“Let’s toast to new beginnings,” Steve suggested, raising a glass of apple cider.
Glasses clinked, and a chorus of ‘To new beginnings’ rose around the room. Owen looked around at the faces of the people he loved, feeling a profound sense of contentment. While he was living in Detroit, he’d missed moments like these. His life had revolved around work and not much more. If he was looking for a silver lining to having PTSD, this was it.
Family, friends, good food, and a woman who made his life complete. You couldn’t ask for much better than that.
After they’d enjoyed the food and drink, each of them went to a different part of the cottage, hoping to get the last boxes unpacked before they left.
Owen looked up when Harper walked into the living room. “How’s it going?”
“The bathroom and laundry are organized. Your dad hooked up your washing machine and the clothes dryer just needs to be plugged in.” Harper looked around the living room and smiled. “This looks lovely. You’ve moved the sofa to the other wall and added a few potted plants.”
“Daniella brought the plants with her. She said they’ll create a healthier environment for me.” Owen leaned closer and lowered his voice. “Personally, I think she’s been reading too many self-help books.”
A female voice cleared her throat from the doorway.
Owen dropped his chin to his chest. “My sister’s behind me, isn’t she?”
Harper grinned. “She is, but don’t worry. Daniella looks far too happy to be grumpy with you for long.”
Owen turned around. Daniella was standing behind him with another potted plant in her arms.
“I won’t be grumpy with Owen ever again,” she said firmly.
“That’s because you’re using my studio for your wedding reception.”
Daniella sent her brother a wide smile. “And Harrison and I will be forever grateful.” She placed the deep green fern in the middle of Owen’s coffee table. “Plants don’t just look good—they can make you feel good, too. My friend Paris owns The Flower Cottage. She said studies show how plants boost your mood, increase creativity, reduce stress, and eliminate air pollutants. They’re the perfect ingredient to becoming a healthier, happier you.”
Owen pulled Harper close and kissed her cheek. “That’s what Harper does for me.”
“I’m not sure if being compared to a plant is a good thing,” Harper said with a smile. “But I like knowing you feel happy around me.”
“It’s more than that. I like spending time with you and being part of your life,” Owen said, his voice low and laden with emotion.
Harper rested her head against his shoulder. “I feel the same way.”
Daniella groaned. “That’s too much lovey-dovey talk for me. Steve said there’s plenty of leftover food in the kitchen. Do you want anything?”
Owen wanted a lot of things, and none of them involved sandwiches, cake, or muffins. “I’m okay. What about you, Harper?”
She grinned and kissed him firmly on the lips. “I’ve got everything I need right here.”
Owen felt the truth of her words deep in his soul. With Harper by his side, and the support of his family and friends, he was ready to face whatever came next.
Daniella sighed. “It looks like Cupid’s struck again. I’ll get something to eat while you unpack the rest of the boxes… if you ever get around to it.”
Owen tightened his hold on Harper. Right now, the only thing he cared about was the woman in his arms, and he didn’t see that changing.
Chapter16
Harper’s bicycle tires crunched softly against the gravel as she glided to a stop outside Owen’s studio. Propping her bicycle against the red-brick wall, she took a deep breath.
After a lot of thought, she’d registered for the trauma course Zac wanted her to do. It was a big step, not only professionally but personally, as well. After months of trying to forget what had happened during the pandemic, she was finally ready to face her past head-on and use her experiences to help other people.
Pushing the studio door open, she stepped inside. A wave of warmth and creativity wrapped around her as she gazed across the studio at Owen.
He turned to face her, and his face lit up with a smile. “Hey, Harper.” Putting down his tools, he walked over to her. “This is a nice surprise.”
Despite the butterflies in her stomach, she smiled back. “I’m on my way home to have lunch with Granddad. I thought I’d call in and see you.”
