Eden sighed, leaning against the ladder for a moment. “They were shocked. I think they were expecting me to go back to Boston or move to a bigger city. But when I explained why I wanted to come here, they were supportive. They’re happy I’m happy, even if they don’t fully get why I chose this place.”
Steve continued stripping the wallpaper, his movements steady and sure. “What did Shelley say that made you choose Sapphire Bay?”
Eden smiled, thinking back to her decision. “She said that everyone cared about each other. But John’s PTSD support group is the main reason I moved. I’m so grateful I listened to her.”
Steve nodded, understanding in his eyes. “I get that. Even if you don’t go to many meetings, just having people close by who know what you’re going through helps.”
Eden moved the ladder a few feet to the right. “If the ceilings weren’t so high, we’d get through this a lot faster.”
“But the room wouldn’t look as impressive,” Steve said as he peeled another strip of wallpaper off the wall.
Eden looked around them. With the way everything looked now, impressive was the last word she would have used to describe her home. “I’d be happy with a house that’s full of light and comfortable.”
“Just wait,” Steve said. “By the time we’re finished, it’ll look amazing.”
“Talking about amazing, guess who called me last night?”
Steve looked over his shoulder at her. “Your mom?”
Eden shook her head. “It was John. Shelley’s coming home tomorrow with their little baby.”
“That’s fantastic. I’m sure she’s looking forward to being in their own home.”
Eden nodded. “John said the maternity ward is really noisy at night. Although they may not get much sleep at home, either.”
Steve smiled. “I don’t think John will mind. It’ll give him a chance to cuddle his daughter.”
“He’ll be an amazing dad.” Eden thought about the type of father Steve would make and sighed. He’d be perfect and, for a woman on the verge of thirty-three, that was a dangerous thing to be.
Chapter21
Eden stood in the center of a classroom, helping the children at Sapphire Bay Elementary get ready for their first performance ofThe Lion King. The air was filled with excitement and a bit of nervous energy as the young actors got into their costumes and practiced their lines one last time.
Among the students was Oscar, dressed in a cute green and brown costume, ready to play his part as a tree.
When Eden saw how much he was fidgeting with his costume, she kneeled beside him. “Is everything okay, Oscar?”
He looked at her with eyes that were filled with anxiety. “I’m scared.”
“What are you scared about?”
Oscar bit his bottom lip. “I don’t know where to go. James is sick.”
Eden had to think about what Oscar meant. When she realized James was the little boy who was supposed to remind Oscar where to stand, she smiled. “It’s okay. Do you know Andrew?”
Oscar nodded.
“Well, I’ll ask him if he can hold your hand and show you where the trees stand on the stage. Is that okay?”
“Okay.” Oscar’s voice was very quiet.
Eden smiled reassuringly at him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay to be nervous, Oscar. Everyone feels a little worried before going on stage. But you’ve practiced so much, and I know you’ll do a great job. And even if you make a mistake, it’s okay. The most important thing is to have fun and do your best.”
Oscar took a deep breath. “Will you be watching me?”
“Of course,” Eden said, giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze. “I’ll be right there in the front row, cheering for you. You’re going to be awesome.”
Oscar’s face lit up with a small, hopeful smile. “Okay. I’ll try really hard.”
