Page 35 of Love In Harbor Falls

“Thanks. It’s an old recipe of my grandmother’s, and I just tweaked it a bit,” her sad voice said.

“Come sit down. I’ll make you some tea, and we’ll talk for a bit.”

“I know you’re busy, and I don’t want to bother you.”

“I’m never too busy for a friend.”

I made us a cup of tea and set it on the table. I felt for Annie, and I hated seeing her so upset.

“Listen, Annie, have you ever thought of opening your own bakery/sweet shop? Call it Annie’s Sweets or Annie’s Treats, or whatever you want. You have such a talent for baking, and everyone knows it. I think Harbor Falls could use a little of Annie’s sweets in their life.”

“Oh, I couldn’t do that. I’m just a housewife, and we’re trying to have a baby.”

“And?” My brow raised. “Do you think you can’t be all those things and a business owner?”

“Well, I don’t know. I guess I never really thought about it.”

“The shop across the street from the gallery is vacant. You should talk to Jerry and ask him to put together a business plan for you. He’s in finance, and he can help. Your passion lies in baking. You might as well make a shitload of money while doing it. Right?” The corners of my mouth curved upward.

“Annie’s Sweet Shop.” She held up her hands, and I saw a spark in her eye. “Or maybe Annie’s Sweet Treats. Or, Annie’s Sweet Shack.” Her face lit up. “I have to go.” She got up from her seat. “I need to make all of Jerry’s favorite foods for dinner, and while we’re eating and he’s in his happy place, I’m going to talk to him about it.”

“That a girl!” I grinned as I stood up.

“Thank you, Addy. You’re such a good friend, and I’m so thankful you moved next door. It’s almost like it was meant to be.” Annie hugged me.

“You’re welcome, Annie. Cheer up. Things will get better for you.”

I sighed as I closed the door and went back into the kitchen. Sitting down at the table, I wrapped my hands around the teacup. I thought about my life and how it had changed so much since I arrived in Harbor Falls. The amazing people I’d met, my house, the gallery, Colin, and how Luis and Alfred would be just down the beach in a few weeks. My mom and Hannah would be arriving in a few days, and I couldn’t wait to see them again. I missed them dearly, even though we Facetimed just about every day. While I was sitting and reflecting, my phone dinged with a text message. I smiled when I saw it was from Colin.

“Hey. I just drove by your gallery and saw you weren’t there. Great sign. When did they get it up?”

I sat there in confusion as I read his message. If he was referring to the gallery sign, it wasn’t supposed to be put up until tomorrow.

“Hi there. Are you referring to the gallery sign? Because that wasn’t supposed to be put up until tomorrow.”

“Then I guess surprise. It’s up, and it looks great.”

“I’m on my way now.”

“Okay. I’ll wait for you.”

Pulling up to the curb, Colin stood there with his hands tucked into his jean pockets, waiting for me. I threw the jeep in park and quickly climbed out. Standing in front of the gallery, I admired the sign attached to the building that read: Everlasting Art. My eyes started to tear because seeing the sign made it even more real.

“Well?” Colin asked. “What do you think?”

“I think it’s perfect.” I smiled. “I can’t believe this is really happening,” I said, clasping my hands together and bringing them up to my face.

“Congratulations.” A smile formed on Colin’s lips as he hooked his arm around me and gave me a tight squeeze. “If anyone deserves this, it’s you.”

“Thanks, Colin. Do you have any plans right now?” I asked.

“No. Why?”

“I think we should celebrate back at my house with a pizza and some beer.”

“Sounds like my kind of night. The Seaside makes an awesome pizza. I’ll call Marcus and have him make one up, and I’ll stop by the bar and pick it up. What do you like on it?”

“Anything but anchovies.”

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