Daniella sighed. “I’m okay. It’s hard seeing him like this, but it’s the best outcome we could have hoped for. There’s only a small amount of damage to his heart. Hopefully, the stent they inserted will reduce the risk of a heart attack happening again.”
There was a pause, a moment of quiet understanding between them. Harrison broke it with a gentle offer. “If there’s anything else I can do, just say the word. I’m here for you and your family.”
“I know,” Daniella said, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “And I can’t tell you how much it means to me.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I must be more tired than I think. I keep wanting to burst into tears.”
Harrison opened his arms. “I’m hot and sweaty, but my hugs are guaranteed to make you feel better.”
Daniella’s bottom lip trembled. Without saying anything, she stepped into his embrace and wrapped her arms around his chest.
For the next few minutes, they stood in each other’s arms, in the quiet comfort of the garden. Harrison rubbed Daniella’s back in gentle strokes, hoping it took away some of the strain from the last few days.
He wanted to take away her pain, the worry that her dad could take a turn for the worse and never recover. But all his hug could do was give her comfort, let her know he loved her and would always be here for her.
With a reluctant sigh, she stepped away. “Thanks, Harrison. That was exactly what I needed. After all your hard work, would you like a glass of lemonade? Mom always has some in the refrigerator.”
“That’d be great. I’ll just clean the mower, and then I’ll come inside.”
“You’d better watch out,” Daniella said half-seriously. “Dad might decide to keep you on as his head gardener once he gets home. You’ll never be able to leave Sapphire Bay.”
Harrison’s smile disappeared as she picked up her bag and hurried into the house. Daniella didn’t know he was leaving Sapphire Bay sooner than either of them had imagined. And it broke his heart just thinking about it.
CHAPTER18
Two days later, Daniella returned to The Fairy Forest. The tinkling of the wind chimes she’d hung last week welcomed her into work. For a few minutes, she stood quietly in the entrance, letting the magic of what she’d created wash over her.
She smiled when she heard the giggles and excited chatter of the children attending a special birthday party. It was good to be away from the hospital and the sterile, antiseptic smell lingering in the air.
She clutched a carefully wrapped package in her hands, a token of gratitude for Harper, who’d been there for her family when they needed her support.
She found her friend arranging a table with party favors, her efficient movements and kind smile making the children who were with her beam with delight.
“Harper,” she called out softly, not wanting to startle her amid the festivities.
Harper turned, her expression shifting to surprise as she saw Daniella holding out the package. “Is that for me?”
“It’s a small thank you,” Daniella replied, pressing the package into Harper’s hands. “For everything you did for my dad and for working in The Fairy Forest when I couldn’t be here.”
Harper unwrapped the gift to reveal one of Owen’s glass bowls. Her eyes widened as she ran her fingertips over the intricate pale blue design shimmering beneath the overhead lights. “This is beautiful. Where did you find it?”
“Owen made it. Since he’s been home, he set up a glass studio in an old building in town. It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?”
“It certainly is.” Carefully, Harper re-wrapped the bowl and held it in her hands. “It’s too fragile to leave out here. Would you mind if I put it in your office?”
“Of course not. I’ll keep an eye on everyone while you’re gone.” After Harper left, Daniella turned her attention to the birthday party. A group of little girls dressed in their best fairy clothes fluttered around a cake adorned with edible flowers and sparkling candles.
The birthday girl and three of her seven friends were wearing prosthetics. They’d been so excited after meeting Daniella at the opening of the adventure camp that their parents had tried to book each of their daughter’s parties into The Fairy Forest. Unfortunately, the only birthday they could accommodate was today’s. The other dates were completely full.
Daniella placed the last party favors on the table and watched the children enjoy each other’s company. She was so thankful Harper had been able to work a few hours each afternoon while Daniella’s dad was in the hospital. It’d made all the difference to being able to stay open or having to close The Fairy Forest early.
It’d be great if Harper could continue to work with her, but Zac had already increased her hours at the medical clinic, leaving very little time for other part-time jobs.
“Thanks for covering for me,” Harper said as she hurried toward Daniella. “Next time you see Owen, can you thank him from me? I didn’t know he was such an amazing artist.”
“I don’t think he knew either until he did a glass-blowing workshop. He’s even enjoying the business side of selling the bowls at the local market.”
Harper adjusted her fairy wings and grinned. “I wish I’d found The Fairy Forest sooner. I enjoy creating a little fairy magic for your customers, especially when I get to wear glittery dresses and gorgeous fairy wings.”
Daniella chuckled. “There wouldn’t be many jobs where you could say that. I’ll be sorry to see you go, too. I’ve received so many compliments about how helpful and friendly you are.”
