Page 43 of Love In Harbor Falls

“Hello, new friend.” Luis grinned as he walked over to him.

“Luis, it’s good to see you again, buddy.” Colin extended his hand. “Alfred, welcome back to Harbor Falls.”

“Hello there, you must be Colin. I’m Adriana, Adalyn’s mother.”

“It’s nice to meet you finally. I’ve heard a lot about you.” Colin shook her hand.

“Trust me. The pleasure is all mine,” she spoke as she looked him over from head to toe.

Hannah practically pushed her mother out of the way so she could introduce herself.

“Hi, I’m Hannah, Adalyn’s sister.”

“The fashion designer.” He pointed at her.

“The one and only.” She brightly smiled. “I’m a hugger.” She wrapped her arms around him and gave him a friendly hug.

“Hi, Adalyn.” Colin smiled. “You look great.”

“Hi, Colin. Thank you.”

We walked up to the porch, and Colin opened the door. Katherine and Scott were already inside. When Rosie heard our voices, she emerged and warmly greeted everyone. As everyone sat down to dinner, Rosie made a toast.

“Tonight’s dinner is both a celebration and a welcoming dinner. Congratulations to Adalyn for opening her very own art gallery, which will commence tomorrow evening. May it be as successful and beyond your wildest dreams. And to Adriana and Hannah, welcome to Harbor Falls. It’s a joy to have you here in our town. Also, to Luis and Alfred, our soon-to-be new residents of Harbor Falls. May your life here be filled with joy and happiness.”

Everyone tipped their glasses to each other with a smile. Dinner was wonderful as always, and Rosie put on quite a spread, which included roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, salad, and homemade sourdough rolls. Everyone was stuffed, but not too stuffed, to enjoy a slice of homemade triple berry pie.

While everyone was talking in the living room, I felt I needed some fresh air. The reality of the opening tomorrow night had finally hit me, and I started to feel somewhat anxious. So, I stepped outside on the porch and sat on the swing. Before long, the door to the bed and breakfast swung open, and Colin took a seat beside me.

“I’m starting to get the feeling that when something is bothering you, you come out here to think.”

I turned to him, and a small smile crossed my lips. “I’m just nervous about tomorrow night.”

“Why?”

“What if the business fails?”

“It’s not going to. You’re a smart woman, Adalyn. Art is your passion, and it shows. Anyone who steps inside that gallery is going to feel it. I get that you’re having doubts because you wouldn’t be human if you didn’t. From what I can tell, you and Luis make an amazing team, and with both of you running that gallery, it will be more successful than you could have ever imagined.”

I reached over and placed my hand on Colin’s.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true.” The corners of his mouth curved upward.

* * *

Inervously ran around the gallery, making sure everything was perfect before opening the doors to the line of people waiting to get in. Glasses of champagne were set on the table, along with all the wonderful goodies Annie had made. Taking a deep breath, I opened the doors promptly at six o’clock. The gallery would be open tonight only until nine p.m. All other nights of the week, the doors would close at six.

One by one, people filled the gallery space while grabbing glasses of champagne and filling their small plates with treats. I walked around and greeted my guests, making them feel welcome. Artwork was being examined, and questions were asked about the artists, which I answered enthusiastically.

The opening was a success, and as the last guest left and I locked the door, I let out a deep breath. Colin walked over with a wide grin, lightly took hold of my hand, and gently squeezed it.

“You did it. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the gallery, and you sold quite a few pieces.”

“I’m so happy it’s over. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted, and now I can relax and come to work every day and enjoy what I do.” The corners of my mouth curved into a smile.

“I’m so proud of you, darling. This is what you were meant to do all along.” Luis hugged me.

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