When Daniella finally arrived, breezing in with the confidence and energy that she carried like an aura, Harper’s anxiety ticked up a notch.
Daniella’s smile was wide as she spotted her and sat at their table. “Sorry I’m late. The Fairy Forest was swamped today,” she said, setting down her bag. “Thanks for ordering a drink for me. So, what’s up? You said it was important.”
Harper took a deep breath, her words tangling up before they even left her mouth. “I... Owen and I...” She paused, searching for the best way to say it, wanting to convey how much she valued Daniella’s friendship and didn’t want anything to change between them.
Daniella’s brow furrowed slightly at Harper’s hesitance. “You’re starting to worry me. Is everything okay?”
“Yes, no, I mean—everything’s great, actually.” Harper’s eyes lifted to meet Daniella’s. “I don’t know if Owen’s mentioned anything to you, but we’re... seeing each other. Like, seeing each other.”
The revelation hung in the air. The chatter inside the café faded into a distant hum as Harper waited for Daniella’s response. For a split second, she feared she’d crossed an unspoken line, but then Daniella’s face broke into a beaming smile.
“Finally!” Daniella exclaimed. “I was beginning to think my brother was blind.”
Harper’s nerves unwound as she laughed with relief. “You’re not upset?”
“I’m nowhere near upset. I’ve been telling Owen how amazing you are since you moved back to Sapphire Bay.” Daniella reached over the table, squeezing Harper’s hand. “You’re perfect for him. You know how to handle his quirks, and you’ve seen him at his most vulnerable. Besides, I’ve never seen him so happy.”
As they talked, Daniella’s enthusiasm never waned. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she told Harper what to do when Owen got too caught up in his work. “He can be a little intense about his glassblowing. If he starts rambling about the viscosity of glass or the perfect annealing temperature, just nod and smile.”
Harper grinned. “I’ll remember that, but I love listening to him talk about his work.”
“Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Daniella told her with a smile. “While we’re talking about monumental decisions, I’ve got one of my own. Harrison and I have set a date for our wedding. We’re getting married next year on March 12.”
Harper’s eyes widened. Daniella had met Harrison when he’d asked her to help him organize an event to celebrate the opening of the community housing project. He was a kind person, and the perfect partner for Daniella. “That’s not far away.”
“We’re not having a lot of guests,” Daniella told her. “If Harrison and I can reopen The Fairy Forest after the damage from the flooding, we can organize a wedding in six months.”
Harper wouldn’t put anything past Daniella. She was the most determined person she knew. “If you need any help, let me know. Are you getting married in The Fairy Forest?”
Daniella shook her head. “It’s a wonderful venue, but it’d feel too much like going into work. Pastor John’s marrying us in The Connect Church. Afterward, we’ll have our reception in an old barn just out of town. The Montgomerys have everything we need.”
Whatever venue Daniella chose would be special, especially with her fantastic ability to create memorable events. “I’m so happy for you.”
“I’m happy for me, too,” Daniella said with a grin. “Lisa, Harrison’s sister, has been amazing. On her way home after her last visit, she stopped at a fashion boutique in Bozeman. As well as selling gorgeous clothes for everyday life, the owner has designed award-winning bridal gowns. I’ve seen one that’s over-the-top incredible.”
Harper laughed. “Does it have fairy wings?”
“Not at the moment, but you never know what’ll happen between now and our wedding.”
“I can’t wait to see the dress. Have you organized anything else?”
For the next half hour, Daniella told her about the other things she’d booked. Harper hoped Harrison knew what a whirlwind his fiancée was when she was dealing with a tight timeframe. With the church’s catering program providing the food, and her friend Paris designing the bridal bouquet and flowers, it’d be a wonderful day.
Harper checked the time. “I’d love to talk for longer, but I need to get home to Granddad.”
“That’s okay. How is Benjamin?”
“He’s doing all right. Zac’s happy with the results from his last blood tests and he’s doing all the exercises his physical therapist gave him.”
Daniella picked up her bag. “It must be horrible having a stroke. He’s lucky you were able to come home.”
“I’m the lucky one. Granddad’s a wonderful person. Thanks for being so understanding about Owen and me,” Harper said as they stood to leave. “I really wanted you to hear it from me.”
Daniella hugged her tightly. “Thank you for making my brother so happy. And don’t you dare think you’re getting out of Sunday dinners now. You’re officially part of the family.”
Stepping out into the late afternoon sunshine, Harper felt a buoyancy in her step. With the blessing of her grandfather and Daniella, her relationship with Owen felt even more right, and she couldn’t wait to see what the future held for them.
Chapter12
