“Thanks. I appreciate your help. Not just now, but for everything you’ve done for the opening of the cottages.”
“It felt good to be involved. Would you like to have dinner with me tonight? It’s a perfect day for a picnic beside the lake.”
A warm, fuzzy feeling settled in Daniella’s chest. “I’d like that.” She’d enjoyed spending time with Harrison. Now that the opening day of the community cottages was finished, she’d been worried they wouldn’t see so much of each other.
“How does five-thirty sound? I could pick you up from your place.”
“That would be wonderful. I’ll see you then.” As Harrison walked out of the room, she smiled and turned her attention back to the party. Rachel, one of her student helpers, looked a little unsure as she tried to corral a group of children toward the next game.
Daniella walked over to her, her fairy costume rustling softly with each step. “How’s it going?” she asked, keeping her voice gentle. Working with groups of excited children was always a challenge and, when you hadn’t been doing it for long, it was even harder.
Rachel looked relieved to see her. “Hi, Daniella. It’s going okay, but I can’t get them interested in the treasure hunt. They’re all over the place after the excitement of seeing Long John Silver.”
Daniella smiled, understanding the challenge. “Let’s gather them around and I’ll help you start the game. Sometimes, they just need a little extra fairy magic to get focused.”
Together, they called everyone to them. Daniella clapped her hands, and the children, captivated by her fairy costume, quickly formed a semi-circle in front of her.
“All right, little pirates,” Daniella began, her voice taking on a playful, storytelling tone. “Long John Silver has left us a map to his hidden treasure. But it’s not just any treasure—it’s a magical one. Each clue will lead you closer, and you’ll need to work together to solve the riddles!”
The children’s eyes lit up with excitement, their earlier restlessness becoming eager anticipation. Rachel handed out the maps she’d prepared, and the children quickly formed teams, their energy channeled into the adventure.
“Thanks, Daniella,” Rachel said with a grateful smile. “You always know just what to say.”
Daniella grinned. “It’s all part of The Fairy Forest’s charm. Let’s make sure each team gets a good start. The real magic is in watching them work together.”
As they moved among the groups, helping them decipher the first clues, Daniella felt a sense of fulfillment. This was more than just a job for her; it was about creating moments of joy and wonder, something she hoped each child would carry with them long after they left this fun, magical forest.
CHAPTER9
Daniella sighed as she walked around the edge of Flathead Lake with Harrison. Between a fairy lunch for a book club from Polson and three birthday parties in the afternoon, her day had been super busy. The picnic Harrison had organized was a perfect way to end the day.
They reached a secluded spot off the main trail, and Harrison spread a blanket on the grass. Stepping closer to the edge of the clearing, she took in the view of the lake—a vast expanse of water reflecting the sky’s changing colors and the sun’s intensity. Until now, she hadn’t realized how much she needed this quiet moment away from work.
“This is lovely, Harrison. I already feel more relaxed.”
“I thought you’d enjoy it. Everyone needs to escape from the world and make time for themselves.”
Daniella watched as he unpacked the picnic basket, revealing an assortment of cheeses, sliced meat, and two baguettes. Her eyes widened when she saw the fresh fruit. “Where did you find the strawberries and apricots? They look delicious.”
“I drove to Polson this morning to pick up some supplies for the next cottage on Anchor Lane. I saw them on my way home and couldn’t resist them.” He held the container out for her. “Try some. They taste even better than they look.”
Daniella bit into a sweet, juicy strawberry and sighed. “You’re right. They’re perfect.”
Harrison handed her a plate and they began to assemble their sandwiches. “So, how was The Fairy Forest today?” he asked, his interest genuine.
“It was hectic but wonderful. The kids had a great time, and Owen survived his stint as a pirate. I think he’s still finding confetti in his hair.”
Harrison smiled. “Your brother doesn’t strike me as the type of person who’d enjoy dressing up.”
“He doesn’t like noisy crowds very much, but he can handle groups of children. I don’t ask him to help too often, but this was important.”
“What about you?” Harrison asked. “Do you enjoy creating events at The Fairy Forest and making sure they go to plan?”
“It’s always a bit of a whirlwind,” she admitted. “But when you see the joy on everyone’s faces, it’s all worth it. They believe in the magic, and for a moment, so do I.” As they ate, Daniella shared stories from the parties, the little moments that made her job special. Harrison listened, his eyes never leaving her face, a smile playing on his lips.
The conversation flowed effortlessly as they enjoyed the food. With each word and shared laugh, Daniella felt a connection to Harrison that excited and unnerved her. He was becoming a part of her world, and she couldn’t help but wonder what that might mean for the future.
“What do you enjoy the most about being a builder, Harrison?”
