Isabel had brought James to the bookstore a few times. His last visit was six months after he’d been diagnosed with stage four cancer. It had been a trip down memory lane for her and a welcome relief for James. In Sapphire Bay, no one knew he was sick. He could be himself and not have to carry the weight of everyone else’s heartache.
But she wasn’t the only person who’d come back to the bookstore. Lynda had spent six weeks in Sapphire Bay after her divorce, spending hours in the poetry section where she’d once practiced her French. Even Susan, with her determination to start her own business, had flown back to Montana when life became too stressful.
Mrs. Henderson pulled herself to her feet. “I’ll leave you to look around. Don’t forget to see me before you leave.”
Isabel promised they wouldn’t forget and then followed Lynda into the book aisles. Every corner held a memory: giggling over romance novels, helping Susan research college applications, and sharing dreams, secrets, and fears. Thememories felt different now, transformed by time and distance into something bittersweet rather than sharp.
“Look,” Lynda said, pulling a worn copy ofPride and Prejudicefrom the shelf. “It’s your favorite book.”
Isabel opened the worn leather cover to the title page. “I haven’t read it in years.”
“Maybe it’s time to start again.” Lynda’s voice was gentle and understanding.
Standing there, surrounded by books and memories, with Mrs. Henderson’s quiet humming drifting from behind the counter, Isabel felt something shift inside her. This place had been their sanctuary, a haven where four young girls had dreamed and planned and grown together. Now, instead of feeling haunted by those ghosts, she felt... ready. Ready for new memories and a new chapter in her life.
Isabel caught Lynda’s eye and squared her shoulders. “I’ll be right back,” she said, making her way to the front counter where Mrs. Henderson was sorting through a stack of invoices.
“Mrs. Henderson?” Isabel’s voice was steady despite her racing heart. “How much are you asking for the bookstore?”
The older woman looked up, removing her reading glasses. “I’ve had offers of up to $200,000 from developers.” She paused, studying Isabel’s face. “But I’m willing to discuss a different number for someone who’ll keep it as a bookstore.”
Isabel gripped the edge of the counter, her knuckles white. Through the front window, Main Street was bathed in sunshine. It was the same view she’d gazed at countless times as a teenager. But now, instead of seeing memories, she saw possibilities.
“I’d like to make an offer,” she said quietly.
Lynda appeared at her shoulder, squeezing her arm in silent support. The familiar creaks and sighs of the old building settledaround them like a comfortable blanket as Mrs. Henderson smiled and reached for a pen and a sheet of paper.
CHAPTER 6
Afew days later, Frank checked his watch as he walked along the sidewalk with Tommy. For most of the day, he’d been inside, reviewing contracts as part of his remote consultancy business. Stopping for hot chocolate and cookies at a café gave him a chance to unwind and spend time away from his office.
As they crossed the road, Isabel came out of Henderson’s Books carrying two bags filled with books. Before Frank could say anything, Tommy waved and ran toward her.
“Hi, Isabel! Are these all your books?” Tommy asked, eyes wide as he examined the titles.
“I thought I’d catch up on some reading while I can,” Isabel explained. “I’ve talked to Mrs. Henderson about buying the bookstore. If she accepts my offer, I could be working from Sapphire Bay in a few weeks.”
Tommy looked at the bags. “That’d be great. Do you want us to help you carry your books home?”
Isabel shook her head. “That’s nice of you to offer, Tommy, but I’m taking them to my friend at The Lakeview Café. Kathleen said I could leave them in her truck and she’ll bring them home with her.”
Tommy grinned. “That’s where we’re going, too. Do you want to come with us?”
Frank placed his hand on Tommy’s shoulder. He didn’t want Isabel to feel as though she needed to spend time with them. “It’s okay if you’re busy,” he told her.
She lowered the bags of books onto the sidewalk. “That sounds perfect, actually. Especially if you’d like to carry a book for me, Tommy.”
Standing a little straighter, Tommy nodded and took the book Isabel handed to him.
Frank picked up the bags and Isabel shook her head. “I can carry them, Frank.”
“Are you sure? They’re heavier than they look.”
Isabel held out her hand. “I appreciate your help, but I can take them.”
Frank liked that she was independent, but it would be a lot easier if he carried them. When her eyebrows rose, he handed her the smallest bag and fell into step beside her. Tommy bounced ahead.
“What made you want to buy the bookstore?” Frank asked.
