Patrick appeared at her elbow, his hand briefly touching the small of her back—a gesture so natural and protective that it sent warmth spreading through her entire body. “Happy birthday, Kathleen,” he murmured, his voice low enough that only she could hear.
The simple words, combined with the gentle pressure of his hand, made her feel cherished in a way she hadn’t experienced in years. After decades of taking care of everyone else, having someone want to take care of her felt wonderful.
Eddie had discovered the dessert end of the table and was eyeing a chocolate tart with obvious longing. “When do we get to eat cake, Grandma?”
“After lunch, sweetheart,” Kathleen replied, though she had to admit the desserts looked tempting even to her.
As they gathered around the table, Kathleen’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She glanced at the screen and saw Susan’s name. “Excuse me for just a second,” she said, stepping a few feet away from the group. “Susan?”
“Happy birthday, you wonderful woman!” Susan’s voice came through clear and warm despite the distance between Georgia and Montana. “I’m so sorry I can’t be there to celebrate with you in person.”
“Thank you, honey. We miss you here.” Kathleen watched her family and friends arranging themselves around the picnic table, everyone talking and laughing in the easy way that marked truly comfortable gatherings. “How are things going with the business?”
There was a pause, and when Susan spoke again, her voice carried a note of excitement mixed with nervousness. “Actually, that’s part of why I’m calling. Remember I told you about the broker finding some potential buyers?”
“Of course.” Kathleen felt her pulse quicken. “Has something happened?”
“I accepted someone’s offer. I’m selling my business!” Susan’s words came out in a rush. “It’s not as much as I was hoping for, but it’s enough. More than enough, actually. I can pay off my business debts and still have money left over to start fresh somewhere else.”
Kathleen’s heart leaped. “Susan, that’s wonderful news! How are you feeling about it?”
“Terrified and exhilarated in equal measure,” Susan admitted with a shaky laugh. “The buyer wants to keep most of my staff, which makes me feel better about leaving them. I could start something smaller and more manageable in Sapphire Bay.”
“We would love to have you here,” Kathleen said, meaning every word.
“I keep thinking about what you said,” Susan added. “About success meaning different things at different stages of our lives. For the first time in years, I’m excited about the possibility of working with food again instead of just managing spreadsheets and logistics.”
Kathleen grinned. “This is the best birthday present you could have given me.”
“There’s more,” Susan continued, her voice gaining strength. “If everything goes to plan, I could be in Montana by the end of next month.”
Tears pricked Kathleen’s eyes. Having all three of her dearest friends in Sapphire Bay had been a dream she’d hardly dared to voice, even to herself. “We’ll throw you the biggest welcome home party this town has ever seen.”
“I can’t wait,” Susan said softly. “Give everyone my love, and tell them I’ll call each of them this week to share the news properly.”
After they said goodbye, Kathleen stood for a moment looking out over the lake, letting the magnitude of Susan’s news settle in. Between her friends, Natalie’s pregnancy, and Patrick’s presence in her life, her world felt fuller and richer than it had in years.
“Everything all right?” Patrick appeared beside her, his expression concerned.
“More than all right,” Kathleen said, turning to face him with a brilliant smile. “Susan just told me she’s selling her catering business. Hopefully, she’ll be moving to Montana next month.”
Patrick’s face broke into a grin. “That’s incredible news. You must be over the moon.”
“I am.” Kathleen looked back toward the table where her family was waiting. “I keep thinking about how much has changed. When I organized that first reunion, I never imagined it would lead to all of this.”
“The best changes often start small,” Patrick said, echoing something he’d told her before. “One decision leads to another, and before you know it, your whole life has been transformed.”
Kathleen knew Patrick was talking about more than her friends’ relocations. Her decision to take a chance on their friendship had opened doors she hadn’t even known existed.
“Come on,” she said, reaching for Patrick’s hand. “Let’s go celebrate with our family.”
The word ‘our’ slipped out naturally, and she saw Patrick’s expression soften. They walked back to the table hand in hand, and a sense of contentment settled over Kathleen like a warm blanket.
Lunch was everything she’d hoped it would be. It was filled with laughter, good food, and the easy conversation of people who genuinely enjoyed each other’s company. Eddie told them stories about the drama class he went to at the church. Natalie and Gabe shared their cautious excitement about the pregnancy, discussing everything from potential nursery colors to baby names with the nervous joy of expectant parents.
Lynda entertained them with tales from her veterinary practice, including a particularly memorable incident involving a chicken, a golden retriever, and a very confused farmer. Isabel talked about the bookstore’s upcoming events, including a poetry reading that Frank was secretly nervous about hosting.
Throughout it all, Patrick was the perfect companion—asking thoughtful questions, sharing stories of his own grandsons, and making everyone feel included in the conversation. Kathleen was amazed at how seamlessly he’d integrated into their family. There was no awkwardness, no sense that he was an outsider looking in. He belonged here, with them, and with her.
