As they continued working, Rex wandered in and out of the house. He loved coming over with Steve.

  Eden was proud of the Rex-proof fence they’d built in the backyard. Rex could pounce on butterflies, chase birds, and run off all his extra energy without going anywhere he shouldn’t.

  “I spoke to Mabel Terry the other day,” Eden said to Steve. “She said it was lovely meeting your dad at the general store.”

  Steve smiled. “Dad likes anything with a motor, so he was impressed with their range of power tools.”

  “And I’ll be forever grateful for each and every one of them.” Eden flicked a piece of wallpaper off her hand. “Especially while I’m remodeling the house. Did you take your dad to The Christmas Shop? I was there last week and it’s amazing.”

  “Not on this trip. He wanted to understand why I’m living here, so apart from the general store, we looked around the tiny home village, The Welcome Center, and the cottages on Anchor Lane.”

  “What did he think?”

  “He was surprised there are so many opportunities for people to have a good life. I’m hoping it’ll make him appreciate the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to make this town special.”

  Eden focused on the corner of a sheet and carefully pulled it upward. “A lot of people don’t think about moving here because it’s so small. I wouldn’t have known about it unless Shelley told me.”

  Steve stepped off the ladder he was using. “That’s part of the reason Dad was surprised I’m living here. He didn’t realize how much this place means to me. We’ve always had a complicated relationship, especially after my mom passed. But showing him around has helped.”

  “That’s good,” Eden said softly. “It’s never easy when your parents don’t understand the choices you make.”

  “What about your parents?” Steve asked. “How do they feel about you buying a house in Sapphire Bay?”

  Eden sighed, leaning against the ladder for a moment. “They were shocked. I think they were expecting me to go back to Boston or move to a bigger city. But when I explained why I wanted to come here, they were supportive. They’re happy I’m happy, even if they don’t fully get why I chose this place.”

  Steve continued stripping the wallpaper, his movements steady and sure. “What did Shelley say that made you choose Sapphire Bay?”

  Eden smiled, thinking back to her decision. “She said that everyone cared about each other. But John’s PTSD support group is the main reason I moved. I’m so grateful I listened to her.”

  Steve nodded, understanding in his eyes. “I get that. Even if you don’t go to many meetings, just having people close by who know what you’re going through helps.”

  Eden moved the ladder a few feet to the right. “If the ceilings weren’t so high, we’d get through this a lot faster.”

  “But the room wouldn’t look as impressive,” Steve said as he peeled another strip of wallpaper off the wall.

  Eden looked around them. With the way everything looked now, impressive was the last word she would have used to describe her home. “I’d be happy with a house that’s full of light and comfortable.”

  “Just wait,” Steve said. “By the time we’re finished, it’ll look amazing.”

  “Talking about amazing, guess who called me last night?”

  Steve looked over his shoulder at her. “Your mom?”

  Eden shook her head. “It was John. Shelley’s coming home tomorrow with their little baby.”

  “That’s fantastic. I’m sure she’s looking forward to being in their own home.”

  Eden nodded. “John said the maternity ward is really noisy at night. Although they may not get much sleep at home, either.”

  Steve smiled. “I don’t think John will mind. It’ll give him a chance to cuddle his daughter.”

  “He’ll be an amazing dad.” Eden thought about the type of father Steve would make and sighed. He’d be perfect and, for a woman on the verge of thirty-three, that was a dangerous thing to be.

  Chapter 21

  Eden stood in the center of a classroom, helping the children at Sapphire Bay Elementary get ready for their first performance of The Lion King. The air was filled with excitement and a bit of nervous energy as the young actors got into their costumes and practiced their lines one last time.

  Among the students was Oscar, dressed in a cute green and brown costume, ready to play his part as a tree.

  When Eden saw how much he was fidgeting with his costume, she kneeled beside him. “Is everything okay, Oscar?”

  He looked at her with eyes that were filled with anxiety. “I’m scared.”

  “What are you scared about?”

  Oscar bit his bottom lip. “I don’t know where to go. James is sick.”

  Eden had to think about what Oscar meant. When she realized James was the little boy who was supposed to remind Oscar where to stand, she smiled. “It’s okay. Do you know Andrew?”

  Oscar nodded.

  “Well, I’ll ask him if he can hold your hand and show you where the trees stand on the stage. Is that okay?”

  “Okay.” Oscar’s voice was very quiet.

  Eden smiled reassuringly at him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay to be nervous, Oscar. Everyone feels a little worried before going on stage. But you’ve practiced so much, and I know you’ll do a great job. And even if you make a mistake, it’s okay. The most important thing is to have fun and do your best.”

  Oscar took a deep breath. “Will you be watching me?”

  “Of course,” Eden said, giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze. “I’ll be right there in the front row, cheering for you. You’re going to be awesome.”

  Oscar’s face lit up with a small, hopeful smile. “Okay. I’ll try really hard.”

  Eden helped him adjust his costume one last time before they made their way to the auditorium. On the way there, she found Andrew and asked him to hold Oscar’s hand and show him where to go.

  With the children who were playing the trees huddled together, she felt much better about leaving Oscar with the other students and teachers.

  The stage was set, and the audience was finding their seats. Chloe, Oscar’s mom, was already there, sitting near the front, dabbing her eyes with a tissue as she watched the children take their places.

  The lights dimmed, and the music began to play. Eden took her seat beside Chloe, giving her a reassuring smile. “He’s going to be great,” she whispered.

  Chloe nodded, her eyes shining with pride and emotion. “He was so excited this morning.”

  As the play progressed, Eden kept her eyes on Oscar. He was doing so well. Their performance was a much shorter version of the original play, but everyone was enjoying themselves. The children sung with all their might and moved into place effortlessly.

  Oscar stood proudly among the other “trees,” his nervousness slowly fading as other children joined him on the stage. When it was his turn to move, he did so with confidence, remembering all the spots he was supposed to stand.

  Eden felt a swell of pride in her chest as she watched him overcome his fears. She glanced at Chloe, who was dabbing her eyes again, a smile on her face.

  Forty-five minutes later, the play concluded with a rousing round of applause from the audience. The children took their bows, beaming with pride. Eden stood up and clapped enthusiastically, her heart full of joy for Oscar and all the children who’d worked so hard.

  After the performance, Eden made her way backstage to find Oscar. He ran up to her, his face glowing with excitement. “Miss Taylor, did you see me? I did it! I remembered everything!”

  “I did, Oscar! You were fantastic!”

  Chloe joined them, her eyes still moist with tears. “You were wonderful, sweetheart,” she said, hugging Oscar. “I’m so proud of you.”

  Oscar beamed, holding onto his mom and Eden. “Thanks! I was so scared, but I did it!”

  Eden ruffled his hair. “You sure did. And you know what? This is just the beginning. There’s so much more you can do when you believe in yourself.”

  After she’d helped collect the costumes, Eden felt a deep sense of contentment. Being part of the children’s lives, helping them grow and learn valuable life lessons, made her realize how much she missed teaching.

  If these children could face their fears and conquer the stage, then she could face her own challenges with the same courage. Sapphire Bay had become more than just a place to escape—it was becoming her home. With this newfound sense of belonging and purpose, Eden took a deep breath.

  She was ready to take on her biggest challenge yet.

  Steve took a deep breath, enjoying the crisp morning air as he stretched on one of the trailheads around Flathead Lake. The sun had just risen, casting a golden hue over the tranquil water. This was his favorite part of the day—especially when it meant going for a run with Owen.

  They’d both been so busy with their families and jobs that this was the first run they’d had in more than two weeks. By the end, they’d be sweaty, exhausted, and more motivated to make sure they did another one soon.

  Owen jogged toward him. “You’re here early.”

  “Rex was awake at four o’clock this morning. If I’d known he only needed a few hours’ sleep at a time, I would have built him a kennel outside.”

  Owen laughed. “No, you wouldn’t. You’re too much of a softie.”

  Steve didn’t know about being a softie, but he would have worried about Rex getting cold.

  Owen looked around them. “Where is he now?”

  “Sleeping,” Steve said with a growl. “After we’d gone for a walk, he collapsed onto his bed and started snoring.”

  “Oh, man,” Owen laughed. “You need to talk to someone who knows about dogs. Otherwise, you’ll end up sleep-deprived and grumpy. Are you ready to hit the trail?”

  “Yeah, let’s do it,” Steve replied, starting at a steady pace.

  As they ran along the winding path, Steve cleared his mind and enjoyed the sound of their feet hitting the dirt.

  Owen glanced at him. “How are you at calming a stressed fiancée?”

  Steve grunted. “About as good as ignoring Rex when he wakes up. What’s happened?”

  “Harper wants our wedding to be perfect, but she’s getting way too stressed.”

  Steve nodded sympathetically. “From what I’ve seen, weddings can be intense. Have you talked to Daniella? She organizes weddings all the time at The Fairy Forest. She might be able to help.”

  Owen veered around a fallen branch. “I suggested that, but I’m not sure what Harper will do. Her mom wants the whole white lace, poofy dress, and top hat scenario. Harper wants something simple. Finding a middle ground isn’t easy.”

  They reached a bend in the trail. The lake came into view again, shimmering under the morning sun. Steve noticed Owen’s slightly worried expression and decided to change the subject. “How’s Benjamin doing?”

  Owen’s face softened. “He’s hanging in there. Harper’s granddad is tougher than he looks.”

  Steve nodded. “To live through the number of strokes he’s had, he must be tough.”

  Owen laughed. “From what he’s said, the social events at his care facility keep him going. When he tells me what he’s been doing, I’m a little envious.”

  Steve smiled as they dug deep for a steep part of the trail. As he wheezed up the last few feet, he looked at Owen.

  “Don’t even say it,” Owen said through gritted teeth. “We’ll make it to the top, then we’re stopping.”

  When they reached the plateau, Steve dropped his hands to his knees and sucked great mouthfuls of air into his lungs.

  “We should have gone for more runs,” Owen said as he dropped to the ground. “I feel old.”

  “That’s because you are,” Steve said half-jokingly. When his lungs weren’t screaming from oxygen deprivation, he straightened and looked across the lake. “I’ll never get tired of this view.”

  Owen groaned and rolled onto his feet. “Neither will I. Being out here is one of the reasons I came home. When you look at the lake, your issues feel like they’re the size of a pinprick.”

  When Owen’s PTSD got really bad, he’d disappear for days into the mountains surrounding Sapphire Bay. As far as Steve knew, that hadn’t happened in a while.

  “Have you needed to camp out here since you and Harper got engaged?”

  Owen shook his head. “I’ve traded my rustic campsites for chocolate Frappuccinos at The Starlight Café.”

  Steve’s eyebrows rose. “Is this the same guy who came out of the mountains looking like a grizzly bear and smelling like a skunk?”

  “I’ve evolved. That’s what love and a good woman do to you. And talking about good women, how’s Eden?”

  Steve stretched his calf muscles before they cramped. “We’re doing okay. She still won’t let me pay for anything around her house, but we’re spending time together.”

  Taking his water bottle out of his backpack, Owen took a sip. “At least Eden’s staying in Sapphire Bay. That gives you time to show her she can trust you.” His arm dropped to his side when he looked at Steve. “Is she leaving?”

  Steve frowned. “She bought a house, but that doesn’t mean she’s staying in Sapphire Bay.”

  “Oh, man.” Owen threw his backpack over his shoulders. “Break’s over, but the questions aren’t.” As they continued their run, Owen glanced at Steve. “I thought Eden was happy here?”

  “So did I, but when I met her, she said she wasn’t making any long-term plans. The other day, she was looking online at the prices the houses sell for in Sapphire Bay.”

  Owen frowned. “That doesn’t mean she’s thinking of leaving. Mom does that all the time, but my parents have been in the same house for decades.”

  Steve nodded, feeling a bit better but still uneasy. “I guess I just need to talk to her, find out where her head is at.”

  “Exactly,” Owen said. “You can’t work out what’s happening if you don’t talk to each other.”

  Steve knew Owen was right. But talking about something that could end their relationship wasn’t easy. Especially for someone who found it hard to discuss how he was feeling.

  Chapter 22

  Eden’s heart pounded as she stood outside Julie Gibbs’ office, the principal of Sapphire Bay Elementary School. What she was about to do could change her life forever.

  From when Eden had first met her, Julie had gone out of her way to make her feel welcome. She’d encouraged her to become involved in other activities at the school, like sports practices and the production. Her practical advice and kindness had helped Eden rebuild her confidence and enjoy the time she spent with the students.

  When she’d first arrived in Sapphire Bay, the thought of returning to teaching full-time had filled Eden with dread. Now, after working with Diana and the other teachers, she could imagine herself standing in front of a classroom, helping her students to achieve the things they only dreamed about.

  Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the principal’s door.

  “Come in,” Julie called warmly from inside.

  Pushing the door open, Eden stepped into the office.

  Julie looked up from her desk and smiled. “It’s good to see you. Please, have a seat.”

  “Thank you for seeing me on such short notice. I wanted to talk to you about something.”

  Julie nodded, folding her hands in front of her. “Go ahead.”

  Eden took another deep breath. “I’ve really enjoyed my time in Diana’s classroom. It’s been wonderful helping the children, seeing them grow, and being part of their learning process. It’s reminded me how much I love teaching.”

  “I’m glad to hear that,” Julie said sincerely. “You’ve been a great asset to the school, and Diana speaks very highly of you.”

  “Thank you,” Eden said, her confidence growing. “I was wondering if there might be any permanent positions available. I love Sapphire Bay, and I want to stay here. Being in the classroom again has been incredibly fulfilling, and I’d love the opportunity to continue doing what I love on a more permanent basis.”

  Julie leaned back in her chair, considering Eden’s words. “I’m really happy to hear that you’re interested in a permanent position. We do have a couple of teachers retiring at the end of the school year, which will open up some spots. Given your experience and the positive feedback we’ve received, I think you’d be a strong candidate for one of those positions.”

  Eden’s heart leaped with hope. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Her part-time role at the church would have finished and Shelley would be back from maternity leave. “That sounds wonderful. What would the next steps be?”

  “Well,” Julie began, “we’ll have to go through the formal application process, of course. You’ll need to submit an official application and attend an interview, but given your current involvement and performance, I’m confident you’ll do well.”

  Eden smiled, feeling a wave of relief. “Thank you. I really appreciate this opportunity.”

  Julie returned her smile. “We’ve enjoyed having you here. It’s not easy to attract great teachers to a small town. You care deeply about the children and their education, and that’s exactly what we need.”

  “I can’t imagine teaching anywhere else,” Eden told her. “Everyone is so friendly and supportive.”

  Julie smiled. “I’m glad to hear it. How about I send you some information about the recruitment process? We’ll be advertising the positions next week.”

  “That’d be fabulous. Thank you,” Eden said as she stood. “Thanks again for seeing me on such short notice. I know how busy you are.”

  Julie held open her office door. “You’re welcome. I’m more than happy to meet with a wonderful teacher who asks me if I have any jobs available.”

  Eden said goodbye and left Julie’s office feeling much better than she had in a long time. Slowly, she was putting what had happened in Boston behind her and starting a new life in Sapphire Bay—and she couldn’t wait to tell Steve.

 

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