Frank watched their exchange. “Tommy’s mom and dad died two years ago. His mom, Sarah, was my daughter.”
Isabel felt a connection with the young boy that went beyond their shared love of books. “I’m sorry, Tommy. That must have been really hard.”
“It’s okay,” Tommy said slowly. “Grandpa looks after me, and we do fun things together.”
Isabel looked at Frank. His eyes were full of the same sense of loss she felt when she thought of James. “My husband died about the same time as your daughter- and son-in-law. Sometimes, it’s the small things you did together that make you feel alone. It’s wonderful that you’re filling Tommy’s life with happy memories.”
Frank wrapped his arm around Tommy’s shoulders. “We try, don’t we, buddy?”
Tommy nodded. “We do awesome things together.” He looked at the picture on Isabel’s laptop. “Could the reading fort have stars on the ceiling like that one?”
Isabel took a closer look at the picture and nodded. “I think it definitely could.”
For the next half hour, the three of them brainstormed ideas for the reading nook and other store improvements. Tommy’s enthusiasm was infectious, and even Frank contributed several practical suggestions about layout and safety considerations. Isabel saw the bookstore as more than her business, it was a community space—a place where everyone’s imagination could flourish.
Frank glanced at his watch and sighed. “I hate to cut this short, but I need to get back to work. I have a client meeting in thirty minutes.”
Tommy’s shoulders slumped. “But I have more ideas, and I still have to pick up my book.”
Frank ruffled his grandson’s hair affectionately. “We still have enough time for you to see Mrs. Henderson.”
Tommy reluctantly hopped down from the window seat.
“I have to meet someone, too,” Isabel said gently. “I can’t stay with Kathleen forever, so I’m looking at a house that’s for sale.”
Frank picked up Tommy’s backpack. “If you need some free legal advice, I’d be happy to look at any purchase agreements.”
Isabel closed her laptop. “Is that what you did before you came to Sapphire Bay?”
Frank’s eyes widened. “Umm… sort of. I worked with clients to make sure they understood the contracts they were signing. I’m working remotely with another company now. It’s basically the same work but with smaller organizations.”
“Well, in that case,” Isabel told him. “I’d appreciate any advice you could give me. And in return, I’ll cook you and Tommy dinner.”
“Promise?” Tommy asked, his expression full of hope.
“Absolutely,” Isabel replied, making an X over her heart that made Tommy giggle. “You’ll just have to tell me what you and your grandpa like eating.”
Tommy looked up at Frank. “We eat anything, don’t we Grandpa?”
The serious gleam in Frank’s eyes was replaced by mischief. “We do. Tommy and I also make the best apple crumble this side of the Rockies. If you bake the main course, we’ll bring dessert.”
Tommy looked across the store. “I’ll get my book, Grandpa.”
While Tommy rushed across the room, Isabel gathered her laptop and notebook, sliding them into her bag.
Frank lingered by the window seat. “You know,” he said, lowering his voice, “I meant what I said about looking over any real estate agreements. Property transactions in small towns can have their quirks.”
Isabel smiled gratefully. “Thank you. I’ve lived in the same house for more than forty years, and I wouldn’t know what to look out for.”
Frank nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Buying the bookstore and a house at the same time is a lot to take on.”
“It is,” Isabel admitted. “But it also feels right. After my husband died, I felt like a part of me died with him. Now that I’m here, I feel like I have a reason to wake up in the morning.”
“Sapphire Bay has a way of doing that to people,” Frank said with a serious expression in his eyes. “If you need help with remodeling the bookstore, just ask. I’m a pretty good painter and plasterer.”
“That would be wonderful, but are you sure you have the time?”
“It would help me, too,” he said with a small smile. “I’ve been working long hours and haven’t spent as much time with Tommy as I’d like. Helping you would give us something to focus on in the evenings.” His voice softened. “He enjoys spending time with other people, especially after losing his parents.”
