Benjamin, with a twinkle in his eyes, suggested hosting a party with all of Harper’s friends. “It’ll be wonderful to see everyone again.”
Harper wasn’t quite so excited. “I appreciate the idea, Granddad, but I don’t feel like doing anything big this year. I’d be just as happy with a meal here with you, Mom, and Owen.”
“We had a quiet dinner last year,” he said with an encouraging smile. “It’s not every day my granddaughter turns thirty-two.”
Harper glanced at Owen, hoping he’d back her up. But, this time, he was firmly on her granddad’s side. Especially when he knew about the surprise party Benjamin was organizing.
“It’d be fun to invite your friends,” Owen said gently. “We could have a barbecue and play some music.” He kept his expression neutral, trying to hide what he already knew.
Harper frowned. “I’ll think about it.”
“Don’t think about it for too long,” Benjamin told her. “Your birthday’s next week. We’ll have to let everyone know what’s happening.”
Harper picked up her coffee cup and frowned at her granddad. “Just to be clear, we’re only talking about a few friends, a barbecue, and some music, aren’t we?”
Benjamin nodded. “We’d better tell your mom,” Benjamin added. “She’d never forgive me if we organized a party without her.”
“Mom called me this morning. She’s coming to Sapphire Bay for my birthday and asked what I want to do.”
Benjamin pursed his lips.
Owen glanced at Benjamin. It didn’t sound as though Harper’s mom had told her daughter about the birthday party, which was good.
Benjamin fiddled with the handle of his cup. “Did Carrie say when she’s arriving?”
Harper frowned. “She’s hoping to be here by three o’clock on Wednesday afternoon. She said she’d call you.”
“I must’ve forgotten.” Benjamin cleared his throat. “Are you doing anything on Thursday night, Owen?”
A twinge of guilt made Owen feel just as uncomfortable as Benjamin. Even telling a little white lie to Harper didn’t feel right. “If that’s the night of the party, I’ll be here.”
Harper sent her granddad a pleading look. “Try not to invite anyone else until I’ve thought about it.”
“I’ll do my best,” he promised. The conversation moved on, and Benjamin turned his attention to Owen. “A friend gave me a lift to the old steamboat museum the other day, and we saw you running through town. You looked like you were on a mission.”
Owen remembered the run. “I wanted to make the most of the weather,” he replied, not wanting to mention the deeper reasons behind his need to run and the way it helped clear his mind.
“Owen runs most days,” Harper added.
“That’ll keep you fit,” Benjamin said. “How’s your new home working out, Owen?”
“It’s fantastic, although Mom worries that I’m not eating enough. She keeps bringing casseroles to the studio.”
Harper smiled. “Make the most of it. Nothing tastes better than a meal made by someone else. I love it when Granddad bakes.”
Benjamin laughed. “I might not be as good as I used to be, but I can still create a little magic in the kitchen. And talking about magic, I’ve been meaning to ask what your intentions are toward Harper?"
Harper gasped. “Granddad! You shouldn’t ask Owen that.”
“Fiddlesticks. I won’t last forever. I want to know you’re happy and spending time with someone who cares about you.” Benjamin focused on Owen. “Is this relationship a short-term solution in your life or something bigger?”
Harper covered her hot cheeks with her hands. “Oh, my goodness, Granddad. I’m thirty-one years old!”
A lump formed in Owen’s throat. He respected Benjamin deeply and knew the importance of the conversation. “It’s okay, Harper. I’m happy to answer your granddad’s question.” He turned his attention back to Benjamin. “Harper means a lot to me,” he started, choosing his words carefully. “I care about her more than I’ve ever cared about anyone. I want to be there for her, support her in everything she does. I can’t predict the future, but I know I want your granddaughter to be a part of my life.”
Benjamin studied Owen for a moment, as if weighing his words. Then, his face broke into a warm smile. “I’ve seen the way you two are together. You’re good for each other,” he said, his voice softening. “Just wanted to hear it from you. Mabel said you’re thinking of opening your studio to the public.”
Owen’s eyes widened. He shouldn’t be surprised that Mabel knew about his plans, but he was. “I haven’t set a date, but I’m thinking about it. Twice as many tourist buses stop in town on Fridays and Saturdays. It wouldn’t take much to open on those days. Mom said she’d help with the sales counter and Dad’s happy to be a backup.”
