Chloe nodded, her eyes still holding that newfound sparkle. “It’ll be another colored pebble. He finds at least three each time we come to the lake.”
As they walked hand-in-hand toward Oscar, a sense of rightness filled Liam’s chest. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew they could face them together.
CHAPTER 7
After Chloe had takenOscar to school, she hurried down Main Street. Mabel and Allan Terry were in the general store, changing the front window display. She waved at them, then smiled at the black toy cats and Jack-o’-lanterns surrounding the tools, oven mitts, and other household items.
It didn’t surprise Chloe that Mabel was the first to get her store ready for Halloween. She wanted to lead by example, and there was no better way than preparing her store for the tourists coming here for the holidays. When the other business owners saw what Mabel had done, they’d soon fill their front windows with orange lights and special gift ideas, too.
Her friend Paris stopped beside her. “I haven’t seen you in ages, Chloe. Isn’t it incredible to see Halloween decorations going up? It only seems like yesterday that I packed my ceramic pumpkins away.”
Chloe smiled. Paris owned The Flower Cottage, one of two gorgeous flower stores in Sapphire Bay. “Before you know it, the entire street will be decorated. I love the holidays.”
Paris sighed. “So do I, but this is the beginning of our busiest time of the year. We’re sending twenty fall wreaths toThe Christmas Tree Farm today and Ben’s ordered another fifty Christmas wreaths. We aren’t even in December!”
“That has to be good for business.”
“It is, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. But it’s so hectic.”
Chloe grinned. “That’s what you get for being incredible at what you do. Can I catch up with you later in the week? I need to visit The Welcome Center before I start work.”
Paris gave her a quick hug. “Later in the week sounds wonderful. Have a great day.”
“You, too.” As Paris hurried toward her store, Chloe moved her tote bag onto her other shoulder. Inside was a neatly organized folder containing the first five chapters of Liam’s book. She’d spent the last week editing it and adding her thoughts to the stories he’d documented.
Liam’s description of the book had fascinated her. Now she was obsessed. She’d stayed up late the past few nights, engrossed in the manuscript, eager to read more. She smiled as she thought about the people who’d transformed their lives by doing something so daring or outrageous that it had never been the same again.
She checked her watch, then kept walking. She’d texted Liam before she left home to let him know she was on her way. Hopefully, her feedback would be useful and he wouldn’t mind her scribbled notes in the margins.
When she arrived at the center, Liam was in the dining room at a table near the window. His laptop was open and he had pieces of paper scattered around him. Trixie was curled at his feet, snoozing in the morning sun.
“Good morning.” Chloe’s smile widened as Liam looked up.
He stood and returned her smile warmly. “Hey, Chloe! I can’t believe you’ve finished so much of my book.”
“Your stories are incredible.” She handed him the folder. “I felt like I was traveling with you to each town, but my favorite chapters are the ones about Sapphire Bay.”
“Were there many issues?”
“Just a few typos and some suggestions here and there,” she replied. “But honestly, your manuscript’s in great shape. I can’t remember a time when I’ve laughed and cried so much.”
A slight flush colored Liam’s cheeks. “I’m glad you like it.”
Chloe smiled. “Editing your manuscript reminded me of my time at the museum. We organized so many interesting projects and exhibitions that I’d go home each night excited about the next day.”
He tilted his head thoughtfully. “Does it make you want to go back to the Smithsonian?”
Chloe shrugged. “Maybe someday but, for now, Oscar and I love living here. If I’d stayed in Washington, D.C., our lives would be completely different. Living in Sapphire Bay gives me more time with Oscar and a more balanced life.”
“That’s a good way of looking at it. Are you heading to the café now?”
“I am,” she replied. “My shift starts soon. If you’ve got more chapters ready for editing, I’d love to read them.”
He handed her another folder. “I’ve added some information about a woman called Eleanor Whittaker. I think you’ll enjoy reading about her.”
“If her story is as interesting as the other ones, I’ll be reading about her during my lunch break.”
“As long as her story doesn’t keep you awake at night, that’s okay. I should have lunch at the café today. I’ve been meaning to buy one of the new muffins everyone’s raving about.”
