“Would you stay here if you went back to nursing?”
“I could, but I wouldn’t be using the things I’ve learned.” Thinking about leaving Sapphire Bay and the friends she’d made brought a lump to her throat. “Zac would appreciate the extra medical help, though.”
“So would the community if something happened.” They resumed walking and Owen kept his eyes focused on the sidewalk. “If your granddad knew you wanted to go back to nursing, he might consider moving.”
“I don’t think so. He’s always telling me how happy living here makes him. Granddad has great friends and everyone in the community knows him. He’s worried that if he moves, his friends will forget about him, and he won’t meet other people.”
Owen frowned. “I can’t imagine that happening. He has the type of personality that draws people to him.”
“That’s what my nana used to say.” Harper stopped outside her granddad’s house. “I’m glad you offered to walk me home. It was exactly what I needed.”
“I enjoyed it, too. Remember to let me know if you want to make a glass bowl. What you learn will come in handy when I open my studio to the public.”
“Does that mean you’re having an exhibition?”
Owen nodded. “I can’t tell you to push your comfort zone and stay in mine. Who knows, I might even enjoy it.”
Harper laughed. “If I wasn’t holding my bicycle, I’d give you a hug.”
Owen stepped forward. With her bicycle between them, he wrapped his arms around her. “I can’t turn down a hug. Thanks for being you, Harper.”
With her heart pounding, she wrapped her arms around him. “Thanks for being you, too. We’re a good combination.”
Owen smiled as he stepped away. “Remember that when we’re surrounded by people asking how I make everything.”
Harper’s frown was playful, softened by the lingering warmth from Owen’s unexpected embrace. “It won’t be that bad. I’ll think about the course Zac wants me to do, too.”
With a final wave, Harper said goodbye to Owen and watched him walk away. For the first time since she’d left New York City, she was second-guessing her decision to quit nursing. Owen wanted her to be happy but, after moving here, she didn’t know what that meant anymore.
Owen had spenta lot of time on the trails around Flathead Lake. This evening, it was for a much-needed escape. The rhythmic pounding of his running shoes against the dirt was helping to calm his racing thoughts.
Beside him, Steve matched his pace as they pushed through the dense Montana air, thick with the scent of pine and the promise of the approaching night.
The tranquility of the evening was the complete opposite of the chaos of an hour ago. A car accident near his studio had sent a shock wave of noise along the street. The sudden, jarring sound had gripped him with a cold fist, pulling him back to memories he fought so hard to keep at bay. He’d called Steve, desperate to get out of town and calm his frayed nerves.
Steve glanced at Owen. “How are you holding up?”
Owen drew in a deep breath, letting the fresh air fill his lungs and clear his head. “Better,” he replied. “Running always helps.”
Steve nodded, a grunt of understanding escaping him as they continued on the trail. Eventually, they slowed to a stop on the edge of the lake. Owen bent forward, hands on his knees, catching his breath.
Steve gazed at the horizon. “I’ll never get tired of seeing this scenery. How did I live in Los Angeles for so long and never visit Montana?”
A wry smile tugged at the corners of Owen’s mouth. “You were happy with what you knew. I’m just glad you decided to live here.”
“So am I.” After a moment’s silence, Steve cleared his throat. “I called my dad last night. He can’t make my birthday party.”
Owen knew how upsetting that must have been. Steve and his dad’s relationship was rocky at the best of times, but they’d both thought he wouldn’t turn down the invitation. “Did he say why?”
“He’ll be at a conference. I thought he’d try to make it, but he said he has to be there.”
For Owen, family was the most important commitment anyone could have. It was just a pity Steve’s dad didn’t feel the same way. “At least you tried.”
Steve stuck his hands on his hips. “I don’t know why I bother. He always finds an excuse to stay away.”
Owen felt for his friend. Steve’s mom had died a few years ago. With no siblings, his dad was almost the only family he had. He’d given his dad months of warning about the party, hoping it would make a difference. But it hadn’t. “Turning thirty-five is a big deal, but if your dad doesn’t want to come, it’s his loss.”
“That’s what I told myself, but it doesn’t help. I feel like an idiot for trying.”
