Finding a quiet part of the garden, Harrison sat on a secluded bench. The sound of a nearby fountain provided a soothing backdrop as he closed his eyes, taking in the serenity of the moment.
“Audra,” he began silently, “I wish you could see this place now. The roses you loved are in full bloom.”
He paused, the ache in his heart as present as ever. Taking a deep breath, he imagined his wife sitting beside him, telling him it was okay. That he could share whatever was on his mind, no matter what it was.
“I’ve met someone. Her name’s Daniella. She’s kind and strong, and has a way of making everyone around her feel special.”
A gentle breeze, like a soft caress, drifted across Harrison’s upturned face. “You would have liked her,” he continued silently. “She’s brought a light into my life that I didn’t think was possible after losing you.”
Opening his eyes, he looked out over the garden, its beauty a testament to the passage of time and the enduring nature of life. “I’m moving permanently to Sapphire Bay,” he told Audra. “It’s where I want to call home.”
The silence that followed was comforting, a space where he could almost hear Audra’s thoughtful words. Harrison let out a long breath, feeling a sense of peace in the place they’d loved.
“I miss you,” he murmured, the words caught on a whisper.
He sat there for a long time, letting the memories of his life with Audra fill his heart with love. When he was ready, he stood and looked around the garden one last time.
He knew it might be a while before he returned, but Audra’s spirit would always stay close to him, regardless of where he lived.
* * *
Daniella and Jackiesat side-by-side in The Fairy Forest, their heads bowed over Daniella’s laptop. They were engrossed in the world of bridal fashion, comparing the merits of A-line versus ball gown dresses, and lace versus satin.
“That one’s gorgeous, but do you think it’s too much?” Jackie pondered aloud, pointing at a particularly elaborate dress adorned with crystals and a huge skirt.
Daniella tilted her head, considering the showstopper. “You’d look stunning in anything, but you want to be able to move and dance. Besides, Aidan wants to see the real you when you walk down the aisle. That’s what will take his breath away, not an over-the-top gown that belongs on a runway. “
Jackie grinned, her eyes sparkling with the vision of her wedding day. “True. Oh, what about this one?” She tapped on a sleek, simple design that exuded elegance.
“That’s beautiful and very you,” Daniella told her. “You’d look stunning in it.”
As they continued to browse different websites, the playful debate over dresses provided a welcome distraction from Daniella’s worries. “If you choose something like the satin sheath, do you want your bridesmaids to wear the same style of dress?”
“The wedding gown’s so simple that you could choose whatever you want.”
Daniella grinned. “In any color?”
“In any color except black. I don’t want to feel like I’m walking down the aisle in a funeral procession.”
Daniella wasn’t a huge fan of black either, so she was more than happy with what Jackie had said. “I’ll find a few design ideas for the bridesmaids’ dresses. Then we can ask everyone else what they think of them.”
“Good idea. While you’re doing that, I’ll?—”
Daniella’s phone rang, shattering their bubble of bridal bliss. She looked down at the caller display and frowned. “I’d better answer this call. It’s my realtor.”
Jackie crossed her fingers in front of her. “Good luck,” she whispered.
She knew Daniella had been waiting to hear if the house she’d looked at with Harrison would be remodeled. “Hi, Ellen. It’s Daniella. How can I help?”
“I have some news about the house the family trust owns. It’s good news, but it’ll be too late for you.”
“What do you mean?” Daniella asked.
“The owners of the property are willing to remodel the house. The bad news is that it could take up to four months to finish everything.”
Daniella’s heart sank. “Did you tell them I’d be willing to live in the house while some of the smaller things are done?”
“I did, but that’s not a possibility. They don’t want to risk anyone having an accident while the house is being repaired.”
