Owen stood smilingat the front door of his new home on Anchor Lane, enjoying a sense of anticipation. Moving into the cottage represented a fresh start, a place he could call his own in the heart of Sapphire Bay.
As his parents carried boxes along the pathway leading to the front door, he felt a deep sense of gratitude. His mom had been directing operations with a practiced eye, ensuring that each box found its rightful place inside. His dad was more cautious. George’s heart attack had scared him and everyone who was close to him. Owen appreciated his parents’ help, but he wasn’t risking his dad’s health.
“Remember what the doctor said, Dad. Take it easy,” Owen said as his dad walked inside with a heavy box labeled ‘Books’.
“I’m fine, son. This is nothing,” George replied, though he allowed Owen to take the box from him with a grudging sigh.
Steve smiled. “There’s plenty of other boxes in the truck, Mr. Judd. But if you see one with lots of brown paper bags inside, leave it there. It’s for later.”
Owen had a fairly good idea about what would be inside. “The box wouldn’t have anything to do with your questions about the menu at The Starlight Café, would it?”
“It might, but you don’t get to see what’s inside until we’re finished.”
Owen wouldn’t complain if Steve had bought something from the café. Everything there was delicious.
After they’d carried the last piece of furniture inside, Owen’s thoughts drifted to Harper. After she’d finished work, she was going home to check on her granddad before coming here. The thought of seeing her, of sharing this new chapter of his life with her, brought a warm glow to his heart. Harper had become an important part of his life, and he couldn’t imagine her not being here.
He walked into the living room to help his mom.
Lynda emptied a large bag full of cushions. “It’s a lovely cottage, Owen. You’ll make many happy memories here.”
Owen smiled, his gaze sweeping over the cozy room that was filled with his furniture and dreams. “Thanks, Mom. It already feels like home.”
The sound of a truck pulling up drew their attention to the window. Harper stepped onto the sidewalk carrying a box.
“Sorry I’m late,” she called out, as Owen met her on the veranda.
The warmth in her eyes made his heart skip a beat. “There’s no need to apologize. You’re here now.” He took the box from her and smiled. “What’s this?”
“A little birdy told me you might need a toaster. If you’ve found one in the meantime, feel free to give it to someone else. Otherwise, it’s your housewarming present.”
Owen didn’t know how she’d discovered that he didn’t have a toaster, but he was grateful for the practical gift. “I’m still toasterless, so thank you. How’s your granddad?”
“He’s happy. His friends picked him up this morning and took him to the old steamboat museum to work on a top-secret project.”
Benjamin had told Owen he was making a gift for Harper’s birthday. He wasn’t impressed that it was taking ten times longer to build than it would have before his stroke, but he was pleased with how it was coming along.
Owen wrapped his arm around Harper’s shoulders. “Come inside. Steve’s still here with Mom and Dad, and Daniella should be here in about an hour.”
Lynda and George greeted Harper with hugs and words of welcome. The bond between her and his family had grown, especially when they saw how happy he was when he was with her.
Together, they all moved into the kitchen, where Steve had laid out a feast.
Owen’s eyes widened. “So, you did buy food from the café.”
Steve grinned. “I’ll take any excuse I can find to eat Andrea’s delicious home baking.”
“I’ll second that,” Lynda said as she handed Harper a plate. “What do you think of Owen’s cottage?”
“It’s lovely. I like the cushions you’ve added to the sofa in the living room.”
“Daniella found them at the thrift store in Polson,” Owen’s dad said. “She has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Just like her mom.”
Lynda beamed with pleasure as her husband told them stories of other things she’d found at thrift stores.
“I buy new things, too,” she told everyone with a smile. “But I enjoy recycling all kinds of things into family treasures.”
Owen took a slice of cake off the counter and watched Harper chat with his parents. Her laughter mingled with theirs, a sound that filled the cottage with happiness.
