“I’ve been thinking about it,” Annie said finally, her voice low. “A few things floated around, but…Winslow Crossing keeps coming back to me. It’s simple. Steady. Feels like him.”
Laurel smiled, her throat warm and chest tight. “It’s perfect.”
“Yeah.” Her aunt’s eyes misted. “He would’ve liked that. Hated the fuss, but secretly proud. He loved our community.”
“Then that’s the one,” Laurel said softly. “Winslow Crossing. Feels like home.”
Annie smiled gently, then reached for her tea. “He’d have rolled his eyes at all the commotion, of course, but he’d have loved having his name on the building. Probably would’ve tried to negotiate for a parking spot with his name on it, too.”
She laughed. “Reserved for the boss?”
Aunt Annie lifted her mug in a mock toast. “Only if the boss gets to nap in the back room after lunch.”
Laurel was still smiling when her phone buzzed in her back pocket. She pulled it out, glancing at the number. Unknown, but with a California area code.
She hesitated a second before answering, “Hello?”
A bright, warm voice greeted her. “Hi, is this Laurel Sinclair?”
“It is,” she replied, straightening a little. “Who’s calling?”
“Oh! Sorry, this is Jenna Blake. Rylee gave me your number. I’m looking to relocate to Harland, and she mentioned you might have a storefront available, with an apartment above?”
Laurel blinked. “Yes! Yes, actually, we do. A few, in fact.”
“That’s what I was hoping,” Jenna said, her enthusiasm contagious. “My sister and I are planning to open a DIY and craft shop together. Something fun and hands-on, but cozy, too. It’s been our dream for years, and when Rylee told me about your aunt’s building project…well, it just felt like a sign. Now’s the time.”
Laurel’s heart flipped a little. She shot a glance toward Annie, who perked up at the mention of someone interested in the space.
“I’m so glad you called,” Laurel said, already picturing the empty storefront at the other end of the building brought to life. “We’d love to have you here. There’s a unit that will be available in two weeks. It could be a perfect fit.” Laurel knew she should’ve offered up the one she was in, but something held her back.
“Sounds great. And there’s an apartment above, right?” Jenna asked. “We were hoping to live above the shop, at least until we’re settled.”
“Yes. And it’s one of the larger units,” Laurel said, knowing that the apartment at the opposite side of the building was the next to be finished, and it spanned front to back like hers. “You’d be the first to live in it.”
Jenna gave a soft laugh. “Okay, now I’m officially excited. Any chance we could schedule a video call in the next day or two to see the space?”
“Absolutely.” Laurel grabbed a pen from Annie’s desk and scribbled Jenna’s name across a sticky note. “Let me get back to you with a few time slots. I want to check with the designer first.”
And also do a background check, although she had the feeling it wouldn’t be necessary if she was a friend of the Brysons.
As they exchanged details, Annie gave her a thumbs up, clearly having overheard just enough.
“I’ll talk to you soon,” Laurel said, ending the call and slipping the phone into her pocket, still smiling.
“Well?” Annie asked, lifting a brow.
“Well,” Laurel replied, barely containing her grin, “looks like Winslow Crossing might’ve just found its first full-time tenants.”
Annie’s eyes gleamed. “Don’t you mean second?”
Laurel’s heart skipped a beat. “Not sure what you mean,” she said, lying through her teeth.
“Yes, you do.” Her aunt leaned back in her chair, giving her one of thosedon’t bullshit melooks. “You’re already living there, looking after the building, practically settled in. Whether you open a storefront or lease it to someone else—that’s your choice.”
Laurel hesitated. “But my parents—”
“Will be fine without you,” Annie cut in gently. “Who’s taking care of things while you’re gone?”
