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.

After she’d spokento the principal of the school, Eden visited a bakery on Main Street. The cinnamon and jam donuts were Steve’s favorite and telling him about her meeting was a good reason to buy them. Hopefully, he’d be able to take a break.

As she approached the back door of the old steamboat museum, she was surprised it was so quiet. Either Steve was working on his computer or he’d gone somewhere else.

She knocked lightly on the door before pushing it open. “Hello. Is anyone here?”

Steve looked up from his workbench, his eyes widening in surprise. “Eden! What are you doing here?”

“School finished early for the parent and teacher meetings,” she explained with a smile. “I thought I’d come and see what you’re working on.”

Steve set down his tools and wiped his hands on a rag. “I’m glad you did. Come on in. I was just sorting through some tools.”

Eden looked around his workshop. It was cluttered, but in an organized way, with tools and materials neatly arranged on shelves and tables.

She held up the brown paper bag she’d brought with her. “If you’re able to take a break, I bought us something sweet to eat.”

“That sounds like a great idea. Just give me a couple of minutes.” Steve walked across to a small kitchenette and turned on the coffeepot. “How was school?”

“The children were excited to be going home early,” she said with a smile. “I’m not sure the teaching staff were as happy. They’ve spent a lot of time preparing graphs and models of how each child is doing.”

Steve washed his hands. “I’m sure the parents appreciate it.”

Eden touched a piece of twisted metal sitting on a shelf. “Is this something you’re working on?”

Steve shook his head. “That was a sample piece I made for a project. When I’m not sure if something will work, I try it on a smaller scale.” He picked up a sketchpad and brought it across to her. “This is my latest commission. Harrison asked me to make a bronze sculpture as a surprise Christmas present for Daniella.”

Eden studied the sketch. The intricate drawing showed a fairy with delicate wings, her face turned slightly upward in a serene expression. “Wow, this is beautiful. She looks a lot like Daniella.”

Steve nodded, a hint of pride in his eyes. “That’s the idea. Harrison wanted the fairy to resemble her.”

He moved to his computer and opened a file. “Harrison sent me these to help with the details.” Steve flicked through an album of photos showing Daniella in her fairy costume at The Fairy Forest and sitting outside in the sunshine.

“That’s a lot of photos,” Eden told him with a smile. “It looks a little stalkerish.”

Steve laughed, shaking his head. “I thought the same thing at first, but Harrison assured me it was okay. Daniella knows about the photos. She just doesn’t know what they’re for.”

Eden picked up the sketchpad and looked at a smaller drawing of Daniella’s face. Each stroke of Steve’s pencil captured her personality and brought the still image to life. “You could have been a painter. This is beautiful.”

Steve looked over her shoulder and kissed the side of her face. “I did a fine arts degree. I wasn’t the most popular student on campus when I traded in my oil paints for steel, but it worked for me.”

Eden leaned into his embrace. “Daniella and Harrison will love the sculpture.”

“I hope so,” Steve said, his voice softening. “It means a lot to me to create something special for them.”

Eden turned in his arms and kissed him. “You have a heart of gold to make the sculpture for them.”

“Call me Mr. Nice Guy,” he said as he kissed her back. “But, if I want to keep on track, I’d better make our coffee. I’m meeting a potential client at four-thirty.”

While Steve made the coffee, Eden walked around the workshop, admiring the various pieces he was working on. When she was halfway around the room she frowned. “Where’s Rex?”

“He has a playdate with a golden-haired Labrador named Trixie.”

Eden grinned. “That sounds interesting.”

“Tell me about it. He met Trixie on one of our walks around the lake and they’ve been best buddies ever since. Liam, her owner, is working from Sapphire Bay for a few months.”

Eden walked across to Steve. “I hope Rex isn’t heartbroken when she leaves.”

“I don’t know about heartbroken,” Steve said. “But he’ll miss her.”

As she watched Steve find a plate for the donuts, Eden realized just how much she would’ve missed him if she’d gone back to Boston. “Have I told you how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me?”

He placed a cup of coffee beside her. “I haven’t done all that much.”

“You’ve been a huge support to me since I moved here. I don’t know how I would have managed without you.”

Steve smiled. “I’m glad I could help. You’ve helped me too, more than you know.”

She picked up a donut and grinned. “It must be the added sugar I’ve brought to your diet.”

“It’s more than that,” Steve said softly. “I didn’t think I’d ever meet someone who accepted me for who I am. You’ve not only accepted me, but you’ve become an important part of my life.”

Eden put the donut down and smiled. “I’m glad you said that, because you’re important to me, too. And, apart from being an incredible boyfriend, I came here for another reason. I wanted to tell you about a meeting I had with Julie, the principal at the school.”

“What did you talk about?”

“I asked if there are any full-time jobs available at the school,” she replied, watching his reaction closely. “A couple of staff are retiring and she suggested I apply for those roles.”

Steve’s eyes widened. “Really? That’s amazing, Eden!”

She saw the happiness in his expression, mirroring her own feelings. “I’m so excited. I love working with the children and the teachers are fantastic.”

Steve nodded, still processing the news. “Does this mean you’ll stay in Sapphire Bay?”

Eden frowned, taken aback by his question. “I thought you realized I wanted to stay after I bought the house.”

Steve breathed a sigh of relief. “I was worried you’d only stay for another six months or a year and then leave. I guess I just needed to hear it from you.”

Eden stepped closer, placing her hands on his arms. “I bought the house because I want to build a life here. I’m not planning on going anywhere. Sapphire Bay feels like home to me now. I can’t imagine my life anywhere else or without you in it.”

Steve reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Good. Because I can’t imagine my life without you, either.”

Eden looked into his eyes, feeling the sincerity in his words. The warmth of his hand against her cheek sent a shiver down her spine.

Steve’s gaze softened, and he leaned in closer. “I’ve felt connected to you from the moment we met. I want us to build a life together, right here in Sapphire Bay.”

Her eyes closed as his lips brushed against hers in a tender, heartfelt kiss. The world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in that perfect moment.

When they finally pulled apart, Eden felt a surge of emotions—love, hope, and a deep sense of belonging. “I love you, Steve,” she said softly.

He smiled, his eyes shining with the same intensity. “I love you too, Eden. More than words can say.”

As they stood there in the warmth of his workshop, Eden knew this was the beginning of something truly special.