She leaned against the railing beside Patrick, acutely aware of how close they were. “Susan could definitely start a catering company in Montana.”
Patrick chuckled. “Are you trying to convince another friend to move to Sapphire Bay?”
“Maybe,” Kathleen admitted with a grin. “Having my three dearest friends here has been wonderful.”
They stood silently, watching the afternoon sunlight dance across the lake’s surface. The same feeling Kathleen had whenever she spent time with Patrick filled her chest. Today, with a clean-shaven face and dressed in a suit, he looked incredibly handsome.
“Would you like to sit for a while?” Patrick asked, gesturing toward two wicker chairs. “I could grab us some coffee.”
“That sounds lovely.”
Patrick disappeared inside and returned a few minutes later carrying two steaming mugs and a small wrapped package tucked under his arm.
“The inn makes excellent coffee,” he said, handing her a mug. “Though not quite as good as yours.”
“You know how to flatter me,” Kathleen said, accepting the coffee gratefully. The porcelain was warm against her palms, and she used it to steady her suddenly nervous hands. Being alone with Patrick after such an important day felt different from their usual time together.
Patrick settled into the chair beside Kathleen’s.
“Isabel and Frank chose the right time to get married,” she said. “The afternoon ceremony was perfect. Soon it’ll be so hot that no one will want to stand outside in the sun at all.”
Patrick nodded. “That’s why Pastor John wants to have the official opening of the arts and crafts center next month. He doesn’t want anyone getting heatstroke.”
Kathleen took a sip of her coffee. “That makes sense. You must be proud of what you’ve accomplished at the center. The whole town is excited about it.”
Patrick agreed, but something in his expression shifted. He seemed more serious, almost troubled. “Kathleen, there’s something I need to tell you.”
Her eyes widened. Was this it? Was Patrick finally going to say something about the feelings she was sure had been growing between them?
“But before I say anything, I have a gift for you,” Patrick said, reaching for the small package he’d set beside his chair. “I had to drop something off in town this morning. I saw this in an antique shop, and I thought you might like it.”
Kathleen’s hands trembled as she accepted the gift. It was wrapped in brown paper and tied with a simple white ribbon. “You didn’t need to get me anything.”
“I wanted to,” Patrick said quietly. “Open it.”
Inside the wrapping was a small wooden box, clearly handmade and polished to a warm glow. The lid was decorated with an intricate carving of a Victorian house surrounded by flowers. When Kathleen opened it, she found a delicate silver locket nestled in faded blue silk.
“Oh, Patrick,” she breathed, lifting the locket carefully. It was beautiful—clearly antique, with tiny flowers engraved around the edges. When she opened it, she found a miniature black-and-white photograph of a young woman holding a baby.
“The store owner said it dates to the 1890s,” Patrick said with a gentle voice. “I thought of the hidden room when I saw it. Of all the women who found safety in your house. This could have belonged to someone just like them.”
Tears sprang to Kathleen’s eyes. It was perfect, absolutely perfect. Not just because it was beautiful, but because it showed how much attention Patrick paid to what mattered to her. He’d understood how the hidden room had affected her, how deeply she’d been moved by what they’d found.
“It’s the most thoughtful gift anyone has given me,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “Thank you.”
“Here, let me help you put it on.” Patrick’s fingers brushed the nape of her neck as he fastened the chain, sending shivers down Kathleen’s spine. The locket settled just above her heart, a perfect weight against her chest.
“There,” Patrick said softly, his hands lingering on her shoulders for just a moment longer than necessary.
This was her moment, Kathleen realized. This was when she should tell him how she felt. They were alone, and he’d just given her the most meaningful gift she’d ever received. The way he was looking at her suggested he might feel the same way she did.
“Patrick, I—” she began.
“Kathleen, I have to leave,” he said at the same time.
They both stopped, the words hanging in the air between them. Kathleen’s heart sank even as her mind tried to process what he’d said.
“Leave?” she repeated.
