Wyatt’s cell phone rang, making him frown. It was after midnight. His parents would be asleep in Los Angeles, and the only person he knew in Sapphire Bay wouldn’t be calling him at this time of the night.
When he read the caller display, he relaxed. It was Ethan. “Isn’t it a little late to be calling me?”
“I was driving past and saw your lights were on,” said the familiar voice. “I hope you aren’t painting.”
“I forgot about the time.”
“That must be a good sign.”
“Don’t read too much into it,” he muttered. “What are you doing awake, anyway? I thought you’d be enjoying your beauty sleep.” The silence on the end of the phone made him regret his words. “What’s happened?”
“I’ve just come back from Polson. I took a patient to the mental health crisis team.”
“Will they be okay?”
“I hope so.”
Wyatt didn’t envy Ethan’s career choice. His friend had a big heart and even wider shoulders. He was always there for anyone who needed his help. But that willingness to be everyone’s sounding board came at an emotional cost.
“Where are you now?”
“On my way home.”
He leaned against the windowsill. “If you’d like some company, come and have a hot drink with me.”
“It’s too late. I know how grumpy you are when you don’t have a good night’s sleep. Are you still able to meet me at the tiny home village at nine o’clock?”
“Are you sure you want to? You’ve had a long day.”
“I’m only showing you around and introducing you to some of the residents. We can talk about the art project in the next few days.”
Wyatt was already regretting his decision to organize a community art project. As well as not knowing how many people would volunteer, he didn’t know if it would achieve what Ethan hoped it would.
“There’s another artist in Sapphire Bay who runs art classes at The Welcome Center. We could ask her if she has any ideas about how we can make the lessons more enjoyable.”
A smile pulled at Wyatt’s mouth. “Are you telling me my charming personality won’t be enough?”
“I’m not answering that question. Just remember to wear a clean shirt.”
He looked down at his favorite paint-splattered T-shirt. “There’s nothing wrong with my clothes. At least the residents won’t mistake me for anyone other than an artist.”
“You’d be surprised,” Ethan said with a yawn. “I’m pulling into my driveway. I’ll see you later today.”
“Sounds good. Sleep well.”
“I will.”
After Ethan ended the call, Wyatt looked around his studio. In a few hours, he’d find out if the community project had any chance of working. He already knew that using art as therapy helped on many levels. His only concern was that creating a way for people to express themselves could lead to disaster.
All he had to do was look at his own life to see how bad it could get.
Penny leaned forward, trying to catch each word her grandmother said. Picking up the glass of water, she held the straw close to her grandmother’s mouth. “Try this, Grandma. It might make it easier to speak.”
Betty took a sip of water and sighed. “Thank you. Where was I?”
“You were telling me about your house.”
Her grandmother’s wistful smile touched something deep in Penny’s heart.
“I love that house. Your granddad and I moved there with such high hopes for a happy retirement, but it wasn’t meant to be.”
Four years after her grandparents bought the large, two-story property overlooking Flathead Lake, Penny’s granddad had died. “Mom and Dad have been looking after it for you.”
“It’s not the same as living there. When I die, I want you and your sisters to inherit the house.”
Penny’s eyes widened. “Mom and Dad—”
“I’ve already spoken to them. They’re happy living above the general store. When the time is right, there’s more than enough money in my estate for them to buy another house. I think you girls will enjoy living beside the lake. It’s special.”
She didn’t want to upset her grandma, but she’d forgotten that her granddaughters had jobs, friends, and careers hundreds of miles away from Sapphire Bay. From what her sisters had said, moving home was the last thing they wanted to do.
“Your granddad and I used to sit in the lovely oval sunroom and watch the sun set over the water. It’s such a peaceful location.” Betty’s blue gaze connected with Penny’s. “Look after your sisters. Diana is as fragile as a piece of fine china. Barbara needs to relax. She doesn’t realize there’s more to life than getting people to spend money on things they don’t need. The lake will be good for her.”
Penny held back a smile. Barbara was the social media marketing manager for five of the largest companies in America.
“And watch Katie. She’s a dreamer—always flitting from one idea to the next. She needs to work out what she wants and how she’ll get there. Tell her from me that a little planning goes a long way in life.”
“Katie will be here tomorrow,” Penny said softly.
A sadness swept across her grandma’s face. “I might not be here, honey. Remember to tell your sisters to stick together. Life will throw hurdles and challenges at them. Goodness knows, Diana has already had her world tested. Look out for each other. Treat your sisters like they’re the most precious gifts the good Lord has given you.”
Penny wiped her eyes, wishing more than anything they weren’t having this conversation.
Her grandma’s hand tightened on hers. “Before I go, I want you to promise you’ll do something for me.” She waited for Penny to nod before continuing. “I never knew my father. Momma always said he’d drowned when the steamboat he was on hit troubled waters. But no one found his body or talked about him after he was gone. Over the years, I’ve tried to piece together what happened, but nothing makes sense.”
Betty winced and reached for the button on her
