My chest tights as pride blossoms. The realization hits me slowly as I observe the space, watching guests mill around, appreciating the hard work that went into this project. I’vefaced more challenges than my eighteen-year-old self could have ever imagined. Heartbreak and loss. Abuse and kidnapping. A cross-country move…and back. But at the end of the day, I’m fortunate. I survived. This old barn is a testament to all I’ve overcome.
We did it, Mom.
She’d love it, there’s no doubt in my mind.
Not because it’s beautiful.
But because it’s ours.
I saw her dream and picked up where she left off as if I silently told herI’ve got it from here.
Even without her earthside, I feel closer to her than I have in years. She’s in the details. The warmth in the wood tones. The glimmer from the string lights scattered. The glistening of crystal chandeliers. And most importantly, in the laughter of the people I get to share this space with.
In picking up her journal and seeing her dream written in detail, I discovered we shared the same passion. As much as this business is mine, it’s hers too, and I couldn’t ask for a better business partner. I know she’s going to be guiding me on every path I take from this moment forward.
“This space is incredible, Wren. You should be so proud of yourself,” Julia praises from behind her table. Shoreline Sips set up a refreshment stand near the entrance, providing their delicious coffee, lattes, and tea for guests to sip on as they meander.
I chuckle. “I was thinking the same thing.”
Julia smiles warmly, handing me a paper cup. “Matcha, on the house.”
I wrap my hands around the warm paper cup, the matcha grounding me. We both look over the space as voices ripple and echo gently off the walls. The town showed up in true Silo Bay fashion. We support locals and their businesses, even with gossip walking hand-in-hand.
Let them talk. At the end of the day, people will have their opinions, but they showed up, and that’s all that matters.
A small bundle of pink and pigtails barrels into my legs.
“Cupcake!” a tiny voice shouts.
I laugh, crouching down to be at eye level with the adorable three-year-old.
“Marigold Pierce, where’s your auntie?” I ask as she throws her arms around my neck. I scoop her up before standing, resting her on my hip as I scan the hall.
“Pwease,” Goldie begs, sticking her bottom lip out in an adorable pout.
I tickle her side as her giggle bubbles from her chest. “One more.”
Julia hands Goldie a mini vanilla cupcake with vanilla frosting. “Less mess,” she explains with a wink as I thank her.
“There you are,” a familiar voice says as she reaches us. “She snuck away from me.”
“Weny gave me a cupcake,” Goldie tattles on me as her aunt takes her from my hands.
“I see that. Let’s go find your sister.”
Goldie waves goodbye as they walk away. I spot Clem, the youngest Pierce, being wheeled around in her stroller, where a pink balloon is tied to the handle.
I’m still smiling when a shadow falls across me.
“There you are,” a voice I haven’t heard in a while greets me.
I turn and fling my arms around Collin, my lawyer and friend. “You made it.”
“Wouldn't have missed it.” His hug is a little tighter than usual. “I’m glad to see you in this capacity.”
I chuckle as I push him away. Collin’s dressed in an expensive suit, one that doesn’t belong in this barn. His polished shoes shine in the light as his city confidence rolls off him in waves.
“Well, this should be good,” Julia mutters behind us.
