“You’ll create your own,” Mrs. Henderson assured her. “That’s as it should be.”
As they ate, the conversation flowed easily. Tommy entertained them with stories of their morning fishing expedition. Lynda shared news about her upcoming interview with a vet who sounded perfect for managing her clinic in Denver, and Kathleen updated everyone on her renovation plans.
“Did your cottage purchase go through?” Mrs. Henderson asked Isabel between bites of her turkey sandwich.
Isabel shook her head. “Unfortunately not. The owners took it off the market. They said something about a relative wanting to move in.”
“That’s disappointing,” Mrs. Henderson sympathized.
“It worked out for the best, really,” Kathleen said. “Isabel will stay with me while she gets the bookstore up and running. And Lynda’s coming back after her interview to help with the grand reopening.”
Lynda checked her watch. “My flight’s at noon tomorrow. Hopefully, the person I’m interviewing will be perfect.”
“You’re really considering moving here?” Frank asked.
Lynda nodded, a tentative smile playing on her lips. “I need a change, and Isabel will need help running the bookstore when the tourist season kicks in.”
Isabel nudged her friend’s arm. “Tell Frank about the animal shelter.”
Lynda grinned. “I visited the animal shelter, and they’d love me to help look after their animals. I won’t be paid, but I don’t mind. Being around animals is all I need.”
“Our nearest vet clinic is in Polson,” Mrs. Henderson told Frank. “Lynda will be so busy she won’t have time to do anything other than look after all the sick animals around Sapphire Bay.”
As the conversation continued around her, Isabel watched Frank. There were shadows under his eyes, and his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. Something was still worrying him.
Isabel moved to Frank’s side of the counter when everyone was busy talking about other things. “Is everything okay? You look like you haven’t been sleeping.”
Frank’s surprised glance confirmed her suspicion. For a moment, she thought he might brush aside her concern, but then his expression softened.
“It’s been a complicated week,” he admitted. “Some of the fallout from Dave’s visit has kept me awake at night. But this day is too special to worry about what’s happening in my life.”
Isabel studied his face. “I thought we agreed that friendship means not carrying burdens alone?”
A sad smile crossed his features. “We did, didn’t we? It’s just... old habits.”
Before she could press further, Tommy bounded over, eager to show Frank a book he’d found. There was no point asking Frank any more questions, but Isabel was determined to find a time to talk with him properly.
After lunch, the bookstore continued its transformation. Shelves were rearranged, new displays were created, and plans were discussed for the upcoming grand reopening. Through it all, Isabel caught glimpses of Frank’s watchful presence—how he seemed to position himself near windows, how his gaze occasionally swept the street outside, and how he checked his phone with increasing frequency.
When they’d done all they had to do, Mrs. Henderson presented Isabel with a small wrapped package.
“This is for you,” she explained. “The last book I give to someone should be something special.”
Isabel unwrapped the gift carefully, revealing a leather-bound copy of “Persuasion” by Jane Austen. The inscription inside read: “To Isabel—may your second chapter be even more extraordinary than the first. With affection, Margaret Henderson.”
Tears pricked Isabel’s eyes as she embraced the older woman. “Thank you. For everything.”
“Take good care of our bookstore,” Mrs. Henderson whispered. “And take care of yourself, too.”
As they said their goodbyes, Isabel stood beside Frank, watching as Tommy chattered excitedly with Kathleen and Lynda about fishing spots.
“It’s been a good day,” Frank observed, his voice low.
Isabel nodded, clutching her precious book. “One of the best.” She hesitated, then added, “Whatever’s happening, Frank... be careful.”
“I will. Thanks for taking my mind off what’s happening.” He looked at Tommy and smiled. “Come on, buddy. We need to fillet the trout.”
And with smiles on everyone’s faces, Isabel locked the bookstore’s front door. Today was the beginning of something special, and she couldn’t wait to see what lay ahead.
