Chapter 7

The clatter of tools and the murmur of conversation filled the old steamboat museum. Steve was working on one of the tiny homes, adding drywall to the living area.

Volunteers worked beside paid employees as they built homes that would provide safe and warm accommodation to the people who moved into them.

He still couldn’t believe a project that had started as a way to help the residents of Sapphire Bay could be so successful. Each week, they finished three homes, sending them to towns across Montana. There were always at least six homes under construction, and more being planned.

He looked over his shoulder when someone came into the tiny home.

Owen put down the box he was holding. “I know you’re superhuman, but holding a sheet of drywall in place and fixing it to the wall at the same time is almost impossible.”

Steve was grateful for his friend’s unexpected arrival. “I thought I’d make a start while Johnny replaces the battery on his drill.”

“How’s that working out?”

With a grin, Steve fastened another four screws in place. “Better now that you’re here.” He glanced at the box sitting against the far wall. “Please don’t tell me that’s the glass bowl you made for Dad.”

With the sheet of drywall not going anywhere, Owen stepped away from the wall. “Guilty as charged. Don’t worry. It wasn’t in danger of being broken.”

Steve was glad to see his friend didn’t tempt fate, though. Before he could pick the box up himself, Owen had it in his hands. “Your dad will love it.”

Steve put away his drill. “Come into the staffroom with me. I’ll look at it there.” His relationship with his dad was anything but easy. From a young age, his dad had taught him the value of hard work. They’d worked side by side in his dad’s workshop, creating simple pieces of furniture, laying the foundation for one of the few things that helped Steve deal with his PTSD. Which, in a funny way, was ironic.

Because, regardless of how many times he’d tried to explain to his father what was happening, he refused to believe Steve was suffering from any sort of trauma. It was easier for his dad to bury himself in work, preferring conferences and training workshops over spending time with his son.

Owen moved out of the way of a forklift carrying some timber frames. “I hear you went on a hot date last night.”

Steve’s heart pounded. It didn’t sound like something Eden would say, but if she thought having hamburgers from a food truck was hot, he’d take it. “Just to be one hundred percent clear, did Eden say it was hot?”

Owen frowned. “I haven’t spoken to Eden, but Daniella saw her at The Welcome Center this morning. She said the burgers were delicious and your company wasn’t bad either. I was being creative.”

“Do me a favor and keep your creativity for your glassblowing,” Steve mumbled.

Owen wasn’t upset by his grumpy reply. “You like her, don’t you.”

Like didn’t come close to how he felt about Eden. She was funny, strong, intelligent, and beautiful. And thinking about a future with her terrified him.

Owen sighed. “I knew something was going on between the two of you. I spent an hour volunteering at Friday’s community dinner, and you didn’t stop talking to each other.”

Steve opened the staffroom door. “It’s not illegal to speak to someone.”

“You haven’t said more than a couple of sentences to any female since you arrived. Except for Daniella, but she doesn’t count because she’s my sister.”

Thankfully, the room was empty. “I like spending time with Eden.”

Owen slid the box onto a table. “I hope so. There’s something about her that reminds me of you. She’s strong but fragile.”

“She’s also thirty-two, happily single, and working through a lot of things.” Steve ran his hands through his hair. “With all of my issues, any relationship between us would end in disaster.”

Owen’s eyes widened. “She’s probably thinking the same thing. Before you tell me I’m right, look at the bowl I made for your dad.”

Steve undid the tape holding the flaps of the box together. His dad’s birthday wasn’t far away, and he’d wanted to buy him something special. As soon as he’d seen Owen’s new collection of bowls, he knew his dad would love one of them.

Carefully, he removed the bubble wrap and stared at the bowl. The vibrant colors of the glass shimmered, catching the overhead light in a dazzling display.

Wiping his hands on his jeans, he held it up to the light. A rainbow of color flooded the wall beside them. “This is better than anything you’ve ever made. It’s incredible.”

Owen watched Steve’s finger trace the fluted edge of the bowl. “I nearly kept this one, but it would’ve taken too long to make another one.”

Anyone who saw the bowl would realize how much time and skill had been put into creating it. “He’ll love it.”

Owen crossed his arms in front of his chest. “I hope so. Are things any better between you?”

Steve shook his head. “I’m surprised he’s coming here. At least when Mom was alive, he made an effort to see me.”

“I hope everything works out.” Owen warned him. “From where I’m sitting, you’re the one bending over backward to have a relationship with him. He didn’t even bother coming here for your birthday.”

Steve had given up making excuses for what his dad didn’t do. He’d accepted a long time ago that his dad would never understand him.

Owen grabbed two mugs out of a cupboard and walked across to the coffeepot. “I’m getting a stomachache thinking about your dad, so let’s change the subject. How’s your latest sculpture coming along?”

“Slow but steady,” Steve said, setting the bowl carefully in the box. “But it’s rewarding, especially when I’m near the end of the commission. It’ll be ready for delivery in a few days.”

“Now, that’s something to celebrate,” Owen said as he handed Steve a mug of coffee. “Have you asked Eden to come to Daniella and Harrison’s wedding with you?”

Steve nodded. “But don’t make a big deal of it. We’re friends.”

“We all have to start somewhere.” Owen’s easy-going grin faded. “You deserve to be happy. Remember that.”

Steve knew how hard it had been for Owen to let anyone get close to him. When he’d met Harper, his old insecurities had reared their ugly heads. If Owen and Harper hadn’t known each other when they were younger, Steve didn’t know if they’d ever have fallen in love.

He looked across at his friend and studied his serious expression. “How’s everything going with Harper?”

A light appeared in Owen’s eyes. “She’s amazing. If we could run away and get married tomorrow, I would. But her granddad wouldn’t forgive me.”

Harper’s granddad had suffered from multiple strokes, leaving him dependent on other people for his everyday life.

“The care facility in Polson is better than he thought,” Owen continued. “I just hope nothing happens to him before the wedding. Harper will be devastated if he isn’t there.”

Steve hoped so, too. Benjamin was one of the kindest men in Sapphire Bay. He’d had a tough year with his health, but needing extra help had brought his granddaughter home. And that had changed Owen’s life forever.

Owen looked at his watch. “I hate to bring our coffee break to an end, but I need to get back to my studio. Mom’s looking after everything, and you know how she is with my customers.”

Steve laughed. “Is she still making everyone a cup of coffee?”

“She’s moved to herbal tea that matches the color of the glass,” Owen said with a grin. “She found some ginger and honey tea the other day. Now, she wants me to create a collection made from yellow glass. What will I do with her?”

“Make a collection to match the tea?” Steve suggested half-seriously.

Owen sighed. “That’s what Harper said, too.” He stood and looked at the box. “I hope your dad likes the bowl.”

Steve hugged his friend. “So do I. Thanks for making it for him.”

“You’re welcome. When he arrives, try not to get sucked into his passive-aggressive routine.”

Steve stepped away from Owen. “It’s his birthday. We’ll be okay.” At least he hoped so.

Eden was sortingthrough the invoices for the church and The Welcome Center, when she noticed a small figure hesitating in her office doorway. Lifting her gaze, she met the wide, curious eyes of a little boy clutching a toy dinosaur.

“Hi there,” Eden greeted, smiling to make him feel at ease. “What’s your name?”

“I’m Oscar,” he said, stepping forward shyly. His gaze drifted to the small dog bed beside Eden’s desk where Rex was comfortably napping.

“Can I say hello to your dog?” Oscar asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Of course you can,” Eden replied, waving him in. “But Rex isn’t my dog, he’s a friend’s. He loves meeting new people.”

Oscar approached cautiously, letting Rex sniff his hand before gently stroking his back.

Rex wagged his tail, clearly enjoying the attention.

“What have you been doing today, Oscar?” Eden asked, amused by the serious expression on his face as he focused on petting Rex.

“I made a cake at baking class,” Oscar beamed, his shyness fading. “It has strawberries on top. Mommy helped me.”

“That sounds delicious,” Eden said, genuinely impressed. “You must be a great baker.”

Oscar nodded proudly. “Mommy says I’m a natural. I wanna make cookies next time.”

Just then, a flustered-looking woman appeared at the door. “Oscar, there you are!” She looked at Eden apologetically. “I’m so sorry if he’s bothering you. We were just heading out.”

“He’s been no trouble at all,” Eden assured her, recognizing Chloe from the baking classes. “I’m Eden. I’m helping Pastor John while Shelley’s on maternity leave.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Eden. I’m Chloe, and this is my son, Oscar.”

Eden smiled. “Oscar was just telling me about the cake he made.”

Chloe’s expression softened. “He loves baking. It’s been a good distraction for him since we’ve been here.”

Her voice had held a hint of strain and Eden wondered about the challenges they were facing.

“Mommy, can we come back and see Rex again?” Oscar asked, his eyes wide with hope.

“As long as it’s all right with Eden.” Chloe glanced at Eden.

“Rex isn’t here all the time,” Eden told Oscar. “But when he is, you’re more than welcome to come and say hello.”

Chloe smiled. “Thank you. You’re very kind. We have to go now, Oscar. Say goodbye to Eden and Rex.”

Oscar wrapped his arms around Rex and kissed the top of his head. “Bye, Rex.” And with a sunny smile, he waved at Eden. “Bye.”

“Bye, Oscar. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

As they left the office, Eden watched them go with a mix of emotions swirling inside her. Working at The Welcome Center had opened her eyes to the different struggles people faced. There wasn’t one person here who’d had an easy life. They’d come to Sapphire Bay looking for a fresh start and a chance to create the life they wanted to live. A lot like her.

She glanced at Rex. “It looks like you made a new friend today,” she murmured.

With a doggy sigh of contentment, he settled back into his bed.

Eden turned back to her paperwork, but her thoughts lingered on Oscar and Chloe. Shelley had told her this job involved more than managing the budgets; it was about touching people’s lives, however small the gesture.

Picking up a pen, she made a note to talk to John about Chloe. There must be something she could do to help make her stay at The Welcome Center a little brighter.