With a bright smile, Emma took over, clicking through a presentation that showcased the festival’s website. “We’ll have a fantastic online presence this year,” she announced. “Our social media accounts are buzzing, and we have some fabulous features on the website to highlight our local talent.”
Harper listened, impressed by Emma’s expertise and Mabel’s ability to rally the town’s enthusiasm. People nodded and smiled, even when Emma talked about the traffic management plan they’d submitted to the county.
As the meeting progressed, Harper realized she was enjoying it more than she’d thought she would. If everything went according to plan, it would be their biggest festival yet.
During a brief break in the meeting, Owen asked her, “What do you think of everything so far?”
“The festival sounds like fun. And it’s even better now that I’ll be beside Kathleen and Brooke’s booth. I love the candy from Sweet Treats.”
A smile transformed Owen’s serious expression into so much more. “Their chocolate and mixed berry fudge is the best. Mom tells me I’ll end up with diabetes if I keep eating so much of it.”
“It has fruit in it, so it must be healthy,” Harper replied with a grin. “But that’s my personal opinion, not my medical one.”
“I’ll remember that when I see Zac at the clinic.”
Harper leaned closer to Owen. “If you take some of Sweet Treats’ cherry deluxe fudge, he’ll agree with you. It’s his favorite.”
Owen’s smile widened. Did he realize how different he looked when he let down his guard?
Emma called everyone’s attention back to the front of the room, and Harper settled in for the last half hour of the meeting. After spending so much time away from Sapphire Bay, she felt a surge of gratitude for the rekindled connection, for the shared understanding of what it meant to be part of a small town.
As the meeting wound down, Owen asked about modifying his booth. She was amazed by how naturally he spoke about his work, with his passion for glassblowing evident in every word. Other artists who had fragile items to sell listened carefully to his ideas and had more questions of their own.
If the level of interest was anything to go by, Owen and his friend Steve could have a few inquiries about the shelving options he’d discussed.
After the meeting finished, Harper greeted Paris and her other friends quickly and then followed Owen out of the room. Being around so many enthusiastic people made her worries slip away, replaced by a sense of anticipation for the festival.
“Good luck with making more items for the festival,” Harper told Owen as they said goodbye. “Whatever you create will sell fast.”
“I hope so. If you need any extra shelving, call me. Steve and I made a couple of different designs before we settled on the one we’re using. I could lend them to you for the festival.”
Harper slid her notebook into her backpack and smiled. “That’s really thoughtful of you. I’ll let Jackie know. It was great seeing you again.” After waving goodbye to Owen, she unlocked her bicycle and pedaled home with a sense of anticipation.
Even though she hadn’t been too sure about being part of the festival, she was looking forward to being there. Chatting with Owen had made the meeting even more enjoyable. He was a good guy with a gentle soul—and he liked the fudge from Sweet Treats. Who wouldn’t enjoy spending time with someone like that?
In Sapphire Bay, new beginnings were always waiting just around the corner, and Harper was grateful to be a part of this vibrant, supportive community. And the festival, with all its promise of new experiences and connections, was an important part of what made this community special.
Harper leanedher bicycle against her granddad’s house and hurried up the porch steps. The house greeted her with its usual warmth, a comforting embrace after the evening’s excitement. “Hi, Granddad,” she called as she hung her jacket on the coat stand.
“How was the meeting?” Benjamin asked from his armchair in the living room.
Harper set down her helmet and joined him. “It was wonderful. The festival will be better than ever this year. The whole town’s buzzing about it.”
Benjamin’s eyes sparkled with a mixture of pride and nostalgia. “I remember when your nana and I used to go. She loved seeing all the crafts, and we’d always come home with more than we could carry. Those were good times.”
Harper reached for his hand, feeling the papery thinness of his skin. “I know you miss her, especially around festival time. But I like to think she’s still with us, making sure we don’t buy too much cotton candy.”
Benjamin chuckled. “Your nana had a sweet tooth but, you’re right, she’d keep us in check. Tell me, did you see any of your friends at the meeting?”
She nodded, her thoughts drifting to Owen. “I saw Owen Judd. You remember Daniella’s brother? He’s selling his glass pieces at the festival.”
“Owen was always a bright boy,” Benjamin mused, a thoughtful expression crossing his worn features. “When I saw his dad last week, he said he’s proud of the way he’s settled into Sapphire Bay.”
“Daniella said he’s set up a glass studio in town.”
Benjamin nodded. “That’s what his dad told me, too. I’m glad he’s found his way back home, just like you. I enjoy having you here, Harper.”
She gently squeezed his hand. It was good to know her granddad liked her being here, especially when she was so upset when she’d called him. “I’m glad we could help each other. Did I tell you I’ve finished most of the knitting for the festival? If anything doesn’t sell, Jackie will add it to the pieces I’ve knitted for A Stitch in Time.”
