The three of them stood by the lake, the sunset painting the sky with strokes of pink and orange, symbolizing an ending, but also a new beginning. With Owen by her side, and her father now back in her life, Harper felt a cautious hope for the future.
Chapter26
Two months later…
Owen pacedthe length of his cottage, his footsteps muffled by the rustic wooden floor. With his nerves bundled up inside him, the small space closed in on him.
Steve sat on the edge of the couch, holding a piece of paper that outlined the plan for the day. “Okay, so you’ll casually mention it’s a good day for a walk and head down to the lake, despite how cold it is. I'll be ahead of you with the bottle, ready to place it in the water a few minutes before you get there.” Steve glanced at Owen to catch his reaction.
Owen stopped pacing and ran a hand through his hair. “What if the wind picks up and it just sails off before she can read what’s inside? Or worse, what if it sinks?”
Steve chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. “It’s a message in a bottle, not the Titanic. You sealed it tight and it’s weighted just enough to float. Plus, I won’t be too far away. If it drifts down the lake, I’ll grab it when it reaches me. It’s all about timing.”
Owen nodded, though his stomach churned with anxiety. “And what if she says no?” he asked, the words hanging heavily in the air.
“Come on, Owen. You guys are great together. Harper loves you. She won’t say no,” Steve reassured him, clapping him on the back. “Just speak from your heart. Tell her what she means to you.”
Taking a deep breath, Owen tried to absorb his friend’s confidence. “I just want it to be perfect.”
“You’ve planned everything down to the last minute, Owen. It’s going to be special. Just focus on the moment and on her,” Steve told him, glancing over the instructions again.
Owen looked through the window at the gray sky. The wind rustled the bare branches of the trees, sending a chill down his spine. He pictured himself and Harper walking along the water, the cold making their breaths visible in the air, the perfect backdrop for a moment he hoped they’d remember forever.
“All right, let’s go over this one more time,” Owen said, his voice steadier. “You’re sure about the spot?”
“Absolutely,” Steve confirmed. “It’s sheltered enough from the wind and gives you a great backdrop for the proposal. Plus, it’s not too far from The Lakeside Inn.”
Owen took a deep breath. “And you’re sure no one’s said anything to Harper?”
“Positive,” Steve confirmed. “Daniella promised me that everyone’s lips are sealed. They’re having coffee and cake at the inn, waiting for your signal to join you at the lake.” He checked his watch. “Maybe you should text Harper to make sure she’s left the clinic.”
Owen took his phone out of his pocket. He was so nervous, he nearly dropped it. With trembling hands, he sent her a quick message and waited for her reply.
When his phone pinged, he read the text. “She’s on her way. Let’s go.” Grabbing his jacket, he headed out of the living room.
Steve cleared his throat. “You’re forgetting the first thing on your list.” And with a smile, he took a small velvet ring box off the coffee table and handed it to Owen. “Everything will be fine. Just remember to breathe.”
Harper parkedher bicycle beside the children’s playground and took off her helmet. She looked at the choppy water of Flathead Lake and wondered why Owen wanted to go for a walk. She enjoyed spending time outside, especially when the air was crisp and refreshing, but this was a little cold, even for her.
While she waited for Owen, she thought about the last two months. So much had happened that sometimes it was hard to remember her life before she came back to Sapphire Bay.
This was almost the exact spot where she’d met her dad. The next day, her mom had joined them for lunch and, the following weekend, they’d gone to see her granddad.
Benjamin wasn’t happy to see her dad but, he hadn’t ignored him, either. When Eric apologized, her granddad was ready to at least listen to why he’d stayed away from them.
It was a bittersweet reunion for all of them, but something Harper was glad they’d done.
She checked her watch and looked around for Owen. He was late, which was unusual for him. The chilly wind didn't help to ease the growing knot of anxiety in her stomach. She adjusted her jacket and paced near the shore, her gaze scanning the path that led down from the street.
Finally, Owen appeared, walking briskly toward her. As he came closer, Harper saw the lines of strain around his eyes deepening with each step.
“Hi,” he said, forcing a smile as he approached. “Sorry I'm late. I got held up at the studio.”
Harper smiled back, although she was concerned. “It's all right. I was enjoying the view.” She gestured toward the lake, trying to lighten the mood. “It’s beautiful today, isn't it?”
Owen nodded and held her hand. “Are you warm enough?”
She squeezed his fingers. “If I get too cold, we might have to break into a run.”
