He clenched his jaw, knowing he was delaying the phone call he’d promised his mom he’d make. With a sense of dread knotting his stomach, he called Frank’s number.
“Edam speaking. How can I help?” Frank’s voice came through, unmistakably cheerful and robust.
“Frank, it’s Harrison,” he responded, his voice steady despite his uncertainty.
“Harrison! How’s it going, man? Your mom said you found some quiet in Sapphire Bay.”
“I’ve been here for a while now. Living in Montana feels like a different world,” Harrison said, allowing himself a small smile. “How are Annie and the girls?”
“Thriving and driving me crazy in equal measure,” Frank chuckled. “Did your mom tell you about the job at Nashville State Community College?”
“Only a little.”
“They’re looking for a counselor,” Frank told him. “And I immediately thought of you. It’s a good position. Better pay than in a high school and they’re a solid team.”
Harrison let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. The prospect was appealing—returning to a role where he felt he made a difference. But the thought of leaving the quiet shores of Flathead Lake, the community he was becoming a part of, and the connections he was building, particularly with Daniella, made him second-guess himself.
“It’s a great opportunity,” Harrison acknowledged, his gaze drifting over the trees in his backyard.
“It’s better than great. Jobs like this one don’t come along often. I’ll email you the paperwork. You’ve got a week to get your application in before the deadline,” Frank explained.
A week? He could almost hear the clock ticking, each second a step toward a future he needed to choose.
“I appreciate you letting me know about the job, Frank,” Harrison said sincerely. “It means a lot that you’d think of me.”
“No problem. You’re a good friend as well as an incredible counselor. Besides, Audra’s been gone for three years. You need to get back in the game.”
Harrison’s hand tightened around the phone. He knew Frank meant well, but it didn’t take the sting out of what he’d said.
“Thanks for letting me know about the job, Frank. I’ll look over the paperwork and let you know what I decide to do.”
“You do that. It’d be great to have you back in Nashville. We can go to a few ball games and hang out with the rest of the guys.”
A sad smile drifted across Harrison’s face. He missed his friends, but he’d moved on from the late night sessions at their favorite bar. “Even if I don’t apply for the job, I’ll call you next time I’m in Nashville. Say hi to Annie from me.”
After hanging up, he stayed on the veranda, the evening sky deepening around him. He’d check his emails later. For now, he’d enjoy the evening and think about the paths his life could take. And try to figure out what he was going to do next.
CHAPTER12
Daniella placed a container of cookies on the table between her and Jackie and sat down. The last few weeks had been hectic for both of them. It was good to relax at home with her friend, enjoy the gorgeous view of the lake, and catch up on what had been happening in their lives.
Jackie picked up her cup of coffee. “It’s so peaceful here. It’ll be hard to leave when you find somewhere else to live.”
“I know. I’m going to another viewing with the realtor tomorrow. Hopefully, this one’s better than the others.”
“Don’t be too picky.”
“I’m trying not to be, but I keep thinking something better will come along. I guess I’m spoiled here. The lake’s one of the reasons I love this place.”
Jackie set her coffee down, her brow furrowing slightly. “I was surprised when you said you had a night off. You’ve been working all hours of the day and night for ages.”
“I had a late cancellation at The Fairy Forest,” Daniella replied with a tired smile. “I’m glad, though. I needed the break. How are the final preparations for the adventure camp going? The opening’s just around the corner now.”
Jackie smiled. “Aidan and David are buzzing with energy. Aidan’s been at the camp each day, checking on every detail, and David’s handling the logistics like a pro. It’s coming together, but you know how it is—there’s always a million last-minute things to do.”
Daniella nodded. She understood the stress of bringing a big project to life. “I can imagine. It’ll be such a fantastic addition to Sapphire Bay. And it’s so important, especially for children who wear prosthetics.”
Jackie’s gaze drifted toward the lake. “I agree. Aidan’s put his heart and soul into the project. He wants to make sure it’s a place where children can feel a sense of adventure, regardless of their challenges. And David’s just brilliant with the kids. He’s got this way of making everyone feel included.”
