“We have gloves in the first aid kit,” Diana said. “I’ll get them.”
After Diana left, Mabel took a small enamel box out of the chest. “This is the box your grandma was talking about. There was no mention of it in any of the journals.”
The box was painted a soft shade of blue with butterflies and birds decorating the surface. When Penny turned it over, she was surprised there were no marks on the bottom to show who had made it. “It’s lovely.”
Mabel nodded. “Even though your grandma didn’t know anything about the box, she treasured it.”
Penny unclipped a small metal catch and carefully opened the lid. Nestled within a black velvet lining was a small gold key.
“We spent a lot of time looking for anything it might open.”
The top of the key was shaped like a heart with filigree arches turning it into something special. Penny took it out of the box and rubbed her thumb across the metal. “I could look on the Internet. Someone might have taken a photo of another key that’s like this one. It might help us discover what it opens.”
“Your grandma thought it opened a drawer, but it didn’t fit any of her mother’s furniture.”
Diana hurried into the attic and handed Penny and their mom some gloves. “Is that the special box Grandma was talking about?”
“It is. Do you want to have a look?”
While her sister studied the small box and key, Penny pulled on a pair of gloves and picked up the journal. Considering its age, the binding and pages were in good condition.
A lump formed in her throat as she read the beautiful handwriting. She’d never met her great-grandmother, but she’d heard many wonderful stories about her. She was a strong, brave, and very stubborn woman. In the early 1900s, with no family living in Montana, she’d raised her daughter on her own, started a business, and created a life that would make anyone proud.
Diana held the key up to the light. “This looks like a Victorian skeleton key. They were used to open all kinds of furniture. Are you sure there isn’t a grandfather clock or a desk that you haven’t checked?”
“We’ve already looked at everything in the house,” Mabel assured her. “I just hope no one sold the piece of furniture that matches the key.”
“So do I. It would be wonderful to see what it opens.” Diana closed the box and handed it to Penny. “Have you talked to your manager about your job?”
She kept her head bent over the journal. “Not yet.”
Her sister’s silence spoke for itself.
Mabel rubbed Penny’s arm. “Barbara told me you didn’t get the promotion. I’m sorry.”
Penny closed the journal and held it against her chest. “It doesn’t matter.”
“Of course, it does,” Diana said. “You have all the qualifications and experience they wanted. Even your manager thought you were perfect for the job.”
“The recruiting team must have been looking for something else.”
Diana frowned. “It’s still disappointing. The least they could have done was tell you before they sent the email.”
Penny thought the same thing, but there was nothing she could do about it now. Talking to Wyatt had helped her figure out what was important. Reading her great-grandmother’s journal had sealed her fate. “When I call my manager, it won’t be to see if I can work from Montana. It will be to tell him I’m resigning.”
Diana’s mouth dropped open. “You’re staying?”
Penny nodded. “I have no idea how I’ll earn money or what I’ll do with my house in Seattle. But, for the next twelve months, I’m not leaving Sapphire Bay.”
Diana let out a squeal of excitement and wrapped Penny in a hug. “You won’t regret it.”
Tears filled Mabel’s eyes. “I’m so happy,” she murmured as she pulled her girls into a tight embrace.
For the first time since her grandma had died, a weight lifted off Penny’s shoulders. It was the right decision made for all the right reasons—even if it was a little scary.
Two days later, Penny went for a long walk around the lake. Barbara and her dad were thrilled that she was staying in Sapphire Bay, but they knew what a tough decision it had been. She loved her job; loved creating and selling new homes that people would cherish.
Living permanently in Sapphire Bay, even though it was spectacular, wasn’t something she’d ever imagined doing. For someone who was used to dealing with property developers, architects, builders, and prospective homeowners, living on the shore of Flathead Lake would be like going on a permanent vacation. As much as the thought appealed, she needed to find a job. And the chance of finding anything that she enjoyed as much as her role in Barclays was frighteningly low.
“You don’t have Charlie with you today.”
Penny nearly stumbled over a tree root. She was so lost in her thoughts she hadn’t seen her neighbor walking toward her. “Hi, Wyatt. Charlie stayed with Diana. She’s baking his favorite treats.”
Wyatt’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “That makes sense. Did you enjoy your walk?”
Penny nodded. “It’s a beautiful day. I haven’t seen you walking at this time of the morning before.”
“I’m usually painting by now, but I’m talking to the residents of the tiny home village in an hour. I thought I’d get some exercise while I could. Have you called your manager?”
“I did, but it wasn’t to ask if I could work from here. I resigned.”
Wyatt’s eyebrows rose.
“I know. It’s not what you expected to hear, but it’s the right thing to do. I want to spend time with my family and I can’t do that from Seattle. So, here I am.”
“Your mom and dad must be happy.”
For the first time that morning, Penny smiled. “They are. Barbara’s staying as well.”
“And Katie?”
Penny’s smile dimmed. “She’s thinking about it.”
“If she could find a job here, it might make a difference.”
“I’m not sure even that would help.”
“What about you? Would finding a job in Sapphire Bay or Polson make it easier
