Chapter 11

Harper stood in her granddad's kitchen, her heart tapping an anxious rhythm against her ribs. The warmth of the house wrapped around her, a comfort against her jittering nerves.

Owen leaned against the counter, more relaxed than she would ever be.

"Is it always this hard to tell someone you're dating?" she murmured, her gaze fixed on the doorway that led to the living room where her grandfather sat.

Owen chuckled, the sound doing little to calm her racing pulse. "Only when it matters this much," he said, reaching over to squeeze her hand.

She took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. "Granddad's an important part of my life. Especially after everything he's been through."

Owen nodded, understanding the unspoken weight of her words. "He loves you. That won't change because you're dating me."

The creak of a floorboard announced Benjamin's arrival before he even appeared in the doorway. His tall frame was stooped over his walker, but his eyes were as sharp and bright as ever.

"Harper, Owen," Benjamin greeted, a teasing note in his voice. "To what do I owe this formal kitchen gathering? Are you planning a coup?"

Harper smiled at his attempt to ease the tension. "No coup, Granddad. We have something to tell you."

Benjamin settled at the kitchen table, his keen gaze bouncing between Harper and Owen. "Sounds serious. What's on your minds?"

Owen gave her an encouraging nod, and Harper braced herself. "Owen and I are... we've started seeing each other. Romantically."

For a moment, the only sound was the ticking of the old clock on the wall. Then Benjamin's face broke into a wide, knowing smile. "Well, it's about time. I wondered when you two would figure it out."

Harper blinked in surprise. "You're not... surprised?"

"Surprised? Harper, I've watched you grow up and I know when someone means a lot to you. Owen has become a special person in your life, even when you were only friends." Benjamin's voice was warm with affection.

Owen stepped forward. "I care about Harper a great deal, Mr. Nelson. I'll always respect and support her in whatever way she needs."

"I know you will, son. You've got a good heart, just like your father." Benjamin chuckled. "With all the tension in the room, I thought you'd asked Harper to marry you."

Harper didn't dare look at Owen. Deciding to date him had been a big decision. She couldn't imagine how she'd have felt if he'd asked her to marry him. "You've jumped ten steps ahead of us, Granddad."

"You're thirty-one years old, Harper. It's not such a leap," Benjamin teased gently, a twinkle in his eye. "But I'm patient. I can wait for that news."

Owen held Harper's hand. "We're taking things one step at a time."

Benjamin leaned back in his chair. "Then I'm happy for both of you. There's no need to rush whatever's happening. Take your time and enjoy each moment as it comes."

They went into the living room, sharing memories, laughter, and the occasional bout of good-natured ribbing from Benjamin. When her granddad opened a family photo album, Harper sighed.

He didn't share what was on the worn pages with many people. The smiling family members, most long gone, were her granddad's link to the past, to moments that made him laugh and cry. But as he showed Owen a picture of Harper's nana after they'd first met, the soft smile on his lips brought a tear to her eyes.

Time hadn't healed the grief they'd felt when she passed away. But it had made it easier to talk about her, to remember the good times they'd had together. If Harper could have half the life her grandparents had shared, she'd be happy.

"I love you, Granddad," Harper said, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you for everything you've done for me."

Benjamin looked up, his eyes reflecting the love he felt for her. "My dear girl," he said, "seeing you happy is all the thanks I need."

Harper reached over to take his hand. The world was a better place with Owen and her granddad beside her. A world that suddenly held even more possibilities.

In a quiet cornerof The Starlight Café, Harper fiddled with the handle of her mug, her nerves dancing like the steam rising from her coffee. She glanced at the door every few minutes, waiting for Daniella to walk through.

After her grandfather, there was only one other person she wanted to talk to about her and Owen. Without meeting Daniella, she never would have spent so much time around Owen. Not that he'd wanted two giggly schoolgirls following him around town.

Harper smiled when she remembered the times he'd hurried away from them, especially when he was with his friends.

When Daniella finally arrived, breezing in with the confidence and energy that she carried like an aura, Harper's anxiety ticked up a notch.

Daniella's smile was wide as she spotted her and sat at their table. "Sorry I'm late. The Fairy Forest was swamped today," she said, setting down her bag. "Thanks for ordering a drink for me. So, what's up? You said it was important."

Harper took a deep breath, her words tangling up before they even left her mouth. "I... Owen and I..." She paused, searching for the best way to say it, wanting to convey how much she valued Daniella's friendship and didn't want anything to change between them.

Daniella's brow furrowed slightly at Harper's hesitance. "You're starting to worry me. Is everything okay?"

"Yes, no, I mean—everything's great, actually." Harper's eyes lifted to meet Daniella's. "I don't know if Owen's mentioned anything to you, but we're... seeing each other. Like, seeing each other."

The revelation hung in the air. The chatter inside the café faded into a distant hum as Harper waited for Daniella's response. For a split second, she feared she'd crossed an unspoken line, but then Daniella's face broke into a beaming smile.

"Finally!" Daniella exclaimed. "I was beginning to think my brother was blind."

Harper's nerves unwound as she laughed with relief. "You're not upset?"

"I'm nowhere near upset. I've been telling Owen how amazing you are since you moved back to Sapphire Bay." Daniella reached over the table, squeezing Harper's hand. "You're perfect for him. You know how to handle his quirks, and you've seen him at his most vulnerable. Besides, I've never seen him so happy."

As they talked, Daniella's enthusiasm never waned. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she told Harper what to do when Owen got too caught up in his work. "He can be a little intense about his glassblowing. If he starts rambling about the viscosity of glass or the perfect annealing temperature, just nod and smile."

Harper grinned. "I'll remember that, but I love listening to him talk about his work."

"Well, don't say I didn't warn you," Daniella told her with a smile. "While we're talking about monumental decisions, I've got one of my own. Harrison and I have set a date for our wedding. We're getting married next year on March 12."

Harper's eyes widened. Daniella had met Harrison when he'd asked her to help him organize an event to celebrate the opening of the community housing project. He was a kind person, and the perfect partner for Daniella. "That's not far away."

"We're not having a lot of guests," Daniella told her. "If Harrison and I can reopen The Fairy Forest after the damage from the flooding, we can organize a wedding in six months."

Harper wouldn't put anything past Daniella. She was the most determined person she knew. "If you need any help, let me know. Are you getting married in The Fairy Forest?"

Daniella shook her head. "It's a wonderful venue, but it'd feel too much like going into work. Pastor John's marrying us in The Connect Church. Afterward, we'll have our reception in an old barn just out of town. The Montgomerys have everything we need."

Whatever venue Daniella chose would be special, especially with her fantastic ability to create memorable events. "I'm so happy for you."

"I'm happy for me, too," Daniella said with a grin. "Lisa, Harrison's sister, has been amazing. On her way home after her last visit, she stopped at a fashion boutique in Bozeman. As well as selling gorgeous clothes for everyday life, the owner has designed award-winning bridal gowns. I've seen one that's over-the-top incredible."

Harper laughed. "Does it have fairy wings?"

"Not at the moment, but you never know what'll happen between now and our wedding."

"I can't wait to see the dress. Have you organized anything else?"

For the next half hour, Daniella told her about the other things she'd booked. Harper hoped Harrison knew what a whirlwind his fiancée was when she was dealing with a tight timeframe. With the church's catering program providing the food, and her friend Paris designing the bridal bouquet and flowers, it'd be a wonderful day.

Harper checked the time. "I'd love to talk for longer, but I need to get home to Granddad."

"That's okay. How is Benjamin?"

"He's doing all right. Zac's happy with the results from his last blood tests and he's doing all the exercises his physical therapist gave him."

Daniella picked up her bag. "It must be horrible having a stroke. He's lucky you were able to come home."

"I'm the lucky one. Granddad's a wonderful person. Thanks for being so understanding about Owen and me," Harper said as they stood to leave. "I really wanted you to hear it from me."

Daniella hugged her tightly. "Thank you for making my brother so happy. And don't you dare think you're getting out of Sunday dinners now. You're officially part of the family."

Stepping out into the late afternoon sunshine, Harper felt a buoyancy in her step. With the blessing of her grandfather and Daniella, her relationship with Owen felt even more right, and she couldn't wait to see what the future held for them.