“I can’t tell you how much it means to see all of you here today,” Daniella began, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach. “After the flood, I wasn’t sure if The Fairy Forest would ever be the same. But thanks to your help, we’ve not only restored it, we’ve made it better.”
She looked at the people who’d helped with the rebuild. “Your time, your donations, your hands, and your hearts have brought us here. This isn’t just my dream—we’re all a part of it.”
Turning her gaze to where her family stood, she smiled softly. “Mom, Dad, Owen—you are my rock. Thank you for believing in me and for lifting me up when the dream seemed too far away.”
Her voice wavered as she looked at Harrison. “And Harrison,” she paused, collecting herself. “You’ve been with me through every step of this journey. You didn’t just help rebuild The Fairy Forest, you helped me keep faith in it. For that, I am endlessly grateful.”
With a deep breath, she cut the ribbon, and the crowd burst into applause. Her eyes met Harrison’s and he smiled. Each day with him was a blessing and she’d never grow tired of having him in her life.
When the doors opened, everyone made their way into The Fairy Forest. The expanded reception area looked gorgeous, with murals of enchanted woods climbing the walls and creeping up toward the ceiling. Models of dragons and griffins hung from the wooden beams, giving visitors a magical experience from the moment they stepped inside the building.
Children were already waiting to try the interactive exhibits against the walls, inviting them to discover hidden fairy doors and whisper their wishes into hollowed-out tree trunks.
Daniella stepped into the main events room. The central play area had been refreshed with a soft, plush carpet that mimicked a meadow, and the craft corner boasted new tables fashioned like toadstools. She pointed out the reading nook, complete with a mock castle facade and shelves stocked with fairy tales, to a group of parents.
The waterfall she’d dreamed about cascaded down the far wall, ending in a pool of shimmering water. Children could stand behind a decorative fence to watch fairies frolicking in the water.
She looked over her shoulder for Harrison. He was standing beside Owen and her parents, laughing at something her dad had said.
Harrison’s family was arriving tomorrow to see The Fairy Forest for the first time. The conversations they’d had on the phone were full of warmth and support, and she couldn’t wait to show them what they’d created.
Mabel hugged her. “Oh, my goodness. I can’t believe what you’ve done. I’m not often lost for words, but today I am. The Fairy Forest is stunning. Simply stunning.”
Daniella smiled. “Thank you. All the construction updates you posted on the community Facebook page made a huge difference. Everyone felt as though they were part of the project.”
“That was Harrison’s idea. He knows what people like seeing on our Facebook page.”
“He has lots of great ideas,” Daniella murmured. “He helped design quite a few of the areas in The Fairy Forest.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. Penny said she’ll be sad to see him leave her team.”
A week ago, BioTech Industries asked Harrison if he’d be interested in working at The Horseshoe Adventure Camp. Harrison would develop programs designed to increase the confidence of the children who went to the camp. He couldn’t wait to start his new job and Daniella was thrilled for him.
Mabel looked at a message on her phone, then across the room at her daughter. “Penny just texted me to say it’s time to serve the coffee and cakes. Don’t forget to have something yourself, Daniella. It’s too easy to get distracted at events like this.”
“I won’t. Thanks, Mabel.”
With a cheerful wave, Mabel hurried across the room.
A pair of hands landed on Daniella’s waist and she jumped.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” a deep male voice asked.
Daniella smiled. “I am now that you’re here,” she told Harrison. “I hope Dad didn’t give away too many family secrets.”
“Only the ones that made you sound like the perfect daughter.”
Daniella grinned. “That’s okay, then. Rachel sent me a message. Six people have booked birthday parties and one wedding anniversary so far. At this rate, we’ll make up for all the events we had to cancel while we did the remodel.”
Harrison pulled her close. “That’s great. You won’t have any trouble filling up your booking sheet. The Fairy Forest looks incredible.”
“It does. Are you ready to mingle with our guests?”
Harrison kissed the top of her head and sighed. “I’d sooner spend time with you. But I guess that’s one of the downfalls of having the fairy lady as my girlfriend.”
Daniella chuckled. The name the children had called her at The Welcome Center had stuck, and now everyone called her the fairy lady. “There’s an upside, too,” she teased.
“There is?”
