Daniella sighed. “I’ve been thinking about Dad, about all of us. We don’t talk much about the future, do we? It’s always about the day-to-day stuff.”
Owen looked at her, his eyes reflective. “Sometimes, it’s easier to focus on what we know instead of what’s ahead of us.”
“After Marcus died, the only thing I could do was get through each day. The future seemed like a big, bleak hole of nothingness that consumed me. Spending time with you and Mom and Dad has changed everything. I want to make more memories, Owen, ones we can hold onto when times get tough. If Dad dies?—”
Owen reached across the table and gently squeezed her hand. “Don’t go there until the doctors tell us what’s happening with his heart. A lot of people have heart attacks. It doesn’t mean they’re going to die. Have you called Harrison?”
“I was going to call him after we’ve finished our coffee. He’s super-busy at work and there isn’t much he can do.”
Owen frowned. “It might be good for you to have him here.”
Daniella shook her head. “I’m not so sure. He had an interview for a job in Nashville the other day. If he gets it, he’ll leave Sapphire Bay in a few weeks.”
“Will you go with him?”
Daniella brushed a tear off her face. “I don’t know. I like living in Sapphire Bay. My business is here and so are my friends. I told Marcus I’d stay and reconnect with everyone. If I left, I’d feel like I was breaking my promise to him. And now with Dad…it’s not the right time to think about leaving.”
Owen shook his head. “There’s never a right and wrong time to do anything. Marcus wouldn’t want you to stay here if it meant giving up a relationship that could make you happy. And it’s the same with Mom and Dad. It’s not as if Nashville’s at the end of the world.”
“It’s only slightly better than moving to Australia.”
Owen forced a smile. “If you moved there, you’d have to rent a house with an extra bedroom, especially if it was by the beach. I could be a professional sunbather.”
Daniella laughed. “You’d get bored after the first week. Do you have anything you need to do today?”
“I’m going to a meeting at four but, apart from that, I’ll stay here with Mom and Dad.”
Daniella sent a tired smile to the man and woman who sat at the next table. They looked as though they were worried about someone, too. “I hope Dad’ll be okay.”
Owen leaned back in his seat and sighed. “So do I.”
* * *
Harrison handedthe painting contractors the color chart they’d brought with them for today’s meeting. With the last two cottages on Anchor Lane being remodeled into three-bedroom homes, Penny had decided to paint the internal walls in child-friendly colors.
Instead of the white-on-white interior they’d used for the first two community houses, she wanted the last two cottages to have feature walls in something more vibrant. Choosing a new color scheme was low on Harrison’s must-do list, so he’d given the job to the painting contractors. Within five minutes, they’d locked the colors into the project plan and sorted out a couple of other issues.
While he was answering a last-minute question, he looked up and saw Daniella walking along the street. It was unusual for her to be here at this time of the day, unless she was heading to A Stitch in Time to see Jackie.
It didn’t take long to realize something was wrong. Her usually energetic stride was slower, and her face was etched with worry.
Quickly, he finished the conversation with the painters and met her at the gate. “What’s happened?”
“Dad had a heart attack this morning,” Daniella replied, her voice steady despite the clear signs of strain. “He’s in the hospital in Polson now. He’s stable, but we don’t know if his heart’s damaged or why it happened.”
The news hit Harrison with a jolt. “I’m sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do?”
Daniella managed a small, appreciative smile. “Thanks, but we’re managing. It’s just been a long day. The hospital said Mom can stay with Dad tonight, so I’ve come home to collect a few of her clothes. I thought I’d see you while I’m in town.”
Harrison held her hand and led her to a pair of upturned buckets near the cottage. “Tell me what happened.”
Daniella told him about her mom’s frantic phone call, Harper’s arrival at the house and her calmness, and the rush to the hospital. Harrison listened, offering the occasional nod or word of comfort. “How are your mom and Owen now?” he asked after she paused, catching her breath.
“They’re okay. Owen’s been great, and Mom’s staying strong, but I can tell she’s shaken,” Daniella said, glancing down at her tightly clasped hands.
Harrison considered his next words carefully. “You should try to get some rest. You’ll need the energy for the next few days.”
“I will. Once I know Dad’s all right.”
