Chapter 15

As Harper finished the day's paperwork at the medical clinic, Daniella burst through the doors. From the worried look on her face, Harper guessed something major had happened. It was time to close, so she quickly locked the front door before turning her full attention to her friend.

"You look stressed. What's wrong?" Harper asked.

"It's the wedding venue," Daniella explained, her voice thick with worry. "The Montgomery's barn has a structural issue and they don't know when it'll be fixed. Someone's already booked The Fairy Forest for the same weekend. I've called everywhere else, and they're booked solid for mid-March. What am I going to do?"

The urgency in Daniella's voice pierced Harper's heart. She knew how much Daniella had dreamed of a perfect spring wedding. "Let's go to Granddad's house and figure this out," she suggested, her brain already racing through possible solutions.

After she'd said goodbye to Zac, Ethan, and Bailey, Harper lifted her bicycle into the back of Daniella's truck. "What about having your reception in the park opposite the lake?" Harper asked. "There was a big family reunion there last weekend."

Daniella closed the tailgate. "I called the county and asked about it. There's a fair in the park on the weekend we're getting married. And to make everything more complicated, the weather might still be too cold to be outside."

"Have you asked the Terry sisters about The Lakeside Inn? Mabel showed me the photos of Katie's wedding. The inn looked gorgeous."

Daniella started the truck. "It's booked. Their next available weekend isn't until June."

That didn't surprise Harper. The boutique bed-and-breakfast always seemed to be full of guests.

Daniella checked the rearview mirror. "I didn't think it would be this hard to find another venue for our reception."

"Don't worry," Harper assured her. "We'll find something."

By the time they reached Harper's granddad's house, Daniella wasn't quite as stressed as she'd been at the clinic. Once inside, Harper made them a cup of coffee, and they sat down at the kitchen table with Benjamin. Between the three of them, she was sure they'd come up with a few venues Daniella and Harrison could use.

"What about the community center?" Harper suggested.

"It's booked for a local art exhibition."

Harper tried again. "The old mill by the river?"

"A conference on sustainable agriculture has booked it," Daniella said, her voice growing smaller.

Benjamin, who'd been listening quietly, finally spoke up. "What about The Old Steamboat Museum? We've had Christmas galas and all kinds of events there."

Sadly, Daniella shook her head. "It's booked."

Harper's eyes widened. There was one place they hadn't considered. "How many people are you inviting to the reception?"

"If we don't have any last-minute additions, there'll be thirty-nine guests. Have you thought of another venue?"

Harper nodded. "What about Owen's studio? There's a ton of space in the exhibition area and it's full of rustic charm and character."

Daniella frowned. "It's not what I originally envisioned, but... it could be beautiful. With the right decorations and layout, it might work."

Harper saw a flicker of hope rekindle in Daniella's eyes. "It's big enough for your guest list. We could string lights through the rafters and use decorations from The Fairy Forest to add a touch of magic to the evening. It'd be different, but still very you."

Benjamin looked at Daniella. "You'd better ask Owen if it's okay before you get too excited."

"Owen won't mind," she said confidently.

"Granddad's right," Harper told her friend. "Why don't you call him to see if it's okay?"

Daniella took her phone out of her pocket and called her brother. Her quick conversation ended in a wide smile. "He said yes. I can't believe I didn't think of it earlier."

Benjamin handed Daniella a plate of cookies. "Three heads are always better than one. Have one of these while we think about how it could work."

As they discussed logistics, Harper watched Daniella's stress transform into excitement. They talked about how they could arrange the tables and whether the kitchen was big enough. While Daniella searched through her emails for the menu they'd chosen, Benjamin reminisced about other events he'd been to.

By the end of the evening, Daniella was buzzing with enthusiasm. "You know, this might be even better than my original plan. It'll be unique, and that's exactly what we wanted."

Harper felt a burst of happiness for her friend. It would take a lot of work, but she was already imagining the beautiful wedding reception Daniella and Harrison deserved.

As Daniella left, full of plans and tasks for the next day, Harper turned to her granddad, grateful for his wisdom and support. "Thanks for helping us see the silver lining, Granddad," she said, giving him a big hug.

Benjamin smiled, his eyes gleaming with pride. "Life's about making the best of what comes our way. You girls did just that tonight."

As she cleared away the dishes, Harper thought about Owen's studio. If Harrison liked the new venue, everyone would be happy. Tonight was a reminder that sometimes, the unexpected could lead to something truly special.

Owen stood smilingat the front door of his new home on Anchor Lane, enjoying a sense of anticipation. Moving into the cottage represented a fresh start, a place he could call his own in the heart of Sapphire Bay.

As his parents carried boxes along the pathway leading to the front door, he felt a deep sense of gratitude. His mom had been directing operations with a practiced eye, ensuring that each box found its rightful place inside. His dad was more cautious. George's heart attack had scared him and everyone who was close to him. Owen appreciated his parents' help, but he wasn't risking his dad's health.

"Remember what the doctor said, Dad. Take it easy," Owen said as his dad walked inside with a heavy box labeled ‘Books'.

"I'm fine, son. This is nothing," George replied, though he allowed Owen to take the box from him with a grudging sigh.

Steve smiled. "There's plenty of other boxes in the truck, Mr. Judd. But if you see one with lots of brown paper bags inside, leave it there. It's for later."

Owen had a fairly good idea about what would be inside. "The box wouldn't have anything to do with your questions about the menu at The Starlight Café, would it?"

"It might, but you don't get to see what's inside until we're finished."

Owen wouldn't complain if Steve had bought something from the café. Everything there was delicious.

After they'd carried the last piece of furniture inside, Owen's thoughts drifted to Harper. After she'd finished work, she was going home to check on her granddad before coming here. The thought of seeing her, of sharing this new chapter of his life with her, brought a warm glow to his heart. Harper had become an important part of his life, and he couldn't imagine her not being here.

He walked into the living room to help his mom.

Lynda emptied a large bag full of cushions. "It's a lovely cottage, Owen. You'll make many happy memories here."

Owen smiled, his gaze sweeping over the cozy room that was filled with his furniture and dreams. "Thanks, Mom. It already feels like home."

The sound of a truck pulling up drew their attention to the window. Harper stepped onto the sidewalk carrying a box.

"Sorry I'm late," she called out, as Owen met her on the veranda.

The warmth in her eyes made his heart skip a beat. "There's no need to apologize. You're here now." He took the box from her and smiled. "What's this?"

"A little birdy told me you might need a toaster. If you've found one in the meantime, feel free to give it to someone else. Otherwise, it's your housewarming present."

Owen didn't know how she'd discovered that he didn't have a toaster, but he was grateful for the practical gift. "I'm still toasterless, so thank you. How's your granddad?"

"He's happy. His friends picked him up this morning and took him to the old steamboat museum to work on a top-secret project."

Benjamin had told Owen he was making a gift for Harper's birthday. He wasn't impressed that it was taking ten times longer to build than it would have before his stroke, but he was pleased with how it was coming along.

Owen wrapped his arm around Harper's shoulders. "Come inside. Steve's still here with Mom and Dad, and Daniella should be here in about an hour."

Lynda and George greeted Harper with hugs and words of welcome. The bond between her and his family had grown, especially when they saw how happy he was when he was with her.

Together, they all moved into the kitchen, where Steve had laid out a feast.

Owen's eyes widened. "So, you did buy food from the café."

Steve grinned. "I'll take any excuse I can find to eat Andrea's delicious home baking."

"I'll second that," Lynda said as she handed Harper a plate. "What do you think of Owen's cottage?"

"It's lovely. I like the cushions you've added to the sofa in the living room."

"Daniella found them at the thrift store in Polson," Owen's dad said. "She has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Just like her mom."

Lynda beamed with pleasure as her husband told them stories of other things she'd found at thrift stores.

"I buy new things, too," she told everyone with a smile. "But I enjoy recycling all kinds of things into family treasures."

Owen took a slice of cake off the counter and watched Harper chat with his parents. Her laughter mingled with theirs, a sound that filled the cottage with happiness.

"Let's toast to new beginnings," Steve suggested, raising a glass of apple cider.

Glasses clinked, and a chorus of ‘To new beginnings' rose around the room. Owen looked around at the faces of the people he loved, feeling a profound sense of contentment. While he was living in Detroit, he'd missed moments like these. His life had revolved around work and not much more. If he was looking for a silver lining to having PTSD, this was it.

Family, friends, good food, and a woman who made his life complete. You couldn't ask for much better than that.

After they'd enjoyed the food and drink, each of them went to a different part of the cottage, hoping to get the last boxes unpacked before they left.

Owen looked up when Harper walked into the living room. "How's it going?"

"The bathroom and laundry are organized. Your dad hooked up your washing machine and the clothes dryer just needs to be plugged in." Harper looked around the living room and smiled. "This looks lovely. You've moved the sofa to the other wall and added a few potted plants."

"Daniella brought the plants with her. She said they'll create a healthier environment for me." Owen leaned closer and lowered his voice. "Personally, I think she's been reading too many self-help books."

A female voice cleared her throat from the doorway.

Owen dropped his chin to his chest. "My sister's behind me, isn't she?"

Harper grinned. "She is, but don't worry. Daniella looks far too happy to be grumpy with you for long."

Owen turned around. Daniella was standing behind him with another potted plant in her arms.

"I won't be grumpy with Owen ever again," she said firmly.

"That's because you're using my studio for your wedding reception."

Daniella sent her brother a wide smile. "And Harrison and I will be forever grateful." She placed the deep green fern in the middle of Owen's coffee table. "Plants don't just look good—they can make you feel good, too. My friend Paris owns The Flower Cottage. She said studies show how plants boost your mood, increase creativity, reduce stress, and eliminate air pollutants. They're the perfect ingredient to becoming a healthier, happier you."

Owen pulled Harper close and kissed her cheek. "That's what Harper does for me."

"I'm not sure if being compared to a plant is a good thing," Harper said with a smile. "But I like knowing you feel happy around me."

"It's more than that. I like spending time with you and being part of your life," Owen said, his voice low and laden with emotion.

Harper rested her head against his shoulder. "I feel the same way."

Daniella groaned. "That's too much lovey-dovey talk for me. Steve said there's plenty of leftover food in the kitchen. Do you want anything?"

Owen wanted a lot of things, and none of them involved sandwiches, cake, or muffins. "I'm okay. What about you, Harper?"

She grinned and kissed him firmly on the lips. "I've got everything I need right here."

Owen felt the truth of her words deep in his soul. With Harper by his side, and the support of his family and friends, he was ready to face whatever came next.

Daniella sighed. "It looks like Cupid's struck again. I'll get something to eat while you unpack the rest of the boxes… if you ever get around to it."

Owen tightened his hold on Harper. Right now, the only thing he cared about was the woman in his arms, and he didn't see that changing.