When she’d first arrived in Sapphire Bay, the thought of returning to teaching full-time had filled Eden with dread. Now, after working with Diana and the other teachers, she could imagine herself standing in front of a classroom, helping her students to achieve the things they only dreamed about.
Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the principal’s door.
“Come in,” Julie called warmly from inside.
Pushing the door open, Eden stepped into the office.
Julie looked up from her desk and smiled. “It’s good to see you. Please, have a seat.”
“Thank you for seeing me on such short notice. I wanted to talk to you about something.”
Julie nodded, folding her hands in front of her. “Go ahead.”
Eden took another deep breath. “I’ve really enjoyed my time in Diana’s classroom. It’s been wonderful helping the children, seeing them grow, and being part of their learning process. It’s reminded me how much I love teaching.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Julie said sincerely. “You’ve been a great asset to the school, and Diana speaks very highly of you.”
“Thank you,” Eden said, her confidence growing. “I was wondering if there might be any permanent positions available. I love Sapphire Bay, and I want to stay here. Being in the classroom again has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’d love the opportunity to continue doing what I love on a more permanent basis.”
Julie leaned back in her chair, considering Eden’s words. “I’m really happy to hear that you’re interested in a permanent position. We do have a couple of teachers retiring at the end of the school year, which will open up some spots. Given your experience and the positive feedback we’ve received, I think you’d be a strong candidate for one of those positions.”
Eden’s heart leaped with hope. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Her part-time role at the church would have finished and Shelley would be back from maternity leave. “That sounds wonderful. What would the next steps be?”
“Well,” Julie began, “we’ll have to go through the formal application process, of course. You’ll need to submit an official application and attend an interview, but given your current involvement and performance, I’m confident you’ll do well.”
Eden smiled, feeling a wave of relief. “Thank you. I really appreciate this opportunity.”
Julie returned her smile. “We’ve enjoyed having you here. It’s not easy to attract great teachers to a small town. You care deeply about the children and their education, and that’s exactly what we need.”
“I can’t imagine teaching anywhere else,” Eden told her. “Everyone is so friendly and supportive.”
Julie smiled. “I’m glad to hear it. How about I send you some information about the recruitment process? We’ll be advertising the positions next week.”
“That’d be fabulous. Thank you,” Eden said as she stood. “Thanks again for seeing me on such short notice. I know how busy you are.”
Julie held open her office door. “You’re welcome. I’m more than happy to meet with a wonderful teacher who asks me if I have any jobs available.”
Eden said goodbye and left Julie’s office feeling much better than she had in a long time. Slowly, she was putting what had happened in Boston behind her and starting a new life in Sapphire Bay—and she couldn’t wait to tell Steve.
After she’d spokento the principal of the school, Eden visited a bakery on Main Street. The cinnamon and jam donuts were Steve’s favorite and telling him about her meeting was a good reason to buy them. Hopefully, he’d be able to take a break.
As she approached the back door of the old steamboat museum, she was surprised it was so quiet. Either Steve was working on his computer or he’d gone somewhere else.
She knocked lightly on the door before pushing it open. “Hello. Is anyone here?”
Steve looked up from his workbench, his eyes widening in surprise. “Eden! What are you doing here?”
“School finished early for the parent and teacher meetings,” she explained with a smile. “I thought I’d come and see what you’re working on.”
Steve set down his tools and wiped his hands on a rag. “I’m glad you did. Come on in. I was just sorting through some tools.”
Eden looked around his workshop. It was cluttered, but in an organized way, with tools and materials neatly arranged on shelves and tables.
She held up the brown paper bag she’d brought with her. “If you’re able to take a break, I bought us something sweet to eat.”
“That sounds like a great idea. Just give me a couple of minutes.” Steve walked across to a small kitchenette and turned on the coffeepot. “How was school?”
“The children were excited to be going home early,” she said with a smile. “I’m not sure the teaching staff were as happy. They’ve spent a lot of time preparing graphs and models of how each child is doing.”
