Harrison opened a massive door that looked as though it was carved into a tree. Behind the impressive door was the main events area at The Fairy Forest. As he stepped into the room, he took in the whimsical decor with a mixture of curiosity and bemusement. The exterior of the red-brick building was so different from what was inside that he felt like he’d entered another universe.
His gaze swept across the huge artificial trees and the gardens blooming with vibrant flowers. Children were darting between flower-shaped chairs, giant toadstools, and colorful butterflies the size of dinner plates. He was here to discuss the official opening of the community housing project, but he pushed that to one side to enjoy the experience.
The children’s laughter and their buzz of excitement reminded him of his nephew’s birthday party last year. His sister had filled her backyard with blow-up animals, fairy lights, and the biggest bounce house he’d ever seen. Everyone had enjoyed themselves, even the adults who’d raced around after the excited six-year-olds.
A high-pitched squeal drew his attention to the back of the room. With a sigh, he remembered when he’d had the same energy level as these children. But, after his wife died, he’d barely managed to stumble through each day.
A woman wearing a pink and white fairy costume waved a wand in the air, moving the children across to a large board. Everyone listened to her with rapt attention. Something, he imagined, was only achieved with a lot of practice.
His gaze drifted around the room. Apart from the adults who looked like parents, he couldn’t see any other staff. Hopefully, Daniella was in her office and hadn’t left the building.
He should’ve called, but with the work he still had to do, he’d completely forgotten to organize a time to talk to her.
He walked toward one of the parties, smiling at the children dressed as pirates, princesses, and fairies.
As he waited for the woman to finish what she was doing, a little girl stared up at him.
“I’m Priscilla, but my brother calls me Prissy. Where’s your costume?”
Harrison looked down at his black jeans and T-shirt. “I’m not here for the party.”
“Everyone gets dressed up to come to The Fairy Forest,” she told him. “You could be a dinosaur if you want. My dad dressed as a purple dinosaur when he came here for my brother’s birthday.”
Before he could think of something to say, the woman he was waiting for handed Priscilla a bag of candy. “If you’re quick, you can stand in the line to pin a pot of gold on the end of the rainbow.”
An instant smile filled Priscilla’s face. “Thanks for the candy, Daniella.” And, a second later, the little girl hurried across to her friends.
Harrison’s eyebrows rose.Thiswas Daniella? He’d expected to meet someone a lot older than the woman standing in front of him. With her short, jet-black hair, startling blue eyes, and mischievous smile, she was only in her early thirties.
Daniella tilted her head to the side. “I’m assuming you aren’t one of the children’s parents?”
Harrison shook his head. “I came to see you.”
“In that case, you must be Harrison. Penny said you’d stop by.” She held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
A flicker of surprise passed through Harrison as he shook her hand. Her firm grip was the complete opposite of her delicate appearance. “Penny asked me to help with anything you need to do for the opening of the community housing.”
“That was sweet of her, but I should be okay.”
Harrison didn’t know whether she lifted her chin to make a point or because she was a lot shorter than him. “I’m happy to help.”
Daniella’s grin widened. “Penny told me I’d have to bribe you with some fudge from Sweet Treats to make you say that.”
Harrison cleared his throat. He didn’t know if Daniella was joking or serious. “The cottages are taking longer to remodel than we planned. It makes any spare time we might have had disappear.”
“If you’re worried helping me will take too much time, it’s your lucky day. Pastor John offered to help, too. You’ll be able to focus on getting the cottages ready and not on the opening ceremony.”
Now, Harrison felt really guilty for trying to wriggle his way out of helping. John was busy with all the activities in the church. He didn’t need the extra pressure of getting the cottages ready.
He ran his hand around the back of his neck. “Forget what Penny said about me being reluctant to help. If you tell me what you need, I’ll make sure it gets done.”
Daniella smiled as a teenager dressed as a fairy pushed a food cart across the room. Like bees swarming around a hive, the children rushed toward it.
“I’ll be back soon.” Daniella hurried to the cart along with most of the parents. After a lot of excited chatter, the food made it to the tables, and everyone was happy.
While Daniella made sure everyone had food, Harrison took a closer look at this side of the room. The trees were so life-like that he had to touch the leaves to see if they were plastic. Filled with twinkling fairy lights and pale pink blossoms, they’d add a special touch to any event.
“They’re amazing, aren’t they.”
