Chapter 16

Harper's bicycle tires crunched softly against the gravel as she glided to a stop outside Owen's studio. Propping her bicycle against the red-brick wall, she took a deep breath.

After a lot of thought, she'd registered for the trauma course Zac wanted her to do. It was a big step, not only professionally but personally, as well. After months of trying to forget what had happened during the pandemic, she was finally ready to face her past head-on and use her experiences to help other people.

Pushing the studio door open, she stepped inside. A wave of warmth and creativity wrapped around her as she gazed across the studio at Owen.

He turned to face her, and his face lit up with a smile. "Hey, Harper." Putting down his tools, he walked over to her. "This is a nice surprise."

Despite the butterflies in her stomach, she smiled back. "I'm on my way home to have lunch with Granddad. I thought I'd call in and see you."

Owen kissed her gently. "I'm glad you did. It gets a little quiet when my apprentice isn't here."

A blush skimmed her cheeks. "My glassblowing technique leaves a lot to be desired, but I enjoy helping you." She bit her bottom lip. "There's something I want to tell you. I signed up for the trauma course Zac told me about."

Owen's eyes widened. "I thought you didn't want to do it."

"So did I but, since the since the shuttle bus accident, I've been thinking about it a lot. The accident made me realize how much I can help Zac and our community. I've spent years training to be a trauma nurse. If I don't keep upskilling, I'm letting myself and my family down."

Owen held her hands. "What about the caregivers' outreach program? Can you do both?"

"I should be okay. Most of the trauma course can be done from home, so I don't need to go far. When I need to travel, Zac's offered to give me paid leave so I can still help with Granddad's house expenses."

"Does this mean you're going back to nursing?"

Harper hesitated before answering. Even with the extra qualification, there weren't many opportunities to use her skills in Sapphire Bay. For that, she'd have to move to another city. "I'm not sure. Right now, I want to focus on setting up the support group and getting through the course."

Owen nodded, but Harper could tell something was worrying him.

"Do you think the trauma course is a good idea?" she asked him.

"You should do what makes you happy," he said without answering her question.

Harper tilted her head, waiting for him to continue. When he didn't, she tightened her hold on his hand. He'd tell her what was wrong when he was ready. "What have you been doing today?"

His eyes crinkled at the corners. "I've been experimenting. Look at this." He led her across the room to a table that wasn't there the last time she'd visited. "I wanted to capture the magic of the northern lights."

Owen's latest creation was a glass sculpture that shimmered with colors so vivid they were mesmerizing. It felt like a piece of the sky was caught in the glass.

"It's incredible." Harper marveled at the way the light played through the sculpture, creating a dance of colors that almost seemed alive. "How did you make the colors so fluid?"

His smile widened. "There are three layers of glass in the main part of the sculpture. Each layer has different colors and properties. When they're combined, the glass takes on a personality of its own. I was thinking of making a series inspired by natural wonders. The northern lights are just the beginning."

Harper ran her fingertips over the smooth glass surface. "This will make an amazing photograph. Have you spoken to Emma about building a website for the studio?"

Owen nodded. "She's also looking at ways I can use social media to promote the studio. I don't know what ideas she'll come up with, but we'll talk about it the next time we meet."

"It sounds exciting. We're both stretching our comfort zones," Harper murmured.

Owen placed his finger under her chin, and she lifted her eyes to his. "I'm worried about what the extra publicity will mean. But, as long as we're stretching our comfort zones together, I don't mind. When does the trauma course start?"

"Next week. If I need someone to test my new skills on, I'll call you."

Owen laughed. "You do that. As long as you don't inject me with experimental drugs, I'm all yours."

"That's what I was hoping you'd say." Harper grinned before checking her watch. "I need to leave. Are you still able to have dinner with us tonight?"

"I wouldn't miss it. I'll bring dessert."

Harper gave him a big hug. "That'll be lovely. I'll see you in a few hours."

As she pedaled toward her granddad's house, Harper thought about the steps she was taking toward making a better life for herself and the community.

The feeling of purpose filled her with a quiet strength. Owen's support and the projects they were both embarking on, felt like pieces of a puzzle fitting together, creating a brighter future for both of them.

Owen satacross from Harper and her grandfather at the small kitchen table. They'd just enjoyed a delicious meal together and their conversation flowed easily. Harper told them what was happening at the clinic and Owen talked about his latest glass pieces.

Benjamin listened intently, enjoying the stories they were sharing.

When they started talking about Harper's upcoming birthday, she didn't say a lot.

Benjamin, with a twinkle in his eyes, suggested hosting a party with all of Harper's friends. "It'll be wonderful to see everyone again."

Harper wasn't quite so excited. "I appreciate the idea, Granddad, but I don't feel like doing anything big this year. I'd be just as happy with a meal here with you, Mom, and Owen."

"We had a quiet dinner last year," he said with an encouraging smile. "It's not every day my granddaughter turns thirty-two."

Harper glanced at Owen, hoping he'd back her up. But, this time, he was firmly on her granddad's side. Especially when he knew about the surprise party Benjamin was organizing.

"It'd be fun to invite your friends," Owen said gently. "We could have a barbecue and play some music." He kept his expression neutral, trying to hide what he already knew.

Harper frowned. "I'll think about it."

"Don't think about it for too long," Benjamin told her. "Your birthday's next week. We'll have to let everyone know what's happening."

Harper picked up her coffee cup and frowned at her granddad. "Just to be clear, we're only talking about a few friends, a barbecue, and some music, aren't we?"

Benjamin nodded. "We'd better tell your mom," Benjamin added. "She'd never forgive me if we organized a party without her."

"Mom called me this morning. She's coming to Sapphire Bay for my birthday and asked what I want to do."

Benjamin pursed his lips.

Owen glanced at Benjamin. It didn't sound as though Harper's mom had told her daughter about the birthday party, which was good.

Benjamin fiddled with the handle of his cup. "Did Carrie say when she's arriving?"

Harper frowned. "She's hoping to be here by three o'clock on Wednesday afternoon. She said she'd call you."

"I must've forgotten." Benjamin cleared his throat. "Are you doing anything on Thursday night, Owen?"

A twinge of guilt made Owen feel just as uncomfortable as Benjamin. Even telling a little white lie to Harper didn't feel right. "If that's the night of the party, I'll be here."

Harper sent her granddad a pleading look. "Try not to invite anyone else until I've thought about it."

"I'll do my best," he promised. The conversation moved on, and Benjamin turned his attention to Owen. "A friend gave me a lift to the old steamboat museum the other day, and we saw you running through town. You looked like you were on a mission."

Owen remembered the run. "I wanted to make the most of the weather," he replied, not wanting to mention the deeper reasons behind his need to run and the way it helped clear his mind.

"Owen runs most days," Harper added.

"That'll keep you fit," Benjamin said. "How's your new home working out, Owen?"

"It's fantastic, although Mom worries that I'm not eating enough. She keeps bringing casseroles to the studio."

Harper smiled. "Make the most of it. Nothing tastes better than a meal made by someone else. I love it when Granddad bakes."

Benjamin laughed. "I might not be as good as I used to be, but I can still create a little magic in the kitchen. And talking about magic, I've been meaning to ask what your intentions are toward Harper?"

Harper gasped. "Granddad! You shouldn't ask Owen that."

"Fiddlesticks. I won't last forever. I want to know you're happy and spending time with someone who cares about you." Benjamin focused on Owen. "Is this relationship a short-term solution in your life or something bigger?"

Harper covered her hot cheeks with her hands. "Oh, my goodness, Granddad. I'm thirty-one years old!"

A lump formed in Owen's throat. He respected Benjamin deeply and knew the importance of the conversation. "It's okay, Harper. I'm happy to answer your granddad's question." He turned his attention back to Benjamin. "Harper means a lot to me," he started, choosing his words carefully. "I care about her more than I've ever cared about anyone. I want to be there for her, support her in everything she does. I can't predict the future, but I know I want your granddaughter to be a part of my life."

Benjamin studied Owen for a moment, as if weighing his words. Then, his face broke into a warm smile. "I've seen the way you two are together. You're good for each other," he said, his voice softening. "Just wanted to hear it from you. Mabel said you're thinking of opening your studio to the public."

Owen's eyes widened. He shouldn't be surprised that Mabel knew about his plans, but he was. "I haven't set a date, but I'm thinking about it. Twice as many tourist buses stop in town on Fridays and Saturdays. It wouldn't take much to open on those days. Mom said she'd help with the sales counter and Dad's happy to be a backup."

Harper smiled. "Your mom will be fantastic. She's always had a way with people."

Owen nodded. "And I think it'll be good for the studio, not just for sales but for building a connection with the community."

"It's a smart move," Benjamin said. "Folks around here will enjoy seeing how you create your pieces, especially after the good stories that came out of your exhibition. It's not every day you get to watch an artist at work."

Owen felt a surge of gratitude for the encouragement from both Harper and her grandfather. "Thanks, I'm hoping it turns out well. And maybe we can use it as an opportunity to showcase other artists' work, too."

Harper looked thoughtful. "You could ask Steve if he wants to display some of his work."

"That's a great idea. I'll ask him next week." Owen reached out, taking Harper's hand in his. "Knowing Steve, he'll want to redesign the studio."

The rest of the evening was filled with good conversation and lighthearted laughter. As Owen helped Harper clear the table, he thought about how much his life had changed. A year ago, no one would have imagined he'd have his own studio, or make a good living from creating glass bowls and other pieces of art.

His friends in Detroit would be shocked to see how much he'd changed. And, he hoped, more than a little impressed with what he was doing.