A sense of pride swelled in Daniella’s chest at what her friends were doing. “I can’t wait to see it finished. All the props I’ve organized are being delivered this week. Once they’re set up, I only have to be there on Saturday to look after the guests. Let me know if there’s anything more I can do to help.”
“I’ll call you if Aidan mentions anything.”
Daniella smiled. “That’d be great. Before we do anything else, I’ve got something to show you.”
Jackie’s eyebrows rose. “Did you get a cat from the animal shelter?”
“No, but it’s on my list if my next landlord’s happy for me to have one. I’ll be back in a minute.”
Daniella hurried inside and picked up the box beside the sofa. She returned to the veranda and handed it to Jackie. “I’ve been working on this project for six months.”
Carefully, Jackie lifted the lid off the box. When she saw what was inside, she grinned. “I never thought I’d see the day when you had a crochet hook in your hand. These are gorgeous.”
Daniella returned her friend’s smile. “You’re always complaining that I don’t know how to knit. I tried, but it wasn’t my thing. But crochet—that’s a different story. I saw the women from the church’s craft group in The Welcome Center. They were making granny squares for blankets they’re giving away in the winter. It looked interesting, so I gave it a go. And now I’m hooked, no pun intended.”
Jackie took a few of the colorful squares out of the box. “They’re perfect. How many have you made?”
“Just under two hundred,” Daniella said proudly. “The rest are at the church with the other granny squares.”
Jackie’s eyes widened. “That’s amazing. Where did you find the time?”
“I make one per night, sometimes more at the weekends. It doesn’t take long, and it’s a great way to de-stress after a long day at work.”
“Well, all I can say is I’m incredibly impressed.” Jackie frowned as she pulled another square out of the box. “This wool looks like the one on display in my store.”
Daniella grinned. “That’s because it is. The ladies in the craft group buy the wool I need. All I have to do is choose the brand and colors, give them the money, and they collect it the next time they go into A Stitch in Time. If I’d come in myself, you would have known what I was doing and it would’ve spoiled the surprise.”
“I never thought I’d have an undercover operation in my store,” Jackie murmured as she returned the granny squares to the box. “How’s Harrison? You haven’t said anything about him for a few days.”
Daniella’s smile disappeared. “I’m not sure what’s happening with him. He’s been more distant lately, especially since he found Owen.”
“Do you think he’s under pressure with work? Or maybe there’s something else on his mind?”
“He asked me if I’d consider going to Nashville with him,” Daniella said softly.
Jackie’s mouth dropped open. “And what did you say?”
“I told him no because I can’t afford to leave everything behind. But what I didn’t tell him is that it’s not just about the money or my business. It’s more complicated than that.”
Jackie leaned forward. “Maybe that’s why he’s been so quiet. If Harrison doesn’t know how you feel about him, he might think you’re not interested. Have you thought about that?”
Daniella considered Jackie’s words, the possibility that not telling him how she felt could make the distance between them worse.
She’d built a wall around her heart since Marcus’ death, focusing on The Fairy Forest to avoid dealing with her own grief and loneliness. Admitting that to Harrison would make her feel like a failure.
“That didn’t cross my mind,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve been so wrapped up in my own world; I didn’t stop to think about how it could affect Harrison.”
Jackie reached across and gave Daniella’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “Maybe it’s time to think about whatyouwant. Life’s too short to have regrets. Howdoyou feel about him?”
Tears filled Daniella’s eyes. “I’m falling in love with him.”
“Oh, honey,” Jackie said as she pulled herself out of her chair and hugged Daniella. “It’ll be okay. It’s just our luck that we love men who want to leave Sapphire Bay.”
“I keep thinking about you and Aidan. He changed his mind and came back. I don’t think Harrison will do that. His family and friends are in Nashville. His life’s in Nashville.”
“But you’re here,” Jackie reminded her. “Don’t give up on him. It’ll work out the way it’s supposed to. Just tell him how you feel.”
Daniella thought about what Jackie had said. She was right. She needed to confront her feelings for Harrison and the future she wanted for herself. And, maybe, it was time to open up about her fears, her dreams, and the possibility of a life beyond Sapphire Bay.
