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While Trevan clomped along behind her. Slow and unsure. An outsider always looking in.

He attempted to drop his attention to the ground when he made it to Silas and Elena’s grandmother, only she reached out for him, took his chin, her eyes flitting all over his face.

He felt like crying all over again.

The deep wrinkles on her face pinched, and air filtered from her nose. “You’re one of us, Trevan. I hope you know that, and you’ll always have a place in our home.”

“I don’t want to be a burden, ma’am.” His voice trembled.

“Love is never a burden, and if someone thinks it is, then they’re not worthy of it.”

Lena hopped at his side. “That’s right. Love is never a burden because it’s the best thing we got.”

She threaded her little hand in his and hauled him inside.

And with Elena’s words, he didn’t feel so pathetic. So worthless like his mom always told him he was.

TWENTY-TWO

ELENA

The bell jingled over the shop’s door. We weren’t officially open for another week, but the sound of it brought a giddy grin to my face. Thinking about what it was going to be like when there were customers coming and going.

I couldn’t wait for it. For people to come in here and find a gift for the people they love while on vacation. Something that represented a time they didn’t want to forget. Taking a piece of Crimson Creek home with them.

It also made me super gratified that local artisans would be supported.

The store was now full of their creations. Displays set up throughout the store that contained every form of art.

Pride welled in my chest.

This dream was so close to coming to fruition.

I looked up from the spreadsheet on my laptop to see Penny coming through the door.

Right on time.

She stalled a little as she stepped inside, casting me a timid, searching smile.

She was in her early fifties, her hair the color of damp sand and brushed in soft curls around her shoulders.

The faintest life lines were etched into her face, her brown eyes warm.

She was stunning, really. Exuding a deep energy that made me certain I’d made the right choice in hiring her. There was just something about her that made me believe she belonged with us.

“Oh my gosh, Penny, you’re here!”

She released a faltering sound and glanced at the big ornate clock set high on the wall. “Am I late?”

I laughed with a shake of my head. “Oh no. No. I’m just glad you didn’t change your mind because then I would have had to hunt you down. You’re now my prisoner because I need you.”

I drew the need out like a song.

A gentle chuckle rolled out of her. “No need for such dire actions. I’m thrilled you called to offer me the position. I’m really thankful for the opportunity.”

“Well, I’m really thankful that you agreed. I think you’re going to love it. I mean, I personally believe it’s going to be pretty amazing. Not that I’m biased or anything.”

Okay, I was totally biased, and I wasn’t ashamed about it.