“I’m glad.” With a quick wave, Harper said goodbye and left his studio.
As Owen made a list of the materials he had to buy tomorrow, he thought about the questions she’d asked and the smile that was never far from her face.
No one meeting her would realize she’d been through so much, or that her life was more complicated than most. But because of what she’d been through, they understood each other’s struggles. Harper was different from most people he’d met, and that made her even more special.
Harper hurriedinto The Fairy Forest to collect her friend Daniella’s crocheted blankets for the summer festival. The large, fairy-themed events center was incredibly popular and worth visiting. But with only fifteen minutes to get back to the medical clinic, she didn’t have time to enjoy the indoor garden, the chocolate fountain, or the rainbow of lights decorating the walls.
A dark-haired woman dressed as a fairy stepped through a doorway shaped like an ancient oak tree. “Hi, Harper. That was good timing. I’ve just said goodbye to some birthday party guests. How are you?”
“Hi, Daniella. I’m great, but it’s been a busy morning. Zac and Ethan had back-to-back appointments and the phone didn’t stop ringing. I was lucky to get away on time.”
Daniella led Harper across to her office. “You should have let me deliver the blankets to you. It would’ve saved you time.”
“It’s no problem. I enjoy coming here.” She wasn’t the only person racing around Sapphire Bay. With the summer festival only a few days away, everyone was preparing for the deluge of people about to descend on their small Montana town.
When she saw the box of blankets Daniella had made, she grinned. “They’re perfect.”
“I crocheted twelve for the festival. If you don’t sell all of them, let me know. I’ll take them to The Welcome Center for Pastor John’s guests.”
Harper looked at the price tag on one of the blankets. “I don’t think we’ll have any trouble selling them. Are you sure you don’t want to charge a little more for them?”
Daniella shook her head. “I’m happy with the price I came up with. The wool was donated, so the only thing I need to cover is my time.”
“If you’re happy, I’m happy.” Harper closed the flaps on the box and picked it up. “How’s Owen?”
Daniella picked up a smaller box and followed Harper into the foyer. “Working long hours to get everything ready for Saturday. He said you enjoyed the tour of his studio.”
“I loved every minute.” And she had. Hearing how Owen made his glass products only made her more determined to see the process in action. “I’ll go back once the festival’s over and watch Owen make something.”
Daniella opened the front door. “He’s much more artistic than the rest of our family.”
Harper grinned. “Have you looked at The Fairy Forest lately? It’s amazing. If anyone tells you what you’ve created isn’t art, then don’t listen to them. Everyone who walks into your building is blown away by what your imagination has achieved.”
“My imagination and a big loan from the bank,” Daniella said with a grimace. “There’s something appealing in working for someone else. At least you don’t have to cover your overheads, mortgage payments, and payroll each week.”
“That’s true. Is everything okay with The Fairy Forest?” It was the first time Daniella had mentioned her business in anything less than glowing terms.
A faint smile touched Daniella’s lips. “It’s just the usual business worries. Keeping up with expenses, ensuring we have enough bookings. It’s a lot, but I love it. The Fairy Forest is my dream come true, even with the challenges.”
Harper could only imagine what it took to make an event center successful. “You’ve built something that’s unique. When people visit The Fairy Forest, it’s like stepping into another world.”
As they reached Harper’s truck, Daniella slid the box of crocheted blankets onto the back seat. “That’s what I wanted. I’m glad you saw Owen’s studio. We’ve been trying to convince him to open it to the public, but he doesn’t think anyone will be interested in seeing him work.”
His reluctance didn’t surprise Harper. “He hasn’t been doing glassblowing for long. He might feel more confident in a few months.” She added her box to the back seat. “He’s different from how I remember him when we were at school.”
Daniella smiled as she closed the truck’s door. “People change. I’m glad you’re getting to know each other. He’s a great person.”
Harper took her keys out of her pocket. “He’s been a big help with the festival. Jackie’s using some of the display shelves he made on her booth.”
“That’s great," Daniella said, stepping back. “I can’t wait to see how it all turns out.”
Harper smiled and climbed into the driver’s seat. “If I don’t see you beforehand, I’ll see you at the festival. If I can help you with anything at The Fairy Forest, let me know.”
“I will.”
With a quick wave, Harper started the truck and reversed out of the parking space. As she drove back to Jackie’s store, her mind was a mix of anticipation for the festival and curiosity about what lay ahead with Owen.
The summer festival, with its promise of community celebration and personal discoveries, was shaping up to be an event everyone would remember.
