifted to the community housing. When her mom and dad said how proud they were that she’d been part of this project, she stood a little taller. They knew how much time and effort she’d put into making today a success, even if she was only responsible for the props and furniture.
As Harrison spoke to her parents, she felt a blend of pride and apprehension. Introducing him to her family was pretty easy. It was almost like they’d known each other for years.
She just hoped Owen didn’t jump to any conclusions about her relationship with Harrison. They were friends, and that’s all they could ever be.
* * *
Daniella steppedonto a ladder inside The Fairy Forest, rehanging a decoration that had fallen off the wall during this afternoon’s birthday party.
The room had been transformed into a whimsical, pirate-themed wonderland, with streamers cascading from the ceiling and fairy lights twinkling like distant stars. The laughter and excited chatter of children filled the air, each eagerly awaiting Long John Silver’s arrival.
Daniella glanced at the door just as Owen walked in, his clothes a far cry from his usual jeans and a T-shirt. He was dressed as Long John Silver, complete with a makeshift eyepatch and a dramatic hat that he seemed to be wearing with a mix of reluctance and resignation.
She climbed down the ladder and smiled. She knew how much Owen disliked these events. The noisy, chaotic energy of children’s parties wasn’t something he enjoyed. But, he was still here, playing the part of a wicked pirate with a performance that should’ve earned him an Oscar.
After today, she owed her brother three dozen chocolate chip cookies—a price she was more than willing to pay to make a child’s wish come true.
As the children swarmed around Owen, their shrieks of delight echoing off the walls, Daniella watched him closely. Beneath the costume and the forced bravado, she could see the subtle signs of the pain he carried with him. Owen had his own battles, his moments of despair, especially when his thoughts drifted to a tragic mass shooting at a Detroit shopping mall. By the end of that horrible day, forty-two people were dead, including Owen’s best friend. Yet here he was, putting on a brave face, making pirate jokes, and entertaining a group of wide-eyed children.
It was these moments, these glimpses of the strength and vulnerability of her brother, that Daniella cherished the most. She didn’t want to think about what she’d do if anything happened to him.
The party was in full swing when Harrison stopped by. He caught Daniella’s eye as he came into the room, a look of surprise crossing his face at the sight of The Fairy Forest in full pirate mode.
Owen was about to leave when he saw Harrison. The two men exchanged a brief, somewhat awkward greeting. Owen’s usual guarded attitude was in place, but there was a hint of curiosity as he sized up Harrison.
Daniella moved closer in case her brother said something he shouldn’t.
“I didn’t expect to see you here,” Owen said cautiously to Harrison.
“I’m dropping off the props Daniella used in the community housing project,” Harrison replied, his attention shifting briefly to the children running around. “Everyone looks as though they’re having a great time.”
Owen nodded, a flicker of a smile appearing on his face. “It’s had its moments. Daniella and her staff do an incredible job of keeping everyone entertained.”
Daniella looked at Harrison. “Owen makes a great Long John Silver. The children loved his pirate act,” she said, trying to ease the tension.
“You’re just lucky I fit the costume,” Owen said, a touch of humor in his voice. “It’s good to see you, Harrison. I have to pick up something for Mom, Daniella. Is there anything you need in town?”
“Not that I can remember but thanks for asking.”
Owen nodded. “Don’t stay at work all night. You’ve had a busy few weeks.”
She sent him a cheeky salute. “Yes, Dad.”
With a shake of his head, he said goodbye and walked out of The Fairy Forest.
That left Daniella and Harrison with thirty-six over-excited children, a handful of parents, and two part-time staff. “Do you want me to show you where to put the props?”
Harrison shook his head. “I made a note of where each piece came from, so we’re good to go.”
Daniella was relieved he was so organized. “Would you mind if I carry on with the party? I’ve only got a couple of part-time assistants today and they need all the help I can give them.”
“That’s fine. I’ve brought two of the guys from the construction team with me. Between the three of us, we’ll put everything back where it came from.”
