“We’ve just finished packing up. Apart from a couple of items, everything we brought to the festival sold. You must be pleased, too.”
“I’m shocked at how quickly everything sold.” He closed the truck’s tailgate and turned to Harper. “The orders I took will keep me busy for the next couple of months.”
Her smile widened. “That’s wonderful. Is it okay if I return the shelving we borrowed tomorrow? I biked here, so Jackie’s storing it at A Stitch in Time.”
“That’s fine. There’s no rush. I was thinking of heading to the Ice Cream Shack to grab something cold. Steve had to leave early, but would you like to join me? It’s the least I can do to thank you for your help.”
To his relief, Harper nodded. “Ice cream sounds perfect. It’s been a hot and busy day.”
Leaving the truck in the parking lot, they walked across the grassy field to Owen’s second favorite shop in Sapphire Bay. Colorful paintings of ice cream cones, sundaes, and popsicles filled the bright yellow wooden siding of The Ice Cream Shack. A white picket fence encircled the outdoor seating area, and a handful of picnic tables, each shaded by a bright umbrella, were scattered around.
As they stepped inside, he took a deep breath. The sweet scent of waffle cones filled the air, promising too many delicious ice cream flavors.
Harper grinned at him. “It looks as though I’m not the only person who’s addicted to this place.”
He laughed at the gleam in her eyes. For a moment, the sound surprised him. He hadn’t laughed with a woman for so long it felt strange. “When I’ve had a long day in the studio, I come here and order a triple scoop waffle cone smothered in chocolate sauce and chopped nuts.”
“It sounds absolutely delicious and really messy.” Harper moved out of the way as a family collected their ice cream cones. When they’d gone, she looked at the vintage sign above the front counter and sighed. “Today’s special is peanut brittle and vanilla ice cream. That’s my all-time favorite.”
Owen studied Harper’s expression as she debated between that flavor and the strawberry ripple delight. Even with everything that’d happened in New York City, she was just as sweet and uncomplicated as he remembered from their childhood.
“Okay,” she finally said. “I’ve made my decision. I’ll have a single scoop of the peanut brittle ice cream.”
“With chocolate sauce?” Owen asked.
Harper grinned. “Why not? I must have worked off all the extra calories today.”
After they’d placed their order, Owen cleared his throat. “I would’ve invited you and Steve to dinner, but being in a busy restaurant would have been too much, especially after today.”
Harper turned to him, a look of understanding in her eyes. “Is that because of your PTSD?” she asked gently.
Owen nodded. “I’ve learned to manage it most of the time. I’m okay as long as there aren’t any sudden, loud noises.”
“Daniella said you help her at The Fairy Forest when she has large parties. How are you there?”
“For some strange reason, I’m okay. I think it’s because it’s more controlled and I know what activities are happening while I’m there.”
“That makes sense,” Harper said, as she took their ice cream cones from the person behind the counter.
They found a quiet table away from the hustle and bustle of the other customers. Owen licked the side of his ice cream, the cool sweetness a welcome relief. “I’ve also been going to a PTSD support group at Pastor John’s house. It’s been helpful to talk to others who understand what it’s like.”
Harper nodded. “It’s good to have that kind of support. Daniella told me about Pastor John’s group.”
Their conversation drifted to lighter topics, discussing their favorite parts of the festival and the community spirit of Sapphire Bay. Owen felt a sense of ease with Harper, a connection that went beyond their shared interests in arts and crafts.
Just as they were finishing their ice creams, Harper’s phone buzzed with a text. She frowned as she read it. “It’s from Mabel. She says Granddad isn’t feeling well and the medical center’s closed.” Harper picked up her backpack. “I’m sorry, but I have to go.”
Owen stood up. “Do you need a lift?”
Harper nodded, visibly worried. “That’d be great. Granddad’s at his house.”
They threw out the last of their ice creams and hurried to his truck. Owen just hoped Mr. Nelson wasn’t having another stroke.
Chapter6
Harper’s heart was heavy with worry as Owen drove along the familiar streets of Sapphire Bay. She’d called Mabel to see if her granddad needed an ambulance. Whatever was happening didn’t sound too serious, but any change to Benjamin’s health loomed large in her mind.
The possibility that he might have suffered another stroke was a fear she couldn’t ignore. He’d been so good about taking his medication, eating healthy food, and exercising as best he could. But, no matter what he did, it might not be enough.
