Chapter 2

Shelley led Eden through The Welcome Center, her voice bright as she explained what her job involved. From next week, Eden would take over as office manager while Shelley was on maternity leave.

“And over here is my office. It’s where I do most of the financial work,” Shelley said, gesturing toward a room with a neatly organized desk, two monitors, and a stack of color-coded folders.

“I’ll make sure everything’s labeled and sorted so you won’t have any trouble finding what you need.”

Eden nodded. “I really appreciate the detailed handover. It’ll make everything so much easier.”

“I’m just happy you’re helping us.” Shelley’s hand rested briefly on her baby bump. “Our other staff weren’t able to do any extra hours.”

“I’m glad it all worked out.” If Shelley hadn’t offered Eden this part-time job, she didn’t know what she would’ve done. After she’d resigned from her teaching job, she couldn’t afford to stay in her apartment. She’d had to return to her parent’s house and pick up any work she could find. It’d been tough and made even worse by her PTSD.

Shelley placed another folder beside the computer. “At least it’s only twenty hours a week. You’ll still have plenty of time to explore Sapphire Bay and settle in.”

As they moved through The Welcome Center, Eden was struck by the vibrancy and the sense of community John and Shelley had created. Posters and flyers decorated the walls, advertising various programs and events. One flyer caught her eye—a baking class led by a young woman named Chloe.

“That’s Chloe over there,” Shelley said, pointing to the windows separating the commercial kitchen and the dining area. “She started volunteering six months ago and now runs her own baking class every Thursday. It’s one of our most popular mid-week programs.”

Peering through the glass, Eden watched as Chloe, with flour dusting her apron, laughed with a group of enthusiastic attendees. Everyone looked as though they were having a great time.

“What you’ve created is wonderful,” Eden remarked, her voice tinged with admiration.

“John does most of the work,” Shelley told her. “He’s constantly expanding our programs so there’s always something going on. If you’d like to tutor a workshop or start a new program, let us know.”

As they ended the tour back at Shelley’s desk, Eden felt a genuine excitement about her role. “After everything that’s happened, I’m glad I can help,” Eden told her friend. “I think I’m going to like it here.”

Shelley grinned. “We’re thrilled to have you, too. And remember, I’m only a phone call away. If anything strange or unusual happens, let me know. Before we finish, I’d better show you how I organize the budget.”

Eden took the folder Shelley handed to her. Inside were color-coded spreadsheets and account statements.

“That’s the last three month’s accounts and our projected budgets.” Shelley pulled another chair behind the desk. “I always like to keep a printed copy on me in case I need to take the information out of the building. Have a seat and I’ll show you where everything’s saved.”

As Shelley worked her way through the step-by-step instructions she’d made, Eden saw how important it was to keep on top of the accounts. Most of the church’s activities were funded through sponsorship and donations. Each donor received a breakdown of how their money was spent. If Eden got behind on her work, it made a difference to the statements they produced at the end of each month.

“There’s one last thing you should be aware of,” Shelley added with a knowing look. “John’s brilliant with community work and pastoral duties, but he has no patience for budgets and invoices. You’ll need to keep a close eye on him when it comes to anything money related.”

Eden smiled. They’d had more than one discussion about how frustrating Shelley’s husband could be. “I’ll make sure to remind him about the budget. Is it hard to get him to hand over the receipts?”

“Oh, you have no idea,” Shelley laughed. “Bribing him with a bag of fudge from Sweet Treats helps. And make sure he signs the invoices we need to pay. If left to his own devices, he’d try to pay everything with goodwill and a prayer.”

“I’ll stay on top of it,” Eden promised.

Shelley clicked open another folder on the computer. “If the fudge doesn’t work, don’t hesitate to use a little assertiveness. John respects that.”

As Eden watched Shelley save some scanned invoices, she felt a twinge of excitement mixed with the responsibility of her new role. Keeping John on track with the finances might be a challenge, but she was ready for it. Especially if it made a difference to the number of programs the church could run.

After Eden had finishedat The Welcome Center, she decided to walk home instead of catching a ride with Shelley. It was a chance to enjoy the gorgeous scenery, get some exercise, and call her mom.

Her parents had worried that moving to Sapphire Bay was too much after what had happened, but Eden had assured them she’d be okay. Shelley was a good friend, and John ran a PTSD support group. If she needed help, she was in the best possible place.

With her cell phone pressed to her ear, she smiled at something her mom said. An early spring breeze whipped around her, carrying the scent of the lake and the promise of better things to come.

“I’ll be okay, Mom,” Eden told her when she asked about the job she’d be doing. “Shelley’s super organized and has each step of the accounting process documented. She doesn’t mind if I call her when I don’t understand something.”

“That must be a relief,” her mom said. “Working in an office is completely different from teaching.”

Eden looked up as a leaf fell from a tree she was walking under. Her parents had wanted her to return to teaching, but her stomach churned just thinking about it. “It is, but it’s okay. You’ll have to visit me after I find somewhere to rent. There’s an incredible quilting store in town. You’ll love it.”

“Don’t tell your father,” her mom joked. “You know how much he enjoys shopping for fabric and new patterns. I’m so glad you’re settling in, honey. How are the people?”

“They’re lovely. Everyone’s friendly and happy to give me advice about what to see and do. Pastor John and Shelley are so welcoming, and the community programs they have are inspiring. It feels like Sapphire Bay’s one big family.”

As she continued down the street, Eden noticed a small golden-haired dog darting across the sidewalk. She paused in her conversation, her attention captured as the cute little dog sniffed around a tree.

She looked up and down the street for his owner and frowned. “Mom, hold on a second. There’s a little dog wandering along the street without its owner.”

Eden approached the dog cautiously, not wanting to startle him. “Hey there, little guy,” she murmured.

The dog looked up at her with big, trusting eyes and trotted over, allowing her to gently check his collar for any identification. Sure enough, there was a tag dangling beneath his furry chin.

“His name’s Rex,” she told her mom. “I’ll call the owner and make sure he gets home safely. I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

Her mother’s voice was filled with concern. “That’s fine. Be safe and let me know how everything goes.”

“I will. Bye.” Hanging up, Eden smiled at the pint-sized dog. He was only about nine inches tall but packed with personality. “Well, Rex. It’s nice to meet you, but I’ve got a feeling your mommy and daddy will be a little worried about you. Would you like me to hold you while I call them?”

Rex didn’t look the least bit concerned, so she picked him up and dialed the number on his dog tag.

A man answered straightaway. “Hello?”

“Hi. I’ve found a dog named Rex. Is he yours?”

“Oh, thank goodness!” the man exclaimed. “I’ve been searching everywhere for him.”

“He’s safe with me,” Eden said, trying to sound reassuring.

“I’m so sorry for the trouble. He disappeared half an hour ago and I couldn’t find him anywhere. Where can I meet you?”

Eden looked at the nearest street signs. “I’m at the corner of Main and Elm. I’ll wait here with him.”

“Thank you so much. I’m on my way.”

It didn’t take long before Eden saw a man jogging toward them. He was tall with wide shoulders and dark hair. As he came closer, she saw the stubble shadowing his jaw and his worried green eyes.

When he reached them, his expression immediately softened. “I can’t thank you enough for finding him,” he said, as Eden placed Rex in his arms. “He’s usually good at staying close to home, but he must have decided to explore the neighborhood. I’m Steve, by the way.”

“I’m Eden,” she replied, shaking his hand. His grip was firm, and she felt a surprising jolt from the simple touch. “I was on my way back to Pastor John and Shelley’s house when I saw Rex.”

Steve’s eyes widened slightly, as if he recognized who she was. “You must be the friend from Boston they mentioned. It’s nice to meet you, although I wish it were under better circumstances. I thought the fence I built was Rex proofed.”

“He’s safe now and that’s all that matters,” Eden reassured him, watching as Rex’s little mouth opened in a tired yawn. “What kind of dog is he?”

Steve adjusted his hold of the tiny dog. “He’s a toy poodle. I adopted him from the local animal shelter a few weeks ago. I’m really sorry for the trouble.”

“It’s okay,” Eden assured him. “It was a nice break in my walk. I’m glad he’s okay.”

Steve nodded, holding Rex a bit tighter as he seemed to wrestle with what to say next. “I’d better get this little guy home before he runs off again. It was nice meeting you.”

“Nice meeting you too, Steve,” Eden replied, her voice softer than she intended. She watched him turn and walk away. There was a clumsy grace about Steve, a contrast that made her smile longer than she expected.

As he disappeared around the corner, Eden shook her head, a little amused at herself for the flutter in her chest. She’d only spoken to Steve for a few minutes. But, as she started walking home, the image of his warm smile and adorable dog stayed with her.