“He’s had something on his mind,” Daniella said, trying to keep her voice steady, “but he wouldn’t tell me what it was. Has his PTSD symptoms been worse?”
“Yes, it’s like he’s retreating from us. We’re worried about him,” her mom confessed.
“I’ll help you look for him,” Daniella said firmly, her mind already racing through the possibilities of where he might be.
“You don’t have to do that. You’re busy at work. We can look for Owen.”
Daniella thought about what she could do to make sure the baby shower continued without her being here. “I’d like to help, Mom. Rachel and Vanessa are already here, and they know what to do. I’ll call Jackie to see if she can lend a hand. Can you message me with a list of the places you still need to check?”
“I’ll do that now,” her mom said quickly. “Let me know where you’re going so we don’t look at the same locations twice.”
“I will.” Daniella said goodbye to her mom and called Jackie, explaining the situation in hurried, hushed tones. “I need to look for Owen. Can you?—”
“Say no more. I’m on my way,” Jackie interrupted, the unwavering support in her voice a balm to Daniella’s frayed nerves.
After Daniella quickly changed out of her fairy costume, she pulled Rachel and Vanessa aside to tell them she had a family emergency and needed to leave. After a rundown of what they’d need to do, they were happy to continue without her, especially when they heard Jackie would be there soon.
Just as Daniella was about to rush out, Jackie hurried inside. “Go, we’ve got this,” she said, like only a true friend could. “Go and find Owen.”
With a heart heavy with gratitude and worry, Daniella gave Jackie a quick, tight hug. “Thank you,” she whispered, before dashing out of The Fairy Forest.
As she drove out of town, the picturesque scenery of Sapphire Bay blurred past her. All she could think of was finding Owen, of bringing him home safe. The memories of Marcus, still raw and painful, pushed her forward. She wouldn’t let her family face that kind of loss again. Not if she could help it.
* * *
As Harrison joggedaround Flathead Lake, the cool evening breeze coming off the water was invigorating. He’d grown to love these runs, a time for him to clear his mind and take in the breathtaking beauty of Sapphire Bay.
The rhythm of his footsteps on the trail and the natural serenity of the environment offered a peaceful escape from everything going through his mind.
As he rounded a bend, he spotted a familiar figure ahead. Owen, Daniella’s brother, was walking slowly along the trail with a large backpack strapped across his shoulders. From the looks of things, he was deep in thought.
Harrison slowed his pace. “Hey, Owen,” he called out, jogging up to him.
Owen turned, a hint of surprise on his face. “Hi, Harrison. It’s a great evening for a run.”
“That’s what I thought. Your backpack’s too full for a day trip. Are you going camping?”
“I was,” Owen told him. “But the weather’s changed and it can get bitterly cold in the mountains. I decided to head home and try again when the weather’s more settled.”
Harrison nodded in understanding. “Makes sense. It’s beautiful out here, though.”
“Yeah, it is,” Owen said, his gaze drifting out over the water. “I saw the work you’re doing on the cottages. They look good.”
“Thanks,” Harrison replied, feeling a sense of pride. “It’s an exciting project to be a part of.”
Owen looked at him curiously. “How long are you planning on staying in Sapphire Bay?”
Harrison paused, the question hitting a nerve he hadn’t figured out how to soothe. “I’m not sure, to be honest. I’m still figuring things out.”
Before Owen could respond, Harrison’s phone rang. He pulled it out and saw Daniella’s name on the screen. “Excuse me a second,” he said to Owen and answered the call.
“Hi, Daniella.”
“Harrison, have you seen Owen?” Her voice was laced with worry.
He glanced at Owen, who was looking out over the lake. “Yeah, he’s here with me on one of the trails around the lake.”
“Oh, thank goodness. Can you bring him home? Mom and Dad are frantic. He’s been gone for hours and no one knew where he was.”
