“Remember when we used to dream about living here?” Lynda asked, settling onto one of Kathleen’s kitchen stools. “Maybe it’s the universe’s way of telling you it’s the right thing to do.”
“Life has a funny way of bringing us full circle,” Susan mused. “Although I don’t remember a handsome widower with a mysterious past being part of Isabel’s teenage plans.”
“No more talk about Frank,” Isabel told her friends. “There must be other things happening in your lives.”
Lynda grinned. “Nothing that’s as important as starting a new business. It almost makes me want to open a veterinarian practice in Sapphire Bay.”
Kathleen checked the lasagne. “That sounds like a great idea to me. Just imagine the fun we’d have. Dinner should be ready in about ten minutes.”
They moved to the veranda while the lasagna finished cooking. As they settled into cushioned wicker chairs, the evening light filtered through the pine branches, creating a cozy,sheltered feeling. Crickets had started their evening chorus, and somewhere in the distance, a vehicle backfired.
“I’m proud of you, you know,” Kathleen said softly to Isabel. “Taking this leap. How are you really doing with everything?”
Isabel took a sip of wine. “I was okay while I was working, but as soon as I retired, a fresh wave of grief hit me. But do you know what’s strange? Since I’ve been here, I feel like I have a purpose again.” She traced the rim of her glass. “James always said I had good instincts about big decisions. I just hope he was right.”
“He was,” Lynda said gently. “And he’d be so proud of you for doing this.”
“I know.” Isabel smiled, remembering how her husband had supported her in whatever she’d done.“And if it doesn’t work out, I can always move back home. I thought I’d rent my home month-to-month, so it’s not like I’m burning any bridges.” She took another sip of wine. “I think Lynda is right. This is exactly where I’m supposed to be, even if it’s terrifying.”
“The best changes usually are,” Kathleen said softly. “And you know we’re all here for you, whatever happens.”
The timer chimed from the kitchen, and they moved inside to set the table. As Kathleen served her famous lasagna, Isabel shared her initial plans for the bookstore. She wanted to expand the children’s section, add more comfortable reading nooks, and start a book club.
“You could ask Frank if he wants to be your first book club member,” Susan said with a smile.
Kathleen handed Isabel the salad bowl. “Save that honor for me. I love a good story.”
Isabel wrapped her arm around Kathleen’s waist. “I’ll let you know as soon as I’ve organized what we’ll need.”
As the evening continued, Isabel felt a deep sense of rightness settle in her chest. She was starting a new part ofher life, but she wasn’t doing it alone. She had her friends, her memories of James, and a bookstore full of amazing stories.
CHAPTER 8
Isabel parked her rental outside The Welcome Center. This morning, she’d talked to Kathleen about the bookstore and the events she wanted to hold. Kathleen reminded Isabel about her son-in-law being an author, and she told her about a children’s writing group at The Welcome Center.
Even though it had only been a couple of years since she’d last been to the center, she was surprised by the changes.
The large accommodation wing looked even bigger, and someone with a green thumb had restored the gardens to their former glory. Even the sign in the parking lot had been given a facelift.
Isabel paused at the entrance, breathing in the sweet smell of freshly baked cookies. She’d thought Kathleen was exaggerating when she said the catering class enjoyed baking homemade treats for the holiday programs, but she was wrong.
Inside, a group of people stood around the reception desk talking to Mabel Terry, while two elderly men played chess in a corner.
Isabel checked the directions on a piece of paper Kathleen had given and walked toward a corridor on the left-handside of the room. Katie Bennett, a local children’s author, ran a children’s writing group from The Welcome Center. Isabel hoped she’d help her set up a special collection in the bookstore.
When she tapped on a door, Katie looked up from behind a desk and smiled.
“You must be Isabel,” Katie said. “Kathleen called me to say you’d be stopping by. Welcome to the Sapphire Bay Junior Writing Club.” The young woman’s red curls bounced around her shoulders, and she had the happy look of someone doing exactly what they loved. “I was excited when I heard you wanted to talk about local authors.”
“Thanks for taking the time to see me,” Isabel said, settling into a chair beside Katie’s desk. “Kathleen said you run a wonderful program.”
“We have about fifteen children coming regularly to our club now,” Katie said proudly. “They write and illustrate everything from young adult fantasy to children’s non-fiction. Last year, we published seven titles, and there’s another two almost ready for formatting.”
Isabel’s eyes widened. “That’s amazing. I wish your writing club had been around when I was a teenager. I loved writing but didn’t know anything about the publishing industry.”
Katie grinned. “And now you own a bookstore.”
“Nearly own a bookstore,” Isabel said. “I don’t officially buy the bookstore for another month. In the meantime, Mrs. Henderson’s showing me how she does things, and I’m planning for the future. Which is where I need your help.”
