9. Isabel
ISABEL
Isabel stepped back, wiping a light bead of sweat from her forehead as she watched Owen carefully maneuver the heavy, beautifully restored mahogany sideboard into its designated corner.
The new, polished hardwood floors of the Bay Cafe caught the warm glow of the cafe and street lights that filtered through the freshly cleaned front windows.
Everything was beginning to take shape, the smell of fresh paint and lacquer filling the air, a physical testament to all the grueling work that had gone into the place for the renovation.
"Alright, just a fraction to the left," Isabel directed, using her hands to guide him. "Perfect, Owen. Leave it right there."
Owen exhaled a long breath, straightening his posture and rolling his shoulders as he wiped his hands on a clean rag tucked into his jeans. He offered her a warm, easy smile that instantly crinkled the corners of his bright eyes.
"Well, that is the last of the heavy lifting done for the day. The dining room layout is officially complete." Owen’s eyes swept the room with pride.
Isabel looked around the space, her gaze lingering on the empty, state-of-the-art kitchen visible through the open service hatch. She sighed softly, a light chuckle escaping her lips.
"You know, we are here in a cafe waiting for our takeout order to arrive, but I really could’ve just used that kitchen to cook us something, as the fridge is fully stocked.” Isabel shook her head. “It seems a bit ridiculous to order delivery when I am standing inside a fully functional cafe."
"No way," Owen said immediately, shaking his head with playful finality.
He stepped closer to her, the warm scent of his cologne blending with the fresh wood lacquer.
"This is our first official date.” His eyes looked into hers, and his pupils instantly dilated. “And here we are fixing up the last bits of the renovations instead of sipping wine and getting to know each other.”
“I wanted to do this,” Isabel pointed out.
“Fair enough,” Owen conceded. “But I won't have you cooking for us, too. You have been working since we arrived here this afternoon."
Isabel laughed, the sound bright and musical against the quiet, high-ceilinged room.
"It’s a working date,” Isabel laughed. “Which makes it a very unique first official date that we won't ever forget.” Her grin grew, and her eyes glinted with humor.
“Moving heavy restaurant furniture in our old clothes and then having dinner in a cafe where there are just the two of us.
" She lifted her shoulders and tilted her head.
“We get a workout, food, and a romantic first date all rolled into one.”
"Mmm,” Owen said with a nod. “I guess you’re right. Our story begins in the Bay Cafe.”
“A cafe that brought us together in the first place,” Isabel reminded him. “So it seems fitting.”
Before Owen could reply, the sharp sound of a car horn honked outside, followed by the appearance of a delivery driver holding a couple of large, steaming paper bags.
Owen quickly went to the door, exchanging a few friendly words and a generous tip before returning with their dinner.
The rich, mouthwatering aroma of toasted paninis, fresh garlic pasta, and grilled seafood salad instantly filled the secluded cafe.
They didn’t bother setting up a proper dining table. Instead, Owen pulled two comfortable, freshly upholstered chairs over to the counter area, setting out the plastic containers and popping the cork on a bottle of crisp white wine he had kept chilling in the small under-counter fridge.
They settled into the quiet, cozy seclusion of the empty cafe, the outside world fading away as the moon cast its silver glow across the water and street lamps lit the dark road.
They spent the first half of the meal talking easily, the conversation flowing naturally as they discovered just how much common ground they shared.
Isabel found herself opening up in a way she hadn’t in a very long time, the easy, unforced rhythm of Owen's presence drawing her out completely.
Her heart thumped at every soft brush of his shoulder while the warmth of his body heat beside her felt so right.
Isabel leaned her elbow on the counter, cradling her wine glass as she looked out at the darkening bay through the large windows.
"You know, growing up in Miami was wonderful, but my parents used to bring us here to Sweet Blossom Bay for the summers when I was just a girl.
Ever since the very first time they brought me across that causeway, I always somehow felt like this place was my true home.
It had a peace that Miami just could not replicate.
" She sipped the wine, staring ahead through the windows.
Owen smiled, lifting the wine glass to his lips as he watched her face closely.
"I felt that way as soon as I drove into this small community," Owen admitted. “I never turned back, as this is my home and here I found the family I’ve always wanted.” He shrugged. “People who didn’t judge or expect anything of me; they just accepted me for who I am, and I like the pace of the world here.”
"I hadn’t been back here since my parents' accident," Isabel murmured, a soft, wistful warmth settling over her features. "But as soon as we drove into the small town this time…” She swallowed as her mind flipped back to that day. “Deep down I already knew that I wouldn’t be leaving here. I was going to make this mine and Emma’s home.”
“Penny must’ve had the same thought,” Owen pointed out with a soft snort. “She even bought herself a mansion.”
Isabel had to laugh as she thought of Penny. “Yes, that’s Penny for you.” She gave her head a slow shake. “She’s a fixer in all walks of her life. But her greatest love is fixing old houses, furniture, even old cars.”
Owen’s brows shot up. “No way!”
“Oh, yes,” Isabel answered with a decisive nod. “Penny’s father did vintage car restoration as a hobby. He had a sports car sales and auto repair franchise. Penny grew up helping him fix cars.”
“No wonder she and Martin seem so drawn to each other,” Owen said.
That caught Isabel’s attention. “Martin and Penny?” Her brow furrowed. “Really?” She bit her lip thoughtfully. “I think Linda mentioned something about a spark between the two, but I know how wary Penny is of relationships.”
“Martin’s been helping her with the mansion and even lending a hand with the physical restoration,” Owen told her.
Isabel immediately felt a twinge of guilt. She’d been so caught up in this drama with Darius and Linda and Hearts Hotel she hadn’t noticed what was going on with one of her best friends. She made a mental note to make more time for Penny.
“Do you know where you’re going to live yet?” Owen asked. “Have you seen any properties around the bay?”
“Not yet,” Isabel admitted. “I haven’t had time to. But as soon as everything settles and the Hearts Hotel and the Charleston Development project is secure, I will.”
“I can help you,” Owen offered.
“I’d like that,” Isabel admitted and gave him a warm smile.
“There is a good school here for Emma as well,” Owen told her. “I teach history there.”
“Oh?” Isabel was surprised. “You seem to have many jobs in Sweet Blossom Bay.”
“It keeps me busy, and I enjoy teaching,” Owen admitted.
“I see how you guide the students on the dig,” Isabel told him. “You are very good with them.”
“Thank you,” Owen accepted the compliment. “I see Emma has also settled in here quickly.”
“Yes, she really has.” Isabel took a sip of the wine and glanced out across the bay.
“My poor baby girl has been carrying around such heavy burdens, but since we arrived in Sweet Blossom Bay, I can see the shadows slowly leaving her eyes. She’s starting to truly shine again, and it’s all thanks to the wonderful friends we’ve made.
Within such a short space of time, everyone here in the Bay has truly become an extended family to us. "
Owen nodded sagely, his expression deeply reflective as he reached across the counter, his fingers gently covering hers.
"That is exactly how it works here in the Bay, Issy.” His eyes locked with hers. “Those of us who fit in quickly become a permanent part of the fabric. The bay adopts the people it thinks are truly meant to be here, and it clearly decided that you and Emma belonged with us."
He paused, the warmth in his eyes shifting into a deeper, more serious expression as he looked at her. He rubbed his thumb gently over the back of her knuckles.
“I feel that,” Isabel confirmed. “And so does Em. She’s very excited that Lily and Sophia may also be moving here permanently.”
A comfortable silence settled between them as they sat side by side, staring out the window with their hands intertwined.
“What happened to Emma’s parents?” Owen asked softly.
Isabel’s head snapped toward him as her heart thudded. Her breath caught as she looked at Owen. And the pain she’d locked up for years started trying to escape its prison. She swallowed and saw Owen freeze for a split second, his brow furrowing as he quickly caught himself.
"I am sorry, was that entirely too fast?” Owen’s eyes filled with regret as he quickly added, “ You really don’t have to speak about it if it makes you uncomfortable."
Isabel looked down at their joined hands, realizing that he must have seen the sudden, sharp flash of old pain flaring up in her eyes.
But looking back up into his handsome, sincere face, she felt a profound sense of safety.
She didn’t want to hide the broken pieces of her past from him.
She wanted him to know the full depth of who she was.
Isabel let out a soft, watery laugh, her eyes shining slightly in the dimming light.
"No, Owen, it is okay. I actually want to tell you. But..." She tipped her wine glass toward him with a playful wink. "If I am going to open up my emotional vault, then you owe me your own story in return. Fair is fair."
"Deal," Owen said softly, his voice an unshakeable promise. "You tell me yours, and I will tell you mine."