Page 21 of Love In Harbor Falls

I hooked my arm around hers, and we walked to the gallery just a few feet ahead.

“This is my new art gallery,” I said as we stood on the sidewalk before the double glass doors.

“I can’t believe this. Congratulations, dear. I heard talk about someone opening up a gallery here, but I had no idea it was you.”

“Thank you. After our talk, I took to heart what you said about life not happening to me but for me. And how my life won’t get better by chance, only by the changes I make for myself. So, I changed things up, and here I am, following my dream.”

Rosie placed her hand on my cheek.

“I’m so proud of you and thrilled you chose Harbor Falls to call home. Once dinner is done for the guests, I’m cooking a special dinner for my family tonight. It’ll just be Carl, my niece and nephew, and me. I would love for you to join us. I know Carl will be thrilled to see you again.”

“I’d love to.”

“Wonderful. Dinner will be ready at seven o’clock.” She hugged me.

“I’ll see you then, Rosie.”

One night, when I was staying at the bed and breakfast, I sat on the porch swing and took in the peaceful sounds of the night. The air was comfortably cool while the crickets sang a little tune. The uncertainty of my life as a soon-to-be-divorced woman weighed heavily on me. That was when Rosie stepped out the front door, sat down next to me, and we talked. I told Rosie that night about Darren. I told her about his secret vasectomy and how he didn’t want children and never did after we had been trying for a year and a half to get pregnant again. Rosie offered her wisdom and advice, and it was exactly what I needed to hear.

* * *

Iwent home, did a few things around the house, and changed my clothes. A crème-colored floral maxi dress with spaghetti straps was perfect for tonight’s dinner at Rosie’s. When I pulled up, I noticed Colin’s truck in one of the parking spaces. I found it odd that he would be here but figured he must be fixing something for her. When I opened the door and stepped inside, I saw Carl in the living room talking to Colin and another man I recognized from the fruit market.

“Adalyn, Rosie told me you were back. It’s good to see you, sweetheart.” Carl smiled as he hugged me.

“It’s good to see you too, Carl. Hi, Colin.”

“You two know each other?” Colin’s eyes narrowed as a look of confusion swept over his face.

“We sure do. Miss Adalyn stayed in one of our guest rooms a while back. Rosie told me you moved here and opening an art gallery in town.”

“Yes. Fingers crossed, it will be opening in a couple of weeks.”

“That’s great. Judging by the shocked look on his face, I take it you know my nephew, Colin. And this is Scott, Katherine’s husband.”

Scott extended his hand. “It’s good to meet you, Adalyn.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Scott. Colin told me you run the fruit market.”

“I do, and I’ve seen you in there before.” He smiled.

“It’s a great market. You have excellent produce.”

“Thank you. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll see if Katherine and Rosie need any help in the kitchen.”

“And nature is calling for me,” Carl said as he left the room.

I turned to Colin and smiled. “So Carl and Rosie are your aunt and uncle?”

“Yes, they are.” A grin crossed his lips.

“They’re wonderful people. In fact, your Aunt Rosie was kind of responsible for my move here.”

“Then I must be sure to thank her.”

“Adalyn.” Rosie grinned as she walked into the room and hugged me. “Welcome back to our home.”

“Thank you, Rosie. It feels good to be back here.”

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