Page 1 of We Can Forever

Chapter One

HANNAH

“Hold the door!”

I freeze, halfway to letting the front door to Knit Happens close, and look down the street. A figure runs along the sidewalk, bathed in the glow of another gorgeous Maine sunset.

Squinting, I try to figure out who it is. I don’t have to wonder for long, though.

Jenny slows to a jog, breathing heavily, and grins at me. “Oh my God. I can’t believe I made it in time. Please tell me. Can I get some yarn? Please, please, please?”

She clasps her hands together and bats her eyelashes at me. It’s a funny and awkward sight, seeing a woman who has to be around forty putting on such a show, and all I can do is laugh.

“Yes, of course.” I hold the door open for her. “I’m not saying no to one of my best customers.”

“You’re a lifesaver, girl. Thank you so much.” Jenny scurries into the shop, and I shut the door behind us then flip the sign to closed.

“I’ve never heard about yarn saving lives, but there’s a first time for everything.”

“I’ll be quick, I promise.” She purses her lips and studies the rows of wool skeins. “I just need a bit to finish the scarf I’m making for Rose’s teacher. It’s her birthday tomorrow.”

“That’s sweet.” I’ve never met her daughter, but Jenny talks about her every time she’s in here. The fact that she’s obviously such a good mom always warms my heart.

“Found it.” Jenny selects a red skein and then watches me arrange some folding chairs in a circle. “Do you have something going on here tonight?”

“Yeah, it’s a…” I wipe my hands against my jeans, suddenly nervous. “It’s a meeting. A little crafting group.”

A lump forms in my throat. I know there’s nothing to hide, but at the same time, I’m praying she doesn’t ask any more questions.

Thankfully, she turns to face the register. “That’s nice. We need more things happening on this island. It’s slow as molasses sometimes.”

I step behind the register to ring her up. “That’s the appeal, though, isn’t it?”

“I guess.” She fiddles with one end of the wool. “I can only imagine it’s why you moved here, right? To get some peace and quiet?”

“Yeah,” I agree, though there’s more to it than that.

When I saw the picture of this empty storefront online, it called to me in a way nothing ever had before. Even from all the way in Portland, Oregon, I knew I’d found my shop—a place for my dreams to take flight.

“I’m so glad you came.” Jenny hands me some cash. “The shop is amazing, and we all love having you here so much. I hope it’s not too small-town for you. I know people can really get into everyone’s business around here…”

I hand her the change, wondering why she’s in such a talkative mood. She’s always friendly, but it seems like nerves are running her tongue tonight.

The front door opens, and Flick enters the shop. She’s still wearing her canvas work apron, and her long, dark brown hair is pulled back in a messy bun. I give her a quick wave, but since Jenny hasn’t stopped to take a breath, I have no time to say hello.

“…It can get lonely here too. There are some really nice men, though. Are you single?” Jenny cocks her head at me.

The question nearly makes me lose my balance. “Am I…uh…”

Flick steps up to the counter, and I can already tell what that glint in her eyes means. Though we’ve only known each other for a handful of months, Flick and I were basically best friends from day one, and we can read each other like a book.

“She’s single,” Flick announces. “Very, very single.”

When I narrow my eyes at Flick, it’s half in playfulness, half in annoyance. “Thank you,” I say, making my tone as dry as possible. “Would you like to add another ‘very’ on to that?”

She laughs. “Nah, I’m good.”

Jenny raps the counter in excitement. “Excellent! I have the perfect guy for you! Oh, wait—are you into men? I should have asked first.”

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