Harrison’s eyebrows rose. “You aren’t getting paid?”
“They’re for good causes,” Daniella told him with a shrug. “If I can help raise their profile with props and gorgeous decorations, I’m happy.”
Before he could ask about the other events she’d helped organize, Pastor John approached them.
He grinned at Daniella. “It’s good to see you. I thought you’d be busy at The Fairy Forest.”
“That’s what Harrison just said, too,” Daniella replied. “Anyone would think I don’t have a life outside of work.”
Pastor John glanced at Harrison. “My wife keeps telling me I should think before I speak. This time, I’ll take her advice.”
Daniella sighed. “Okay. Maybe there’s a smidgen of truth in what you said, but I love my job.”
“I’m pleased to hear it,” John told her. “Is there anything I can do to help you today?”
Daniella bit her bottom lip. “My landlord’s selling the house I’m renting, so I have to find somewhere else to live. Harrison showed me the community houses on Anchor Lane, and they’re beautiful. Do you know if anyone’s moving into the first cottage?”
Pastor John’s face softened with regret. “I’m afraid that one’s already taken, but you can see Shelley for an application form. We can put you on the waitlist for the others.”
Daniella’s disappointment was palpable. “Thanks. I’ll look for her while I’m here.”
“How much time do you have to find a new place?” John inquired gently.
A slight frown creased her brow. “The owners are putting the house on the market soon. Everything sells so quickly that I could only have a few weeks to find a house.”
Harrison wanted to help her. “What about putting something on the general store’s community noticeboard? Mabel might even do a post on the community Facebook page.”
“And I could add you to a different rental waitlist at the church,” John added. “You never know; one of our church members might need someone to housesit while they’re away from the area.”
Daniella frowned. “Do you think that’s a possibility?”
“It happens more than you might think. If you’re happy to look after someone’s pets, it’s even more appreciated. It wouldn’t be a long-term solution, but it’d give you more time to find something else.”
Daniella sighed. “That would be wonderful. Mom and Dad said I could live with them, but their new house is too small for all of us.”
“If you can find something for six months, you could take over my lease,” Harrison told her. “My landlords are easy-going, and they’d appreciate not having to find someone else.”
“You’re leaving?” Daniella asked, concern threading through her voice.
“I’m heading back to Nashville,” Harrison said, before quickly steering the conversation away from his plans. He wasn’t ready to dive into the reasons behind his eventual return home or why he’d left in the first place.
John looked across the room at his wife. “Shelley’s back from her last meeting. If you want to speak to her, Daniella, I’d grab her now before she gets involved in something else.”
“Thanks, I’ll do that. It was nice seeing you both again.” With a grateful smile, Daniella excused herself and hurried over to Shelley, leaving Harrison alone with Pastor John.
“How do you feel after our meeting?” John asked.
The frown on Harrison’s face deepened. “Drained but grateful. A lot of people have worse situations they’re dealing with.”
“That doesn’t make yours any less important,” John reminded him gently. “Give yourself time to breathe.”
Harrison nodded. “I will. Once today’s over, it’ll be better.”
“Call me if you need anything.”
“I will. Thanks for all your support.”
John sent him a genuine smile. “That’s what friends are for. But don’t let my softer side fool you. My team’s planning on winning this weekend’s basketball game.”
