The thought of leaving Sapphire Bay now, just as something real and meaningful began with Daniella, filled him with a sense of loss. But the opportunity in Nashville was a chance to return to a profession he loved, to make a difference in other people’s lives.
He thought about Daniella, her bright smile, her passion for her work, and how she’d become a part of his daily life. She gave him a sense of belonging that he hadn’t felt in a long time. But could he ask her to be a part of his uncertain future? Could he build a new life here in Sapphire Bay, away from the memories and the pain that Nashville held?
His heart ached at the thought of the decision he faced. Whether he stayed in Sapphire Bay or returned to Nashville, he would leave something behind. But he also knew that he had to make a choice, take a step forward in one direction or the other.
* * *
Daniella closedThe Fairy Forest for the evening, her mind heavy with thoughts that had been swirling around since Harrison’s parents’ visit. The way Harrison had introduced her as just a friend to his parents kept replaying in her mind, seeding doubt and confusion. She needed to know where they stood, especially if Harrison was going back to Nashville.
Taking a deep breath, she decided to confront the issue head-on. Locking up, she made her way to Harrison’s home, her heart pounding with nervousness and determination.
As she approached his house, she looked at the sky. If Marcus was watching, she hoped he sent some of his courage down to her. Tonight could be the end of a relationship that had never really started.
Daniella hesitated at the front door, taking a deep breath before finally knocking.
Harrison opened the door, surprise registering on his face when he saw her. “Daniella, hi. Is everything okay?”
“If you’re not busy, I’d like to talk to you.”
He frowned and led her into the living room. “What’s wrong?”
Daniella turned to face him, searching his eyes for some hint of how he was feeling. “Today, when you introduced me to your parents, you called me your friend. After all the time we’ve spent together, I thought we were more than that.”
Harrison’s expression softened, a mixture of understanding and regret crossing his face. “Daniella, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to downplay what’s between us. It’s just…everything’s so complicated right now.”
Her heart ached at his words. “Complicated how? Because of the job in Nashville?”
Harrison sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Yes, that’s part of it. Did my parents tell you about the job?”
She nodded, her hands clasping and unclasping in front of her. “Are you applying for it?”
He looked away for a moment, his gaze distant. “I haven’t decided yet. It’s a great opportunity, but…”
“But what?” Daniella pressed, needing to understand his hesitations, his reasons.
Harrison met her eyes again; the depth of his emotion laid bare. “But I’ve found something I wasn’t expecting in Sapphire Bay. Something that’s making it hard to think about leaving.”
Daniella’s heart pounded as hope mingled with fear. “Is that something…me?”
“Yes,” he admitted quietly. “You’re important to me. But I’m scared of making promises when I’m still figuring out what I’ll do with my life.”
Daniella felt a surge of emotion, a blend of happiness and apprehension. “I understand you’re at a crossroads. But I need to know how you feel about me.”
Harrison stepped closer, his eyes earnest. “Being with you has brought a light into my life that I didn’t think was possible after Audra died. But I’m terrified of asking you to be part of my life when I don’t know what my future holds.”
She reached out, touching his arm gently. “I’m not asking for certainties, Harrison. I’m asking for honesty. For us to explore what this is, together.”
Harrison’s hand covered hers, his touch warm. “I want that too—more than you know. But I also need to be fair to you. I can’t ask you to wait for me to figure things out, especially if I decide to take the job in Nashville.”
Daniella’s heart sank at the thought of him leaving. “Then let’s not worry about the future. Let’s just be honest about how we feel now.”
Harrison nodded, a look of relief crossing his features. “In that case, I want you to know the time I’ve spent with you has been some of the best in my life. You’ve shown me that it’s possible to find joy again, to look forward to each day.”
Daniella smiled. “And you’ve shown me that it’s okay to open up, to let someone in after guarding my heart for so long.”
They stood in the quiet of Harrison’s living room with the world outside fading into insignificance. In that moment, there was just the two of them, connected by a bond that had grown in the most unexpected way.
“Whatever happens, I want you to know you’ve changed my life,” Harrison said, his voice thick with emotion. “You’ve brought color into my world again.”
