Page 19 of Love In Harbor Falls

Luis reached across the table and took hold of my hand. “Remember the sunflowers, darling.”

We spent the next few days going over everything that needed to be done for the gallery. Equipment and artwork were ordered, and a few favors were called in with some local New York artists. It was a good day, and the time Luis was in Harbor Falls had passed quickly. He returned to New York, and I continued to bury myself in my work.

“Knock, knock,” Annie’s voice echoed through the locked door.

Walking over and opening it, I was irritated that Annie had shown up at nine a.m.

“Good morning. I baked some homemade cinnamon rolls.” She handed me a small woven basket.

“Good morning. They smell delicious. I am holding you personally responsible for all my weight gain.” I sarcastically spoke.

“Nonsense. You’re a toothpick.” Annie smiled as she touched my arm. “I wanted to apologize to you.”

“For what?” My brows furrowed. “Come on, let’s go in the kitchen, and I’ll get you a cup of coffee, and we can sit down and talk over these delicious-smelling cinnamon rolls.”

After taking down two small plates and making two cups of coffee, I took them to the table.

“I’m a little confused, Annie. What are you apologizing for?”

“For the way I ran out of here the other day when your friend was here. I’m so embarrassed. He must think I’m an idiot.”

“No. Of course, he doesn’t.”

“My time of the month came on suddenly,” Annie confessed, her eyes filled with tears.

“Are you okay?” I asked with concern.

“Not really. Jerry and I have been trying to have a baby for the last year, and I had IVF this month. I thought it worked in my heart, and when I was standing here talking to you and Luis, it became apparent that it didn’t.”

I was floored by what Annie told me and saw the same look and sadness on her face that I had felt every month for the past year and a half.

“I’m sorry, Annie. I had no idea.”

“Thank you, Adalyn. I appreciate it. Nobody knows what I’m going through. Everyone says they're sorry, it’ll happen and then goes about their life. But it’s hard for me sometimes.”

I wasn’t sure if I should tell her about my experience because then the whole town would know. But I knew how it felt to feel alone without anyone understanding.

“I know how you feel, Annie.” I reached over and placed my hand on hers.

“No, you don’t. Unless you’ve experienced the pain of not being able to get pregnant, you have no idea.”

“Annie, I have experienced it and know exactly what you’re going through. I know every emotion you’re feeling and the challenges and frustrations that plague you daily.”

“What? I don’t understand.”

“I was married for four years. I did conceive once and miscarried. After that, we tried for a year and a half, and every month, I thought it was the month we would celebrate. But instead, those months consisted of me lying in bed for a couple of days crying.”

“Is that why you got divorced?”

“Yes. That was one of the main reasons.”

I wouldn’t tell her what Darren had done.

“Did you try IVF?” she asked as she sipped her coffee.

“No. My ex didn’t want to. When it came down to it, he decided he didn’t want children after all.”

“That’s terrible. You moved here to get away from him, didn’t you?”

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