Eden rushed across to the back door and locked it. “We’re heading to the hospital now.” She looked down at Rex and frowned. “Will Rex be okay in my bedroom?” she asked Steve.

  “He’ll be fine there. I’ll call Owen and see if he can take him back to his house.”

  Eden picked up Rex and hurried into her bedroom. “Guess what, boy? You’re staying here for a little while.” She turned on the radio, put a big fluffy blanket on the end of her bed, and gave Rex one last pat. “Owen won’t be long.”

  By the time she’d closed the door, Steve had spoken to Owen, and he was halfway across the kitchen with Shelley.

  “I’m okay,” Shelley told him. “I can walk on my own to your truck.”

  Steve shook his head. “Hold my hand. I’m not taking any chances.”

  Shelley rolled her eyes. “You’re as bad as John.”

  Eden picked up the backpack Shelley had left in the living room. “It’s just as well John insisted you bring your overnight bag with you.”

  “He’s a clever man,” Shelley said as she stopped in the doorway. “I just need to catch my breath.”

  Eden rubbed her arm. “At least the hospital is a little nicer than my house.”

  Shelley nodded but didn’t say anything.

  When they got to Steve’s truck, he helped Shelley into the back seat. “It’ll be all right,” he said softly, trying to comfort her.

  Eden slid into the truck beside Shelley, hoping she could offer her a little comfort and reassurance.

  Usually, the thirty-minute picturesque drive was relaxing, but it wasn’t today. Every minute they spent on the road made Eden wonder if they’d make it there in time.

  Halfway there, Shelley’s fingers gripped Eden’s. The contractions were coming faster, and Shelley’s breathing was labored.

  “You’re doing great, Shelley,” Eden said, her voice steady. “Just keep breathing. We’re almost there.”

  Steve’s jaw was set with determination as they hit the boundary and drove along the streets. Every now and then, his eyes flicked to the rearview mirror to check on Shelley.

  “Hang in there,” he told her. “We’ll be at the hospital in no time.”

  Eden called the hospital to let them know they were nearly there, but the last part of the journey seemed to take forever. Finally, they pulled up to the emergency entrance.

  The medical staff were already waiting with a wheelchair, and they quickly whisked Shelley inside.

  “I’ll have to find a parking space,” Steve said. “Do you want to come with me or follow Shelley?”

  “I’ll meet you inside. If John’s not here, I’ll stay with Shelley.” Eden ran toward the hospital, catching up to the wheelchair before everyone went inside.

  John ran toward them from the other side of the building. “Is everything all right?”

  Eden nodded. “Stay with Shelley. Steve and I will be in the waiting room.”

  As she watched everyone disappear behind a double set of doors, Eden felt a sense of awe and gratitude for the new life about to enter the world.

  She just hoped Shelley and the baby were okay.

  Eden sat in the hospital waiting room with Steve, typing out a quick message to Shelley’s sisters, Sam and Bailey, letting them know they hadn’t had any updates from John.

  Unfortunately, Shelley’s sisters had chosen this week to go to Florida with their parents. From the moment John had told them Shelley was in the hospital, they’d been trying to get a flight home.

  Steve glanced at the vending machine and then back at Eden. “Would you like a cup of coffee while we wait?”

  Eden managed a small smile, appreciating his thoughtfulness. “That’d be great, thanks.”

  As Steve walked over to the machine, Eden’s thoughts drifted to the tiny life that was about to enter the world. Shelley and John had everything organized. They even had a schedule they’d follow as soon as they got home.

  After looking after her nieces and nephews, she wondered if Shelley was setting herself and John up for failure. No baby that Eden knew followed a routine.

  Steve handed Eden a cup and sat down beside her. “Do you know anything about babies?”

  She shook her head. “Not much, to be honest. I’ve looked after my nieces and nephews, but newborns are a whole different story. I know they need a lot of care and attention, but they don’t come with instruction manuals.”

  Steve chuckled and took a sip of his coffee. “I have even less experience than you do. If I ever have children, it’ll either be a lot of fun or a disaster.”

  Eden smiled at another couple walking into the waiting room. So far, two couples had left while they’d been waiting and three family groups had arrived.

  Steve nudged her arm. “How many babies do you think are born here each day?”

  “I don’t know,” she whispered back. “But it must be a few.”

  “Do you think about being a mom?”

  Eden sighed. “I’m almost thirty-three. If I want to have a family, I’ll have to do more than think about it. Mom keeps telling me I’m not getting any younger. That doesn’t help.”

  Steve grinned. “But I could.”

  It took a moment for Eden to figure out what he meant. When she did, she swatted his arm. “Don’t let my mother hear you say that. She’ll have us married within days.”

  “I take it she’s desperate for more grandchildren?” Steve asked with a remarkably straight face.

  “Desperate doesn’t come close. My sisters refuse to have any more children. They keep pointing mom in my direction when she gets clucky.”

  Steve reached out and took her hand. “You’ll be a great mom someday, Eden. You’ve got so much love and compassion to give. Any child would be lucky to have you.”

  “Oh, for Pete’s sake,” she groaned. “You sound like a Hallmark greeting card for single, childless women.”

  A lady sitting in a chair across from them cleared her throat. “If you want my advice, accept his offer. You could have beautiful children together.”

  Eden blushed something fierce. She covered her face with a magazine and sank into her seat. It didn’t help that Steve burst out laughing. “Stop it,” she groaned. “You’ll make things worse.”

  “It can’t be much worse than a total stranger saying we should⁠—”

  Eden dropped the magazine, stuck her fingers in her ears, and looked up to see John standing in the doorway.

  “She’s here,” he announced, his voice thick with emotion. “Would you like to come and meet her?”

  Eden’s heart leaped as she and Steve stood up. Steve squeezed her hand gently before they followed John down the quiet corridor to the maternity ward. The door to Shelley’s room was slightly ajar, and they could hear her singing a lullaby.

  John pushed the door open, and they stepped inside. Shelley was sitting up in the hospital bed, looking exhausted but happy. In her arms was a tiny bundle wrapped in a soft pink blanket. Eden’s breath caught in her throat at the sight of the newborn.

  “Come closer,” Shelley said softly, her eyes shining with happiness.

  Eden approached the bed, her eyes fixed on the baby. “She’s beautiful, Shelley.”

  “Everyone, meet Karen Elana McDonald,” John said, his voice trembling with pride.

  Eden’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at the tiny face peeking out from the blanket. Karen’s delicate features and peaceful expression touched her heart in a way she hadn’t expected. “Hello, little one,” she whispered, reaching out to gently touch the baby’s tiny hand.

  Steve stood beside her, his usually composed expression softened with emotion. “She’s perfect,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

  Shelley beamed. “We thought so, too. It’s amazing how much love you can feel for someone so small.”

  Eden nodded, unable to tear her eyes away from the baby. Steve’s hand rested on her shoulder, and she looked up at him and smiled. “I take back everything I said,” she said quietly. “The lady in the waiting room might be right.”

  A grin lit his face. “If I’d known that, I would’ve brought you to the hospital weeks ago.”

  Just then, Eden’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and smiled. “Sam and Bailey have been calling regularly for updates.” She handed the phone to Shelley. “I’m sure they’d like to hear the good news from you.”

  Shelley nodded, her eyes grateful. “That’d be wonderful. They really wanted to be here.”

  While Shelley spoke to her sisters and parents, Eden snapped a few photos of the baby, capturing her tiny fingers and peaceful expression. She sent them to Shelley and John’s phones, knowing they’d like to share them with their families.

  John looked up from his phone and smiled at Eden. “Thanks for the photos.”

  “We won’t stay long,” she said quietly so she didn’t interrupt Shelley.

  John looked adoringly at his wife and daughter. “I don’t know what we would have done without the two of you. Thank you for looking after Shelley.”

  Steve moved around the bed and hugged John. “We were glad to be able to help. Congratulations.”

  Eden smiled, touched by the sense of family and support inside the small hospital room. She felt lucky to be part of this moment, sharing Shelley and John’s joy and excitement.

  As they prepared to leave, Eden gave Shelley a gentle hug. “Congratulations again. Karen is perfect.”

  “Thank you,” Shelley said, her eyes misty. “And thank you for being here. It means so much to us.”

  “You’re welcome,” Eden told her. “Enjoy your little girl.”

  As they walked out of the hospital, Steve grinned at Eden. “Let me know when you’re ready to make beautiful children together.”

  Eden sighed. She’d probably scare him if she said tomorrow would be perfect.

  Chapter 20

  Steve stood outside his tiny home, glancing at his watch. His dad had called earlier to say he was in town and wanted to see him. This visit was unexpected, but he was determined to make the most of it. After the initial awkwardness of the last time his dad was here, he hoped this time would be different.

  Rex wagged his tail from beside Steve. At least someone was excited.

  A few minutes later, his dad’s rental car stopped outside his home. Trevor stepped out, his expression as serious and reserved as always.

  “Hi, Dad,” Steve said. “It’s good to see you.”

  “Good to see you, too,” Trevor replied, though his tone was guarded. “After you told me about the award you won, I thought we could talk.”

  Steve took a deep breath. He’d wondered if the award would make any difference to how his dad saw his work. “Why don’t you come inside? I’ll make us coffee while we talk.”

  His dad made a fuss of Rex while Steve prepared the coffee.

  The distraction gave Steve time to gather his thoughts. He wanted to find the right words to explain what had been weighing on his heart for so long.

  Once the coffee was ready, they sat at the small kitchen table. Trevor’s expression was a mix of sternness and something else—perhaps regret?

  His dad sighed. “I know we’ve had our issues, but why didn’t you tell me you’re a successful sculptor?”

  Steve took a sip of his coffee, then set the cup down. “I didn’t tell you because I didn’t think you’d understand. I know how disappointed you were when I joined the army. After I was discharged, we had so many arguments that it was easier not to say anything.”

  Trevor leaned forward. “Your mom and I were worried about you. One minute, you’re winning awards at college for your art, and a few years later you’re enlisting. After you came home, we tried to help you, but you didn’t leave your room. Nothing we said or did made a difference.”

  Steve sighed. “I had PTSD, Dad. Each time I closed my eyes, I saw my friends’ bodies lying on the ground. Just getting out of bed was a struggle.”

  Trevor’s eyes softened slightly. “I didn’t understand PTSD. I thought it was an excuse people used when they couldn’t cope. But I was wrong, Steve. I can see how much it’s affected your life.”

  Steve’s heart pounded. “Sculpting became my therapy. It was the one thing that could quiet my mind. By the time I moved here, I felt like it was too late to tell you how much it helped. I thought it was easier to manage my PTSD on my own instead of telling you what was happening.”

  Trevor frowned. “We would have understood if you’d told us how you were feeling.”

  Steve’s hands trembled as he wrapped them around his cup of coffee. All the hurt, the sleepless nights of feeling as though he’d let everyone down, came tumbling to the surface. “I didn’t want you to think I was a failure.”

  Trevor’s eyes widened. “Son, I’ve never thought you were a failure. I didn’t always understand your choices, but your mom and I were always proud of you.”

  Steve felt a lump in his throat as he struggled to hold back his tears. His biggest regret was that his mom hadn’t seen the person he’d become or the art that reminded him of her strength and beauty. “I just... I didn’t want to disappoint you.”

  Trevor reached across the table, placing his hand over Steve’s. “I love you, son, no matter what. Even when we didn’t talk for months on end, I was never disappointed in you.”

  Steve nodded, but a weight was still sitting on his shoulders, and he didn’t know if it would ever go away.

  Trevor leaned back in his chair. “After your mom died, I felt like a piece of my heart was gone. I didn’t call you as much as I should have because you remind me so much of her. That was a mistake, and I’m sorry if you thought that meant I didn’t love you. I want to understand you better.”

  Rex nudged Steve’s leg. He reached down and stroked his soft fur, grateful for his little buddy’s support. “Mom was the glue that held us together. I miss her so much.”

  His dad’s eyes filled with tears. “I do, too. She wanted to visit you more often, but she didn’t like flying. I was too wrapped up in my job to make the time for what she wanted.” He took a deep breath. “I regret a lot of things I’ve done, but I’ve never regretted having you as our son. You made your mom and me proud every single day.”

  Steve took a deep breath. For the first time, he felt hopeful that he could rebuild his relationship with his dad. “This community is important to me. You’ve never had a chance to learn about the tiny home village or the other things that make Sapphire Bay unique. Do you want me to show you around now?”

  Trevor nodded. “I’d like that.”

  Steve spent the next few hours taking his dad to the places that were special to him. He showed him the tiny homes, explaining how the community worked together to support each other. They visited The Welcome Center, where he introduced his dad to some of the residents and volunteers. Finally, they walked to the cottages on Anchor Lane, where he talked about the remodeling projects and the impact the houses had on the community.

  As they walked back to Steve’s home, he could see the understanding and pride growing in his dad’s eyes. He was beginning to see the world through Steve’s perspective, appreciating the life he’d built and the decisions he’d made.

  His dad stopped in Steve’s front yard. “Sapphire Bay is completely different from what I imagined. It’s a special place and I’m glad you showed me around.”

  Steve was glad it had helped his dad understand him a little better. “That means more than you know.” He looked down at Rex. His dad had held his leash as they’d walked around the community. Rex had loved all the hugs and pats, and his dad had enjoyed talking to people he wouldn’t have otherwise met.

  But there was still one thing that worried Steve. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Of course, son. What is it?”

  “Why didn’t you believe in PTSD?”

  Trevor sighed heavily. “I grew up in a different time. When I was younger, we didn’t talk about mental health. Men were supposed to be tough, to handle everything on their own. I guess I carried that belief with me, even when it didn’t make sense anymore. Your mom tried to make me see how much I was hurting you by not accepting what was happening in your life. I’m sorry if I ever made you feel like your struggles weren’t real.”

  Steve looked at his father, seeing the regret in his eyes. “It wasn’t easy, Dad. But I’ve learned a lot about myself through all of this. And I’ve realized that asking for help doesn’t make me weak—it makes me human.”

  Trevor nodded slowly. “I’m proud of you for finding ways to cope with what happened in Afghanistan. And I promise, from now on, I’ll try to understand you better. I don’t want to lose you.”

  A tear slipped down Steve’s cheek, and he quickly wiped it away.

  Trevor’s eyes softened, a rare moment of vulnerability showing through. “You know, your mom always said you and I were more alike than we’d ever admit. Maybe that’s why we butted heads so often.”

  Steve smiled faintly, feeling a connection to his mom’s words. “Maybe she was right. Maybe we just needed to understand each other better.”

  As he stood in the sunshine with his dad, Steve knew this was a turning point. They had a long way to go in rebuilding their relationship, but at least they were taking the first steps together.

  Eden stood on a ladder in her living room, carefully peeling back layers of old, faded wallpaper. Bits of paper and dust fluttered to the floor, joining the growing pile at her feet. The house was a work in progress, but every strip of wallpaper removed was a step closer to making it her own. Steve was nearby, working on another wall, his presence making the job much more fun.

  She glanced over at him, catching him mid-pull. “How’s that side coming along?” she asked with a smile.

  Steve grinned back at her. “Slowly but surely. This wallpaper is stubborn, but it doesn’t stand a chance against us.”

  Eden laughed, feeling a warmth spread through her. “I like your optimism.”

 

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