by Fiona Rivers
“You got it. Martha, pack up three chicken salads for Adalyn, please. Anything else?”
“I think I’ll pick up a fruit platter as well.”
“Excellent. I’ll go grab one for you and take it up front for when you’re ready to check out.”
“Thanks, Scott.” A bright smile crossed her mouth.
“Tomorrow is the big night. I’m looking forward to seeing your gallery.”
“Thanks. I’m excited and I’ll be relieved once it’s over and the gallery is open every day.”
“I bet. I know how stressful it is putting a business together.”
Adalyn took her food to the cashier and told her Scott had brought up a fruit tray. The cashier gave her a friendly smile as she checked her out and handed her the bags. When Adalyn got home, she noticed there was what looked to be a flower arrangement sitting on the porch. After taking her bags inside, she opened the front door and grabbed the arrangement. Setting it on the kitchen counter, she took off the paper wrapping which revealed a beautiful arrangement of brightly colored flowers which included sunflowers, lilies, roses, snapdragons and buttoned pompoms all arranged in a beautiful glass vase. Adalyn gasped at the beauty before her and took the card out of the small white envelope that was sticking up from the arrangement.
Just a little something for you and your family to enjoy during their stay.
Sincerely,
Colin
Adalyn couldn’t believe he had sent this beautiful arrangement. Taking in a deep breath, she began to type a message, but decided a phone call would be better.
“Hey, you,” Colin answered in a chipper voice.
“Hi. I just got home and opened the flowers you sent. Colin, they’re beautiful. Thank you so much. You didn’t have to do that.”
“I know I didn’t, but I wanted to. It’s my way of welcoming your mom and sister to Harbor Falls. Plus, bring them to the Seaside before they head back to New York and the meals are on the house.”
“Thank you. That’s so sweet. They’re going to love them just as much as I do. They’ll look perfect sitting in the center of my dining table. You’ll be at your Aunt Rosie’s tonight, right?”
“Of course. Hey, Adalyn, I have to run. A delivery just came in. I’ll see you tonight. By the way, you’re welcome for the flowers.”
“I’ll see you tonight.”
Adalyn grabbed some plates and silverware and set the table for lunch. Just as she was placing the vase of flowers, her phone dinged with a text message from her mom.
“Hi, honey. We’ll be at your home in about ten minutes.”
“Great, Mom. I can’t wait to see you and Hannah.”
She stepped out on the deck and leaned against the railing, while looking out into the blue ocean water. She heard a car pull into the driveway, so she ran down the stairs of the deck and to the front of the house to greet her mom and Hannah.
“OH MY GOD!” Hannah exclaimed. “This is beautiful!” She gave Adalyn a hug.
“Darling, I’ve missed you so much,” her mother spoke as she hugged her.
“I missed you too, Mom.”
Adalyn helped with their bags and the three of them stepped inside.
“Addy, your home is even more beautiful in person as it is over Facetime,” her mother spoke.
“Thanks, Mom. I picked up some lunch. I hope you’re hungry.”
“I’m starving,” Hannah said as they stepped into the kitchen. “What beautiful flowers.”
“Aren’t they? Colin sent them for all of us.”
“What?” Adalyn’s mother gave her a sly look.
“The card is on the counter.”
Hannah walked over to where her mother picked up the card and read it along with her.
“What a sweet and generous man. I can’t wait to meet him,” her mother said.
“Me either.” Hannah smiled. “When do we get the privilege?”
Adalyn walked over to the refrigerator and pulled out the chicken salad pineapple boats.
“Actually, you’ll meet him tonight. Rosie is hosting a welcome dinner for you, mom, Luis and Alfred at the bed and breakfast at seven o’clock.”
“How nice of her. I can’t wait to see this bed and breakfast you told us about,” her mother spoke.
“Did you make those?” Hannah pointed to the chicken salad.
“No.” Adalyn let out a light laugh. “I picked them up at the fruit market. The man who runs the place is Katherine’s husband, Scott. You’ll meet him and her as well tonight.”
“Sounds good. Do you have any chardonnay to go with this wonderful looking chicken salad?” Hannah asked.
“A brand-new unopened bottle.” Adalyn smiled.
19
“I can’t wait to meet Colin,” Hannah spoke as she pushed her fake eyelash on her lid.
“Why?”
“Because he seems like a true gentleman and those are hard to come by these days.” She smirked. “Darn it,” she said as the lash refused to stick.
“I don’t know why you insist on wearing those things. By the end of the night, one is always loose and about to fall off,” Adalyn laughed. “Besides, you’re in a small coastal town, not the big fancy city of Manhattan.”
“Okay, and? Just because I’m in a small town doesn’t mean I don’t want to look my absolute best.”
Adalyn rolled her eyes. “You’re beautiful without all that.”
And Hannah was. At five foot eight, size four body, long dark auburn hair and baby blue eyes, she was stunning. Even without makeup she was a natural beauty. But like all the other women in the fashion industry, she played and looked the part and she played it well. Her love life was complicated. Being two years younger than Adalyn and at the age of thirty-two, she was an independent fashion designer who wasn’t looking to settle down. Men walked in and out of her life like a revolving door and she didn’t think twice about it. Adalyn didn’t say much about it because she knew how her sister was and there was no winning that conversation.
“Forget these things. I don’t know what’s going on.” She placed the lashes back in their case.
Suddenly, Adalyn heard her mother talking to someone downstairs.
“Luis and Alfred must be here!”
She flew down the stairs and into the arms of Luis who set his bag down to greet her.
“You are the highlight of my life.” He smiled as he broke their embrace and studied her. “You look fabulous. Are we going out tonight?”
“Hi Alfred.” Adalyn smiled as he kissed her cheek.
“Hello, gorgeous.”
“Actually, we are going out tonight. Rosie is hosting a welcome dinner for you all at the bed and breakfast.”
“Seriously? I love that woman.” Luis grinned.
“And her cooking is to die for,” Alfred chimed in.
“I’m going to see if Hannah is ready. Why don’t you put your bags in your room and then we can head over there?”
Adalyn’s jeep pulled up to the bed and breakfast at the same time as Colin’s truck. Adalyn’s mom looked over and spoke, “Who is that handsome man that just pulled up?”
“That would be Colin Young. Addy’s friend, handyman and wannabe possible boyfriend.”
“Luis, knock it off.” She glanced at him through the rearview mirror.”
Everyone opened their doors and climbed out while Colin stood by his truck and waited with a smile on his face.
“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.” She extended her perfectly manicured hand.
“It’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“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 said as he gave her a small wave and smile.
“Hi, Colin.”
They walked up to the porch and Colin opened the door. Katherine and Scott were already inside. When Rosie heard 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 the opening of 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 in the living room talking, Adalyn felt as if she needed some fresh air. The reality of the opening tomorrow night had finally hit her, and she started to feel somewhat anxious, so she stepped outside on the porch and took a seat on the swing. Before long, the door to the bed and breakfast swung open and Colin took a seat beside her.
“I’m starting to get the feeling that when something is bothering you, you come out here to think.”
She turned to him and a small smile crossed her lips. “It’s really nothing. 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 if you didn’t, you wouldn’t be human. From what I can tell you and Luis make an amazing team and with the both of you running that gallery, it’s going to be more successful than you could have ever imagined.”
With the slight turn of her head, Adalyn reached over and placed her hand on Colin’s. She appreciated his sweet words.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true.” The corners of his mouth curved upward.
Adalyn nervously ran around the gallery making sure everything was perfect before she opened 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. She took in a deep breath as she opened the doors promptly at six o’clock. For tonight only, the gallery would be open until nine p.m. for the grand opening. All other nights of the week, Adalyn would close the doors at six.
One by one, people filled the space of the gallery while grabbing glasses of champagne and filling their small plates with treats. Adalyn walked around and greeted her guests, making them feel welcomed. Artwork on the walls were being examined and questions were asked about the artists, which Adalyn answered with enthusiasm. Colin was right, everyone who spoke to her felt her passion for art.
The opening was a success and as the last guest left, and Adalyn locked the door, she let out a deep breath. Colin walked over to her with a wide grin across his face, lightly took hold of her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“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 off my shoulders and now I can relax and come to work every day and enjoy what I do.” The corners of her mouth curved into a smile.
Luis walked over and gave Adalyn a big squeeze.
“I’m so proud of you, darling. This is what you were meant to do all along.”
“If everyone is up to it, how about we head over to my bar and grille for a couple of celebration drinks on the house?” Colin boasted through the gallery.
20
A couple weeks had followed, and Adalyn was enjoying being a gallery owner. Business was steady between the residents of Harbor Falls and the tourists that popped in and out of the shop daily. Art was selling and Adalyn couldn’t have been happier. The one problem she found was she didn’t have enough art to keep up with the steady pace. She’d only been open two weeks and already stock was low, so she needed to get in touch with more artists ASAP. Handling things on her own was proving to be a difficult task, but Luis would be moving to town in a week’s time and he would help her. She thought about hiring someone part-time but wanted to hold off and see how business did first. She never imagined the gallery would take off as well as it did. She had even thought about hiring Annie, but she was incredibly busy getting everything prepared for her sweet shop that was opening across the street. For now, she’d have to make do until Luis arrived.
Colin Young sat on his boat with a beer in his hand and stared out at the water. His thoughts went to where they always were, Adalyn Richards. Now that the gallery was open and she was less stressed, he thought it was time he asked her on a proper date. Things between them were good, as far as friendship was concerned. For the first time in two years, he was ready to open his heart and he wanted to do that with Adalyn. He fell for her the moment she looked at him with her beautiful blue eyes. The connection was instant, and he hadn’t been the same since. When he was with her, even though they were just friends, he saw a future. A bright future of unconditional love and happiness.
He finished off his beer and headed to the art gallery to see her. When he opened the door, the little bell that hung above jingled and Adalyn looked up from behind the counter in which she was standing.
“Hi.” A bright smile crossed her face.
“Hi.” He walked over to the counter with his hands tucked into his pants pocket.
“What are you doing here in the middle of the afternoon?” she asked.
Colin was nervous as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. His heart was pounding, and he could feel the beads of sweat starting to form on his forehead.
“I was wondering if you had any plans tomorrow. Being it’s Sunday, I know the gallery is closed. If you don’t, I was thinking maybe we could spend the day together.”
Adalyn stood there as her heart began to race and a nervousness overtook her. He was asking her on a date, and she wasn’t sure if she was ready to accept such an invitation. She hesitated with an answer and Colin felt it.
“You know what? Just forget I asked. I’m sorry. Umm, I’ll let you get back to work,” he tapped the counter with his knuckle and headed towards the door.
“Wait. I don’t have any plans tomorrow, so what did you have in mind?”
He let out deep breath before turning around and facing her.
“I have a friend just outside of town who owns a ranch and occasionally I go horseback riding there. I thought maybe you’d want to go check it out,” his nervous voice spoke.
“Sure. I love horses.” A smile crossed her face. “What time do you want to pick me up?”
“Is ten o’clock good?”
“Ten o’clock is great.”
“Okay.” Colin smiled. “I’ll talk to you later.”
“Okay. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
“You too, Addy.”
Adalyn stood there and let out the deep breath she’d been holding since he walked through the door. Hearing him call her “Addy” for the first time was endearing and she wondered why he chose now to call her that when he never had before.
“So what if he called you, Addy,” Hannah spoke over Facetime. “You act like it’s a dirty word. Everyone calls you that. Why would he be any different?”
“Because he’s never called me that b
efore. It’s always been Adalyn.”
“And?” Both her brows raised. “I like him and I’m happy you agreed to go out with him tomorrow. You’re making progress, dear sister.” She smiled. “I’m proud of you.”
Hannah didn’t understand because she had never been hurt and betrayed by a man like Adalyn was by her husband.
Adalyn woke at six a.m. like she did every day. It was her favorite time of the morning to sit out on the deck with her coffee in hand and stare at the ocean blue water while the waves crashed against the shore. Sitting on her white Adirondack chair, she sipped the piping hot coffee from her mug as a light wind swept across her. She thought about Colin and how they were going horseback riding together today. A nervousness settled inside her. Not because she didn’t want to spend the day with him, she did. But because she was scared to let a man get too close. She was still working on herself and learning to live life on her own. Something she’d never done before. She went from living with her mother, to getting married and living with Darren. The struggle she felt on a daily basis was real, but she knew she had to trust herself to make the right decisions. Was accepting Colin’s proposal for spending the day together the right decision? That was the question she was up all night pondering. She liked spending time with him. He was charming, easy to talk to and oh so handsome. There was a gentleness in his soul and a kindness about him she saw immediately. Any sane woman wouldn’t even hesitate to go out with him. He was the perfect catch. She had just wished the timing was better.
It was ten o’clock on the dot when Colin pulled up in his truck. Adalyn was already waiting outside while watering her flowers.
“Hey.” Colin smiled as he climbed out of his truck.
“Hey. Good morning.”
“Are you ready to ride some horses?”
“I sure am. Let me turn the water off and then we can go.”
The drive to the ranch was a little over forty-five minutes from town. Located down a winding dirt road behind beautiful mature pine trees, Adalyn stared at the horses grazing in the pasture as they pulled up. As she and Colin climbed out of the car, an older gentleman stepped out from one of the barns and greeted them.
