Steve spent the next few hours taking his dad to the places that were special to him. He showed him the tiny homes, explaining how the community worked together to support each other. They visited The Welcome Center, where he introduced his dad to some of the residents and volunteers. Finally, they walked to the cottages on Anchor Lane, where he talked about the remodeling projects and the impact the houses had on the community.
As they walked back to Steve’s home, he could see the understanding and pride growing in his dad’s eyes. He was beginning to see the world through Steve’s perspective, appreciating the life he’d built and the decisions he’d made.
His dad stopped in Steve’s front yard. “Sapphire Bay is completely different from what I imagined. It’s a special place and I’m glad you showed me around.”
Steve was glad it had helped his dad understand him a little better. “That means more than you know.” He looked down at Rex. His dad had held his leash as they’d walked around the community. Rex had loved all the hugs and pats, and his dad had enjoyed talking to people he wouldn’t have otherwise met.
But there was still one thing that worried Steve. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course, son. What is it?”
“Why didn’t you believe in PTSD?”
Trevor sighed heavily. “I grew up in a different time. When I was younger, we didn’t talk about mental health. Men were supposed to be tough, to handle everything on their own. I guess I carried that belief with me, even when it didn’t make sense anymore. Your mom tried to make me see how much I was hurting you by not accepting what was happening in your life. I’m sorry if I ever made you feel like your struggles weren’t real.”
Steve looked at his father, seeing the regret in his eyes. “It wasn’t easy, Dad. But I’ve learned a lot about myself through all of this. And I’ve realized that asking for help doesn’t make me weak—it makes me human.”
Trevor nodded slowly. “I’m proud of you for finding ways to cope with what happened in Afghanistan. And I promise, from now on, I’ll try to understand you better. I don’t want to lose you.”
A tear slipped down Steve’s cheek, and he quickly wiped it away.
Trevor’s eyes softened, a rare moment of vulnerability showing through. “You know, your mom always said you and I were more alike than we’d ever admit. Maybe that’s why we butted heads so often.”
Steve smiled faintly, feeling a connection to his mom’s words. “Maybe she was right. Maybe we just needed to understand each other better.”
As he stood in the sunshine with his dad, Steve knew this was a turning point. They had a long way to go in rebuilding their relationship, but at least they were taking the first steps together.
Eden stoodon a ladder in her living room, carefully peeling back layers of old, faded wallpaper. Bits of paper and dust fluttered to the floor, joining the growing pile at her feet. The house was a work in progress, but every strip of wallpaper removed was a step closer to making it her own. Steve was nearby, working on another wall, his presence making the job much more fun.
She glanced over at him, catching him mid-pull. “How’s that side coming along?” she asked with a smile.
Steve grinned back at her. “Slowly but surely. This wallpaper is stubborn, but it doesn’t stand a chance against us.”
Eden laughed, feeling a warmth spread through her. “I like your optimism.”
As they continued working, Rex wandered in and out of the house. He loved coming over with Steve.
Eden was proud of the Rex-proof fence they’d built in the backyard. Rex could pounce on butterflies, chase birds, and run off all his extra energy without going anywhere he shouldn’t.
“I spoke to Mabel Terry the other day,” Eden said to Steve. “She said it was lovely meeting your dad at the general store.”
Steve smiled. “Dad likes anything with a motor, so he was impressed with their range of power tools.”
“And I’ll be forever grateful for each and every one of them.” Eden flicked a piece of wallpaper off her hand. “Especially while I’m remodeling the house. Did you take your dad to The Christmas Shop? I was there last week and it’s amazing.”
“Not on this trip. He wanted to understand why I’m living here, so apart from the general store, we looked around the tiny home village, The Welcome Center, and the cottages on Anchor Lane.”
“What did he think?”
“He was surprised there are so many opportunities for people to have a good life. I’m hoping it’ll make him appreciate the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to make this town special.”
Eden focused on the corner of a sheet and carefully pulled it upward. “A lot of people don’t think about moving here because it’s so small. I wouldn’t have known about it unless Shelley told me.”
Steve stepped off the ladder he was using. “That’s part of the reason Dad was surprised I’m living here. He didn’t realize how much this place means to me. We’ve always had a complicated relationship, especially after my mom passed. But showing him around has helped.”
“That’s good,” Eden said softly. “It’s never easy when your parents don’t understand the choices you make.”
“What about your parents?” Steve asked. “How do they feel about you buying a house in Sapphire Bay?”
