As they drove in silence, Harrison realized that his time in Sapphire Bay had started as a way to escape his past, but it was quickly becoming a place where he might build a future. But what that future looked like, whether it included construction, counseling, or something entirely new, was a puzzle he was still piecing together.
The only certainty was the growing connection he felt to the people here, to Daniella, and to the community that had welcomed him with open arms. Maybe Sapphire Bay was more than a temporary refuge. Maybe it was a place where he could find the peace his parents so dearly wished for him and, in doing so, rediscover himself.
CHAPTER11
As Daniella paced anxiously in her parents’ living room, her mind was full of worry and concern for Owen. Every vehicle that drove along the street drew her gaze, each one heightening the knot of anxiety in her stomach. She couldn’t shake off the fear that Owen’s struggles had pushed him to a breaking point.
Suddenly, the sound of a truck pulling into the driveway caught her attention. Peering out, she saw Harrison’s truck, with Owen getting out of the passenger side. Relief washed through her, and she rushed to the door, flinging it open just as Owen made his way up the path.
“What were you doing around Flathead Lake? You should have told Mom and Dad where you were going.”
“It’s nice to see you, too,” Owen told her. “I’m thirty-six-years-old, Daniella. I can look after myself.”
Daniella’s parents rushed onto the driveway.
“We’re glad you’re home safe and sound,” Lynda said. She hugged Owen close, then sent him one of her ferocious scowls. “Next time, tell us where you’re going. And take your cell phone. You could have fallen down a bank and hurt yourself.”
“I left a note on the kitchen counter,” Owen said with a confused frown. “I told you exactly where I was going and when I’d return. Didn’t you see it?”
Daniella’s father cleared his throat. “It could have been me,” he muttered. “I cleaned the counter this morning and threw out a pile of old newspapers and flyers. It must’ve been mixed up in that.”
Daniella sighed. It was no wonder Owen was a little annoyed. “Well, I’m just happy you’re here,” she said to her brother. She looked at Harrison. “Thanks for bringing Owen home. Do you want to have a cup of coffee with us?”
“I’d like to, but there are a few things I need to do tonight.” He handed Owen a piece of paper. “That’s the date and location of the meeting I was telling you about.”
Owen put the piece of paper in his pocket without looking at it. “Thanks. I appreciate the lift home.”
“Anytime,” Harrison said. “I’d better get going.”
Daniella followed him to his truck. He looked as though he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. “Harrison?”
“Mmm?”
“Do you need a hug?”
Harrison hesitated before turning to face her. There was a moment of vulnerability in his eyes that Daniella hadn’t seen before.
“Sure,” he said, his voice a low rumble, almost a whisper.
She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. His body was tense at first, but then she felt him relax, felt the sigh he released as if letting go of a burden too heavy to bear alone. They stood there on the driveway and, in that embrace, Daniella hoped to convey not only her gratitude but also her understanding and support.
After a moment, Harrison stepped back, his usual composure slipping back into place. “Thank you,” he said, offering her a small, grateful smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I needed that more than I realized.”
Daniella nodded, her heart aching for him. “Anytime,” she echoed his earlier words. “And if you ever need to talk, or run, or just sit in silence, I’m here.”
Harrison gave her a nod of acknowledgment, his eyes holding hers for a moment longer than necessary. “I’ll remember that,” he said.
As he climbed into his truck and drove away, a mixture of emotions swirled inside Daniella.
Turning back to her family, she forced a smile. There were no easy answers for any of them, but as long as they had each other—and friends like Harrison—they’d find their way through the hard times.
* * *
Harrison reclinedin the old chair on his veranda, the wooden slats familiar against his back. He sighed as the cool evening breeze carried the scent of pine and the distant sound of people talking and enjoying the evening.
Sapphire Bay was peaceful in a way that made his former life seem like a distant dream. Taking a deep breath, he pulled out his phone and found Frank Edam’s number. It was Frank’s dad who’d given him a job at his construction company when he was a struggling college student.
The long, hard days were exhausting, but he’d enjoyed every minute. There was an honesty in the work, a friendship amongst the crew, and a clear sense of accomplishment when they finished each job. If it weren’t for the skills he’d learned, he wouldn’t have the job in Sapphire Bay.
