Chapter 12

The day after Steve’s dad went home, Eden and Steve were walking on one of the trails around Flathead Lake. The sky was a clear blue, the sun casting a warm glow over the serene landscape. Rex trotted happily ahead, nose to the ground, exploring every scent that caught his interest.

Steve had his hands in his pockets and a relaxed expression on his face. They’d settled into an easy rhythm, their footsteps crunching softly on the gravel path.

“Your sculptures are amazing,” Eden said, breaking the comfortable silence. “I’m not an expert, but I was impressed.”

Steve smiled. “I’m glad you liked them. It’s difficult designing a sculpture that meets my client’s needs and builds on what I’ve done. So far, I’m happy with all the pieces I’ve made.”

Picking up a small pebble, Eden showed it to Steve before flinging it into the lake. “Four skips,” she told him with a grin. “If you can beat that, I’ll buy you the biggest ice cream sundae we can find.”

Steve laughed. “It’s a deal. And if you win, I’ll help you move when you find somewhere to live.”

Eden groaned. “Don’t remind me. A realtor’s calling me tomorrow. She thinks she might have found a house I can rent.”

“It’s not one of the cottages on Anchor Lane, is it?”

Eden shook her head. “I’m still waiting to hear back about them.”

Steve gave a satisfied grunt when he found a stone. “I’ve found my weapon of choice. Are you ready?”

Rex’s ears pricked to attention.

“Not you, boy,” Steve told him. “I was talking to Eden.”

With a happy yap, Rex jumped toward the stone in Steve’s hand.

“If you follow the stone, you’ll get wet,” Steve warned his canine buddy.

Undeterred, Rex gave a happy bark and waited at Steve’s feet, his tail swishing back and forth in eager anticipation.

Eden smiled. There was such a strong bond between Steve and Rex that it was hard to believe they hadn’t known each other for years. “How do you find people who want to buy your sculptures?” she asked Steve.

The stone he was about to throw slipped through his fingers. With a raised eyebrow, he turned to Eden. “Were you trying to distract me or genuinely interested in how I sell my sculptures?”

Eden bit her bottom lip. “Maybe a little of both,” she said, holding back a smile.

Steve picked up the stone. “In that case, I think I should have a free turn.”

She chuckled at the determined gleam in his eyes. “That’s not in the rules.”

“I didn’t know there were any,” Steve said, looking wide-eyed and innocent.

Eden picked up a pebble. It was the perfect size and shape to beat her last throw. “There are always rules. Especially when you don’t answer my question.”

“What question was that?”

Eden didn’t know whether he was being deliberately vague or trying too hard to do a little distracting of his own. “How do your clients find you? It’s not as if Sapphire Bay is a huge city.”

Steve rubbed the stone he’d chosen along the leg of his jeans. “I sell my sculptures to people who contact me through my agent.”

Eden’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “You have an agent? That sounds awfully professional.”

A blush crept along Steve’s neck. “I don’t have enough time to worry about the business side of things, so my agent handles that for me.”

“Does your agent think you should have an exhibition?”

Steve looked across at Rex. He was waiting beside the edge of the lake for the next stone to hit the water. “There’s no need. Once the latest sculptures are finished, we’re hiring a photographer to create a catalog of my work. That should be enough to keep me employed for the next few years.”

Eden was still trying to figure out how someone would know Steve made large sculptures if he didn’t exhibit his work. She knew he didn’t use social media to promote his work because she’d looked. “Okay, Mr. Hotshot artist. I believe you have one re-throw attempt waiting to be completed.”

Steve looked relieved at the change of subject. “I thought it was against the rules.”

Eden grinned. “Rules are meant to be broken, especially when Rex has been waiting so patiently.”

His eyebrows rose, but he didn’t say anything.

Before the stone left his hand, Eden cleared her throat. “Fire away but be warned. I have the winning pebble in my hand.” She opened her fingers to show him the stone resting on her palm. “I hope you don’t have a bad back. My suitcases are heavy.”

Steve tossed his stone in the air. “Watch and learn from a pro.”

Eden’s smile disappeared when the stone jumped six times along the surface of the water. “I don’t believe it.”

Steve groaned as Rex ran into the lake. “Neither do I. Rex, come back. It’s too deep.”

With a determination that didn’t bode well for Steve, Rex kept paddling.

“Rex!” Steve yelled. “Come on, boy. I’ve got treats in my pocket.”

Eden had to hold back a smile. Rex’s ears twitched at the mention of treats. Turning his little body sideways, he motored toward the shore until his feet brought him safely to shore.

“Whew,” she said to Steve. “I thought we’d have to rescue Rex.”

He stepped back as Rex shook his little body. “So did I.” Without missing a beat, he took off his jacket and wrapped it around Rex’s shivering body. “The water must be colder than it looks.”

Eden petted Rex’s head, then looked up at Steve. “We should take him back to your house where it’s warm.”

He nodded. “I was thinking the same thing. And, just for the record, The Starlight Café has the biggest ice cream sundaes in Sapphire Bay.”

Eden smiled. She was already looking forward to spending more time with Steve and his pint-sized wonder dog.

Eden pickedup a card and frowned at the five of spades. So far, their game of Go Fish had earned her a huge handful of cards and only three pairs.

“Do you have a queen?” Steve asked with a sweet smile plastered across his too handsome face.

She sighed and handed over her one and only queen. “You must have X-ray vision.”

Steve sent her a superior grin. “Do I detect a hint of jealousy in your beautiful head?”

“I’m not jealous, just suspicious. Is Rex sending you images of the cards I’m holding?” She looked at Rex’s content smile and rubbed under his chin. From the moment she’d sat on the floor, Rex hadn’t left her side.

Steve looked at his canine buddy. “Rex is too busy enjoying being close to you to worry about what cards you’re holding.”

Eden smiled. “You could be right. We’re best friends, aren’t we boy.”

Rex yawned, making Eden giggle. “You’re the cutest dog I’ve ever met.” She looked up at Steve and her smile disappeared. He was looking at her with an intensity that made her toes curl. She cleared her throat, hoping something intelligent popped into her brain to clear the tension in the air.

“Did I tell you I’m helping to organize a baby shower for Shelley? It’ll be a lot of fun.”

Steve tilted his head to the side. “Have you organized any others?”

“My younger sister has three children. I organized her first two baby showers. By the time her third baby arrived, she was too tired to have a party.”

Steve put his cards face down on the coffee table. “Do you want a family of your own someday?”

Eden swallowed the knot in her throat. Thinking about the plans she’d made was hard. “When I was going out with my last boyfriend, I had my entire life worked out. We’d have four children by the time I was thirty-four, two dogs, a guinea pig, and a house with a wide veranda and lots of flowers. When the relationship fell apart, I didn’t plan anything anymore.”

Steve leaned against the sofa. “Why not?”

“Because I didn’t want to tempt fate. I moved to Boston and focused on teaching and not much else. Then, after the shooting, I realized how isolated I’d become.”

“So, you moved to Sapphire Bay. Do you feel less isolated now that you’ve been here awhile?”

“Definitely. It’s hard to remember just how sad I was when I arrived.” She grinned, trying to lighten the tension between them. “If I ever want to have children, I’ll need to find a husband. Preferably one who’s prepared to change dirty diapers at two o’clock in the morning and make wonderful breakfasts in bed.”

Steve chuckled, and the tension between them eased, replaced by a light-hearted banter. “You make it sound so easy.”

Eden shrugged playfully. “Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. It depends on how good a cook he is.”

Steve nodded, a thoughtful look on his face. “I’m a good cook, but it hasn’t helped me. What do you think I’m doing wrong?”

“You aren’t doing anything wrong,” she answered truthfully. “You’re perfect the way you are. Isn’t that right, Rex?” The sleepy smile on Rex’s little face made her smile. “See. Rex agrees with me.”

Steve’s eyes filled with warmth. “In that case, I’d better practice making pancakes and waffles. I’ve heard that’s the way to a woman’s heart.”

Eden wasn’t sure where he’d heard that, but she wouldn’t complain if he wanted to test them on her. “Only if they come with whipped cream and strawberries.”

Steve laughed and picked up his cards. “Where were we?”

Eden focused on the fourteen cards she was holding. “I believe I was about to ask you if you have a ten of diamonds.”

Steve handed over the card. As they continued playing, their conversation flowed naturally, their laughter mingling with the sound of Rex snoring.

“Tell me more about the baby shower,” he said. “Does Shelley know you’re organizing it?”

Eden re-organized the cards in her hand, hoping it gave her a competitive advantage. “It’s a surprise. We’re planning all sorts of games and decorations. Shelley’s friends are amazing, and they have so many creative ideas. It’ll be a mix of fun and heartfelt moments.”

Steve smiled. “It sounds like it’ll be a great party.”

Eden nodded. “I hope so. Shelley deserves a relaxing afternoon. She’s finding the last few weeks of her pregnancy the toughest.”

“In what way?” Steve asked.

“In every way,” Eden said, leaning back slightly as she spoke. “She feels uncomfortable most of the time. Whenever she eats anything, she gets severe acid reflux, and sleeping is impossible.”

Steve nodded, sympathy etched on his face. “Sounds rough. The baby shower is a great idea. I’m sure she’ll love it.”

Eden smiled. “I hope so. It feels good to do something that’ll make her happy, especially after everything she’s done for me.”

They continued their game, the cards becoming secondary to their easy conversation. The room was filled with warmth and laughter, and everything that was good between them.

Steve studied her for a moment, his expression serious. “You know, I admire how you’ve thrown yourself into helping at The Welcome Center. It’s not easy moving somewhere new and doing something completely different.”

Eden looked down, feeling a little shy at his compliment. “It helps to stay busy. Plus, Shelley had an entire folder full of instructions, and everyone’s been really welcoming.”

Rex, sensing the shift in mood, nuzzled Eden’s hand, prompting her to give him a gentle pat. “You’re a good boy, aren’t you, Rex?”

Steve reached out, his fingers brushing hers as they both stroked Rex. The touch was brief but charged with an undeniable spark. Eden’s breath caught, and she looked up to find Steve’s gaze fixed on her, his green eyes intense.

“Do you ever think about what you really want, Eden? Beyond the baby showers and volunteering?”

Eden took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his question. “Sometimes. But I try not to dwell on it too much. The future feels... uncertain.”

Steve’s hand lingered near hers, his fingers grazing her skin. “I get that. But maybe it’s okay to hope for good things, even if we don’t have everything figured out.”

Eden nodded, her heart pounding. “I haven’t made any plans for a while, and I’m happy.”

The air between them crackled with anticipation. Steve leaned in slightly, his eyes never leaving hers. “Eden, I don’t want to scare you off. But I feel like there’s something here. Something worth exploring.”

Eden’s heart fluttered. “I feel it too.”

The room fell into a charged silence. Steve’s hand moved to cup her cheek gently, his thumb brushing her skin. “Can I kiss you?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Eden’s eyes fluttered closed as she nodded. “Yes.”

He closed the distance between them, his lips capturing hers in a tender, passionate kiss.

The world around Eden seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of their connection. When they finally pulled away, their foreheads rested against each other, breaths mingling.

“That was... amazing,” Eden whispered.

Steve smiled, his eyes shining with emotion. “I thought so, too.”

A rush of happiness made her smile. “So, what’s next?”

Steve chuckled softly. “How about another round of Go Fish?”

She laughed, the tension easing into a comfortable warmth. “Okay. Can we start again?”

Steve groaned. “You kiss me senseless, then want to end my winning hand.”

Eden showed him her pile of cards. “There’s no way I would have won. You can count that as a point to you.”

“How many games do I have to win to take you out to dinner?”

Her eyes widened. “Like on a date?”

“Well,” Steve said half-seriously. “It’s technically our second date if you count the burgers we had from the food truck.”

Eden pushed aside her worries about being more than Steve’s friend. They’d both been through a lot, but they were adults. As long as they were open about their feelings and made sure they supported each other, nothing would go wrong.

She wiggled closer to Steve. His sharp, indrawn breath was all the encouragement she needed. “In that case, you can either win one more game or kiss me to take me out to dinner.”

Steve smiled. “What will I do with you?”

“I vote for the second option,” Eden teased. And before Steve could reply, she captured his lips in a soft, lingering kiss. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer. The kiss deepened, a sweet blend of promise and passion that made her heart race.

When they finally pulled apart, Steve’s smile was wide and genuine. “I guess we’re going on another date.”

Eden laughed. “I guess we are.”

Steve took her hand, intertwining their fingers. “There’s a new restaurant in town that’s just opened. I’ve heard great things about it.”

Her heart pounded with anticipation. “I’d love to go.”

They spent the rest of the evening enjoying each other’s company, the deck of cards forgotten as they talked and laughed.

As the night drew to a close, Steve held Eden’s hand as they walked to her car. Rex trotted happily beside them, completely recovered from his swim in the icy cold lake.

“Thanks for coming home with Rex and me. I had a great time.”

She smiled. “It was fun. I’m glad Rex is okay and I’m even happier we’re going on another date.”

“So am I,” Steve whispered.

They shared a tender kiss under the moonlight, the promise of a new beginning lingering between them.

As Eden said goodbye, she felt a sense of hope she hadn’t dared to believe in—and excitement for a future neither of them had expected.