“That’s good, because I love you. And regardless of the decision you make, I’ll always love you. Dad said something the other day about promising Mom he’d always be there for her. Even if things between us don’t work out, I’ll always be here for you.”
Harrison didn’t know what he’d done to deserve having Daniella in his life. “I’ll always be here for you, too.” He wrapped her in his arms and held her tight. The prospect of returning to counseling was exciting, but the thought of leaving Daniella filled him with a profound sense of loss.
His decision was no longer just about a job; it was about choosing between two paths, each leading to very different futures.
CHAPTER19
Two days later, Harrison sat at the wooden table in his mom’s kitchen in Nashville. He loved seeing the old-fashioned wallpaper, the light fixtures his mom had found in an antique store, and the family photos grouped in generations around the room.
This was where he came when he needed comfort. The place he’d come when his world fell apart after Audra died.
His mom poured him a cup of coffee before sitting across from him. “How was your meeting at the college?”
Harrison smiled. “It was good. The team I’d be working with is impressive, and they’re doing some important work. I can see myself fitting in there, making a difference.”
“That sounds promising,” his mother remarked.
Harrison had a sip of coffee and sighed. His mom always used the same tone when she knew when he’d left some words unsaid. “It’s more than promising. It’s a great job, but it’s not in Sapphire Bay.”
“And that’s important?”
“I’ve fallen in love with Daniella. The thought of leaving her isn’t easy.”
His mother reached across the table, placing her hand over his. “She seemed like a wonderful person. Tell me what makes her special.”
“She’s incredible. Daniella’s kind and caring. She makes me laugh and makes me feel like I belong. She’s brought something into my life I didn’t even realize was missing.”
His mother smiled, a look of understanding in her eyes. “That sounds like something worth holding onto.”
He nodded, not wanting to meet his mom’s steady gaze.
“What’s wrong?” she asked softly.
He looked through the window, watching a breeze rustle the leaves in a tree. “Audra meant the world to me. Sometimes, I feel like I’m betraying her memory by moving on.”
“It’s okay to love again, Harrison. It’s not about replacing Audra or forgetting her. It’s about allowing your heart to expand, to experience new joys. Audra would have wanted you to be happy.”
“It still doesn’t make it any easier to let go.”
“If Daniella’s half the person you’ve told me she is, she’ll understand.” His mom tilted her head to the side. “You aren’t the first person who’s had to make a life-changing decision. A couple of years after I met your father, I had the chance to go to Europe with some friends. It would’ve been a big adventure, an opportunity to work and live abroad. But I chose not to go. I realized what I wanted most was right here. I never regretted that decision, not for a moment.”
Harrison looked at his mother, a new understanding dawning on him. “I never knew that. I always thought you were happy to stay here with Dad.”
She chuckled softly. “I was, but that didn’t mean I didn’t have dreams. I wanted to eat croissants in front of the Eiffel Tower, take a gondola ride in Venice, and drink hot chocolate in a Swiss chalet. I made choices and took chances—and I built a life I’ve loved. After forty years of marriage, I’ve learned one important thing: opportunities come and go, but following your heart is something you should never ignore. You need to do what feels right for you.”
“How would you feel about me living in Sapphire Bay permanently?” Harrison asked.
“Your dad and I will miss you, but we can still visit you in Montana, or you can come here. Just remember, if you ever move into a different house, make sure there’s an extra bedroom for us.”
Harrison smiled. “I can do that.”
As he sat in the kitchen talking to his mom, Harrison felt more grounded than he had in weeks. He knew the decision ahead wouldn’t be easy, but he also knew he had the support and love of his family, no matter what path he chose.
* * *
Daniella smiledas she stepped into The Welcome Center with her mom. Friday was one of the busiest days of the week in The Fairy Forest. But, for the first time in months, she’d asked Rachel and Vanessa if they’d look after the birthday parties booked for later in the day.
With the parties due to finish at seven o’clock, they weren’t late nights, but it would’ve made it too late to volunteer as kitchen helpers at The Welcome Center.
