Steve sighed. “I’ll make that plan B.”

  Owen chuckled. “It might have to be plan Z. I’ve got a feeling we’ll have a few more issues than either of us expects.”

  As long as they didn’t include Eden wanting to remain single, Steve didn’t care how flexible they had to be.

  Chapter 24

  Eden yawned as she stepped off the plane in Boston. The last few days had been a whirlwind of working extra hours, getting her living room ready for plastering, and spending time with Steve. He’d been acting a little strangely over the last few days, but she put that down to being on a tight deadline for the sculpture he was making.

  At least she wouldn’t have to wait for her luggage. She’d arrived with an overstuffed carry-on and her laptop bag. On the plane, she’d read a few articles about how to plaster drywall. As long as she got the consistency of the plaster right, it looked as easy as icing a cake. At least she hoped it was.

  As she made her way to the airport exit, her heart fluttered with excitement. She hadn’t seen her parents in a while, and she missed them more than she realized. As she rounded the corner, she spotted her mom and dad standing near the entrance, their faces lighting up as they saw her.

  “Eden!” Her mom, Margaret, hurried over and enveloped her in a warm hug. “It’s so good to see you, sweetheart.”

  Her dad, Robert, followed closely behind, pulling her into a tight embrace. “Welcome home, kiddo. How was your flight?”

  Eden smiled, feeling a rush of warmth. “It was good. A bit long, but I caught up on some reading.”

  “That’s a good use of the time,” her dad said as he took her carry-on. “Your sisters and their families are coming over for dinner tonight.”

  Eden’s face lit up. “That sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to see everyone.”

  “The grandkids have been asking about you non-stop,” her mom added. “Gabby and Tash baked a cake, and Danny added some candy to the frosting. If Adam was a little older, he would have been helping them.”

  Eden smiled, imagining her nieces and nephews working together in the kitchen. “I can’t wait to see them. How are Jessie and Katelyn doing?”

  “Your sisters are as busy as ever,” Robert replied. “Jessie’s juggling her job and the kids, and Katelyn’s working on a new project at her company. They’re both excited to see you.”

  As they walked to the car, her mom linked arms with her. “We’ve missed you so much. How’s everything in Sapphire Bay?”

  “It’s been great,” Eden said. “I’ve been busy with the house and work, but it’s all coming together.”

  “Your sisters and I can’t wait to go shopping with you,” her mom said excitedly. “I’m sure we’ll find some bargains you can take home.”

  Eden smiled. “The word ‘bargain’ makes my bank account happy. It’s amazing how quickly my budget is getting spent.”

  “It was like that for your mom and me when we remodeled our house,” Robert told her. “We’d finish one room, then something would leak or break in another part of the house. But we got there in the end, didn’t we Margaret?”

  “We certainly did. And, what’s more important, it was fun. Having said that, I’m glad there are no more renovations in our future.”

  Once they were settled in the car, Eden’s dad started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot. “Tell us more about this house of yours. What are you doing at the moment?”

  Eden smiled. “Steve and I took all the wallpaper off the walls in the living room and hallway. The ceilings are so high that it took forever, but we got there in the end. I’ve started painting the kitchen cabinets. They look awesome, but they’ll take a little longer than I thought. Steve’s been a big help.”

  Her mom turned to look at her, curiosity in her eyes. “We’ll have to meet this mysterious boyfriend of yours. He sounds lovely.”

  Eden nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. “He’s amazing. Even though he’s busy in his workshop, he’s helped me with so many big and small projects around the house.”

  “Sounds like he’s quite special,” her mom said with a knowing smile.

  “He is,” Eden admitted, feeling a warmth spread through her. “He really is.”

  They chatted about the remodeling and the job at the elementary school as they drove through the familiar streets of Boston. Eden couldn’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and excitement. Being back home was comforting, but she also looked forward to returning to Sapphire Bay and continuing her new life there.

  As they pulled into the driveway of her parents’ house, Eden smiled. She was home, surrounded by the love and support of her family, and she had a promising future waiting for her in Sapphire Bay.

  It was the perfect balance, and she couldn’t wait to see what the next chapter of her life would bring.

  Steve wiped the sweat from his forehead as he looked around Eden’s attic. Owen and the other workers from the tiny home construction crew were installing a dormer window and insulating the walls.

  “Pass me that drill, would you?” Owen called out.

  Steve grabbed the electric drill and handed it to Owen. He was balanced on a ladder, securing the frame for the new dormer window. “This will bring in so much light,” Owen said. “Eden will love it.”

  Steve smiled, picturing Eden’s face when she saw the transformation.

  Owen climbed down from the ladder and wiped his hands on his jeans. “It’s just as well we started when we did. Without the hole in the roof where the window’s going, it’d be like an oven up here.”

  Steve handed Owen a bottle of water. “Drink this. If you get dehydrated, Harper won’t let you come back tomorrow.”

  Owen took the water, then moved out of the way of two of the guys from the construction crew lifting one of the window frames up the half-finished staircase. “You were lucky to get the staircase delivered in time for us to start work. When do the handrail and balustrade arrive?”

  Steve picked up a bag of insulation and hauled it across the room. “If I’m lucky, tomorrow. But if the courier truck gets delayed, it might not be here until next week.” Taking a Swiss Army knife from his back pocket, he sliced through the plastic packaging. “I’ll use something else to make it safe if the rail and balustrade don’t arrive in time. Just be careful when you use the stairs.”

  One of the crew members, a burly man named Josh, called out from across the room. “Steve, we’ve finished insulating these walls. Do you want us to start putting up the drywall?”

  Steve walked over and surveyed the space. As soon as this wall was finished, they could start bringing the bookcases up. “Sounds good. Let me know if you need more help.”

  Josh nodded and began hauling the drywall up the narrow stairs with another guy. Steve was grateful for everyone’s help. They’d all volunteered their time to help make Eden’s dream come true.

  A series of grunts made Steve turn around. Owen and some of the construction crew were lifting the large dormer window into place. “Careful, guys,” he called out, moving to help steady the window as they lifted it into the frame they’d built. “Watch the left-hand corner, it needs to fit snugly.”

  Owen, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, gave Steve a nod. “Got it. Just a little more... there we go.”

  With a final push, the dormer window slid perfectly into place. The crew let out a collective sigh of relief and stood back to admire their work. The addition of the window flooded the attic with natural light, transforming the once-dingy space into a bright, inviting area.

  “Wow,” Steve said. “That makes a huge difference.”

  Owen picked up his bottle of water. “It does. Eden’s going to love this.”

  “I hope so.” Steve walked across to the insulation. Eden deserved a space where she could relax and unwind. The attic library would be perfect for her.

  Just then, Daniella’s voice floated up the stairs. “Lunch is ready!”

  A collective sigh of relief went through the crew. Steve smiled, knowing how hard everyone had been working. “All right, let’s take a break,” he said. “We’ve earned it.”

  As they made their way downstairs, Steve felt a sense of pride and anticipation. He couldn’t wait to see Eden’s reaction when she returned from Boston and saw what they’d done. With any luck, by the end of the day they’d be ahead of schedule.

  In the kitchen, the table was laden with sandwiches, fresh fruit, and cold drinks. Daniella had outdone herself, as usual. “Thanks, Daniella,” Steve said, grabbing a sandwich. “This looks amazing.”

  Daniella smiled, her eyes twinkling. “You’re welcome. You guys have been working hard. It’s the least I could do.”

  Owen kissed his sister’s cheek. “You’re the best.”

  Daniella playfully pushed him away. “You’re hot and sweaty.”

  “That’s the sign of a good day’s work.”

  Steve laughed. “Or an attic that’s hotter than the desert.”

  They worked tirelessly throughout the rest of the day, insulating the walls, hanging the drywall, and plastering. As the sun began to set, the attic started to take shape. The new dormer window flooded the space with warm, natural light, and the freshly insulated walls promised a cozy retreat for Eden.

  Steve took a step back, admiring their progress. “It’s really coming together,” he said, a note of satisfaction in his voice.

  As the crew packed up for the day, he couldn’t believe how much progress they’d made. They still had a lot of work to do, but the hardest parts were done.

  With a final glance around the attic, he headed downstairs, eager for Eden’s return and the moment she’d see the space they’d transformed just for her.

  Chapter 25

  Eden took a deep breath, savoring the warm evening air and the twinkling stars overhead. It had been wonderful spending a loud and boisterous evening with her family, but she was enjoying being here with her sister, too.

  Katelyn was cradling a steaming mug of coffee, looking more tired than she remembered. They were sitting on their parents’ back veranda, a cozy spot that held countless memories of their childhood.

  “Sometimes, I envy you,” Katelyn said, her voice tinged with exhaustion.

  Eden raised an eyebrow. “Envy me? Why?”

  Katelyn sighed, running a hand through her disheveled hair. “You have so much freedom. The project I’m doing at work is consuming all my time. I hardly see the kids. Anthony is amazing, but he’s doing almost everything—taking them to school, their activities, managing the house. I feel like I’m missing out on their lives.”

  Eden felt a pang of sympathy. “I didn’t realize it was that bad.”

  “It’s not bad, exactly,” Katelyn said, shaking her head. “But it’s hard. I feel like I’m failing as a mom. I miss their bedtime stories and the little moments that matter.”

  Eden leaned back, staring at the sky, her thoughts drifting. “I guess I never thought about it that way. Being single has its perks, but it’s also lonely. You don’t have someone to come home to and share what’s going on in your life.”

  Katelyn smiled faintly. “I know. I just... sometimes, I wish I could hit pause on work and just be with my family.”

  Eden reached out, placing a hand on Katelyn’s. “You’re doing your best. Your kids know that and so does Anthony.”

  Katelyn squeezed Eden’s hand, a tear escaping down her cheek. “Thank you. I needed to hear that.”

  They sat in silence for a moment, the sounds of the city mingling with Katelyn and Jessie’s children playing inside. Eden’s mind wandered to her own life—her career, meeting Steve, and the quiet evenings she spent with him and Rex.

  She glanced over at Katelyn, noticing the familiar spark of curiosity in her sister’s eyes. She knew what was coming next.

  “So, what’s going on with you and Steve?” Katelyn asked, tilting her head slightly. “Mom said it’s pretty serious.”

  Eden felt a warmth spread through her chest. “Steve is amazing, Katelyn. I really think he’s the one.”

  Her sister’s eyebrows rose. “Are you sure about that? You haven’t known him for long.”

  Eden nodded, her smile widening. “I know, but he’s supportive, kind, and he just gets me. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.”

  Katelyn studied Eden’s face, searching for any doubt. “That’s wonderful. But are you really sure? I just don’t want to see you get hurt again.”

  Eden took a deep breath, appreciating her sister’s concern. “I’m sure. I know it’s a big step, but I feel ready for it. Steve has been so understanding, especially with everything that’s happened.”

  Katelyn’s expression softened. “Speaking of that, how’s your PTSD? Has living in Sapphire Bay helped you?”

  Eden looked down, her fingers tracing the edge of her coffee mug. “It’s been a process, but Sapphire Bay has been good for me. The peaceful environment, the supportive community—it’s all helped a lot. I haven’t had any panic attacks since I’ve been there and I’m sleeping so much better.”

  Katelyn squeezed Eden’s hand gently. “I’m glad to hear that. You deserve some peace and happiness.”

  Eden felt a lump in her throat, grateful for Katelyn’s unwavering support. “Thanks, Kate. It means a lot to hear you say that.”

  Katelyn smiled, her eyes filled with warmth. “Anytime, sis. Just remember, whatever happens with Steve, and no matter where life takes you, you’ve got your family behind you.”

  Tears pricked at the corners of Eden’s eyes. “I know. And that makes all the difference.”

  A loud shout came from inside the house and Katelyn turned to Eden. “That sounds like Gabby. I’d better see what’s happening.”

  Eden picked up their coffee mugs. “I’ll come with you. And Kate…” Her sister turned around. “Call me if you need someone to talk to. Life’s too short to be unhappy.”

  Katelyn sent Eden a sad smile. “I will. Don’t tell Mom and Dad how I’m feeling. I need to think about what I’m doing next before I talk to them.”

  “I won’t say anything,” Eden promised. She just hoped Katelyn would be okay. Feeling lost and overwhelmed was something Eden understood, and they weren’t nice feelings.

  Chapter 26

  Steve gripped the steering wheel of his truck, glancing occasionally at Eden as she told him about her trip to Boston. He nodded and smiled at the right moments, but his mind was somewhere else. Since he’d picked her up from the airport, he’d become more and more nervous.

  “We spent all our time together, just talking about what was happening in our lives,” Eden said, her eyes sparkling with the joy of reconnecting with her family. “It was really nice.”

  “That’s great,” Steve replied, trying to sound as though he’d listened to every word she had said. He shifted his focus back to the road, his thoughts racing.

  Eden studied him for a moment. “Are you okay, Steve? You seem a bit distracted.”

  He forced a smile, his heart pounding a little faster. “Everything’s fine. I’ve just got a lot on my mind.”

  Eden frowned. “Are you sure you’re okay? You seem... nervous.”

  Steve took a deep breath, knowing he couldn’t hide his feelings from her. “All right, I am a bit nervous. I have a surprise for you.”

  “What kind of surprise?”

  Steve checked the rearview mirror. “You’ll see it soon. I just hope you like it.”

  They drove in silence for a few more minutes, the familiar sights of Sapphire Bay passing by. As they pulled into the driveway of Eden’s house, Steve’s anxiety peaked. He turned off the engine and looked at her. She was searching his face with a mixture of anticipation and concern.

  “Okay, here goes nothing,” Steve said, taking her hand. “I did something while you were in Boston. Owen and our friends from the tiny homes project helped me.”

  Eden’s eyes widened with surprise. “What did you do?”

  Steve smiled nervously. “Come on, I’ll show you.” He led her to the front door, unlocked it, and walked inside.

  Eden frowned at the closed living room door. “Did you finish the plastering?”

  Steve shook his head. “Not in the living room. It still looks exactly the same as you left it.”

  She pulled on his hand, stopping him from going any further. “We had a deal,” she said firmly. “You weren’t supposed to pay for anything for my house.”

  If Eden didn’t let him show her the attic, he’d have a heart attack. “We can talk about that later. For now, just come with me.”

  With a sigh, she followed him into the front bedroom.

  Her mouth dropped open when she saw the spiral staircase. “Oh, Steve. It’s lovely.” She ran her hand along the black metal handrail and ornate balustrade. “Where did you find it?”

  “Someone was demolishing an old church. They didn’t need the spiral staircase, so I bought it off them. And before you say anything, it wasn’t expensive.”

  Eden sent him a withering glance.

  She didn’t believe him, and for a good reason. The staircase was more than he’d expected to pay, but it was an antique and had plenty of history attached to it.

  Before Eden got too annoyed, he pointed to where the old closet had been. “It look a while to fix this area. We had to match the stain on the floorboards. Otherwise, it would’ve looked as though someone had taken a sledgehammer to this side of the room.”

  She looked at where the closet had been and sighed. “You’ve done such a good job. You’d never know there used to be a closet in this corner.” She looked at the landing at the top of the stairs and frowned.

  “We did a few alterations upstairs, too,” he explained.

  “Oh, Steve. This is too much.” Instead of looking excited at what he’d done, Eden was overwhelmed.

 

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