“It can’t be any worse than the quilting class we went to. I don’t know if Shona will invite you back again.”
Jackie’s teasing smile made Daniella feel better. “I only broke three sewing machine needles. Shona said my fabric was too thick.”
“I’ll believe you, but I’m not sure that makes a difference. You’re an incredible event planner and you use an electric drill better than anyone I know. But you’re not ready to be let loose on another sewing project. Knitting a blanket would be much better for you.”
Daniella smiled. “Next time you come to my house, remind me to show you my latest project.”
Jackie looked closely at her. “Have you joined us on the dark side and learned how to knit?”
Daniella grinned. “I’m not saying anything until you see what I’ve been doing.” She was incredibly proud of the granny squares she’d crocheted for the women in the church’s craft group. Closer to winter, all the squares would be made into blankets and given to people who were struggling to keep warm.
It kept her mind occupied, her heart intact, and they’d make a difference in someone else’s life. “I met someone interesting today. Have you talked to Harrison? He’s working next door to your store in the first community housing cottage.”
Jackie nodded. “I’ve spoken to him a few times. Did you visit the cottages today?”
“I was too busy in The Fairy Forest to go anywhere. He came to see me. Penny wants him to help me with anything I need for the official opening of the cottages.”
Jackie picked up her mug of coffee. “That was thoughtful. With everything else that’s happening, it must be a relief to know he can help. What do you think of him?”
Daniella paused, her fork midway to her mouth as she considered the man she’d met earlier. “He seems... capable. Why?”
“I heard he worked as a counselor at a high school in Nashville before coming here. That’s an incredible career shift, don’t you think?” Jackie mused, her tone light but curious.
“It is,” Daniella agreed, her thoughts briefly flitting to Harrison’s steady gaze and how he’d listened intently to her plans. “We didn’t spend a lot of time talking, but he seems like a nice person.”
“Just promise you’ll let him help you,” Jackie said sternly. “You can’t do everything on your own.”
Daniella grinned. “I’ve already accepted his offer of help.”
Jackie leaned forward. “That’s great. With Harrison helping, you can take some time off work and look for somewhere to live.”
“I like how your mind works,” Daniella told her friend. “Harrison might have heard of somewhere I could stay, too.”
As they continued their meal, Daniella’s worries about housing simmered in the back of her mind. Jackie’s suggestion about renting one of the cottages could be the solution she’d been looking for all along. And her friend was right about Harrison’s offer of help. She might find the house of her dreams if she could free up some time.
CHAPTER3
Daniella strolled down Anchor Lane, her mind a whirlwind of ideas for the community housing’s official opening event. The quaint street was a short walk from Main Street. It was lined with eight charming cottages, each filled with a sense of history and promise.
A year ago, the cottages were derelict, overgrown with weeds, and almost beyond saving. Even as a child, Daniella had steered clear of the run-down buildings. Owen and Marcus used to tell her they were haunted. One Halloween, Marcus hid in the front room of one of the old cottages and threw candy at her as she’d stood outside the scary cottage.
She’d run home to her parents, terrified that whatever was inside the cottage had followed her. When her mom and dad discovered who was behind the prank, they made Marcus apologize and do her chores for a week.
It might have made her feel better, but it hadn’t dimmed her caution around the cottages—even many years later and with all the repairs that’d been made.
As she passed the first four remodeled cottages, she admired their gorgeous exteriors. The Flower Cottage, The Starlight Café, The Cozy Quilt Shop, and, last but not least, Jackie’s store, A Stitch in Time, were painted in pretty pastel colors. Baskets of flowers, comfortable seating, and old-fashioned window displays beckoned visitors forward and made Anchor Lane one of Sapphire Bay’s most popular shopping destinations.
As she approached the fifth cottage, she remembered the last time she’d been inside the building. It was over two months ago. The drywall was being finished, and the plasterers were getting ready to seal the joints and prepare the rooms for painting.
The sketches she’d made after that visit formed the basis of the design ideas she’d brought with her. Seeing the small but perfect interior with the walls painted and the kitchen installed would be interesting.
Harrison stood in the cottage’s doorway with a hint of surprise in his expression. “I was expecting to see your wings glittering in the sunshine. Where’s your fairy costume?”
Daniella laughed at the twinkle in his eyes. “I thought I’d give the wings a rest,” she replied. “We have three fairy parties after school but, before that, I’m in a fairy-free zone.”
Harrison grinned. “It’s good to know you get some downtime. Welcome to the first community housing cottage. It’s a lot different from when you were last here.”
Daniella’s eyebrows rose. “How did you know I’ve been inside? I didn’t see you when I had my meeting with Penny.”
