The small boat glided steadily toward shore and eased into the harbor.
The moment Ron secured the mooring line, a crisp click of a camera shutter cut through the evening air.
He turned. Haley stood on the dock, camera still raised.
A heartbeat later, her delicate face peeked out from behind the lens.
"Welcome back."
Her sea-blue eyes held his. Under that gaze, Ron stepped onto the pier, walked over, and offered the gift tucked under his arm.
"This is for you."
Haley's face brightened as she cradled the box. Before she could speak, Ron glanced at the sinking sun. "What brings you to the harbor this late?"
Her hands stilled. She looked away, flustered. "Because the sunsets… they've been especially beautiful lately." She lifted the camera. "I came to photograph it."
"Funny coincidence," Ron said. Noting the deepening twilight, he added, "Wait here. I'll return Willy's key, then walk you home."
Haley nodded.
Inside the Fish Shop, Willy leaned against the counter, cigarette in hand. "Thought you'd be gone longer," he said, taking the key with a chuckle. "Any later, and Haley might've joined me fishing."
"Fishing?"
"Mm-hmm." Willy's smile deepened. He glanced toward the door where Haley waited, clapped Ron's shoulder. "Go on. It's getting dark."
Ron stepped out, puzzled.
Haley hurried to his side.
Twilight settled swiftly. A chill wind whipped off the water, tangling Haley's golden hair. With one arm holding the gift and the other cradling Sunkern, she couldn't free a hand to smooth it—stray strands brushing her eyes.
Then Ron gently took the box.
"You were meant to open this at home," he said, lifting the lid. A sunflower hairpin gleamed inside. He smiled. "But it seems better worn now."
"Huh?"
Haley leaned closer. The delicate bloom rested against velvet. After a breath, she hugged Sunkern tighter and tilted her face toward him.
"Then…" she whispered, voice barely audible over the waves, "help me put it on?"
Ron hesitated.
Haley felt warmth flood her cheeks. The ocean roared. Her heart hammered.
Was I too forward?
She risked a glance. In the fading sunset glow, Ron fumbled with the clip—then secured it… along with a stray lock of hair—beside her ear.
"Like… this?"
Haley touched the pin, then burst into a soft laugh. She couldn't see it, but her fingers confirmed it: the meticulously styled waves she spent mornings perfecting were now charmingly askew.
"More or less," she said. She stepped back, turned, and met his eyes.
Ron blinked. "Want me to redo it? Or I can hold Sunkern."
Haley shook her head, her smile radiant. "No. I love it."
The cottage wasn't far. At the town's edge, she waved, then darted inside. The door swung open—and shut with a soft thud.
Leaning against it, Haley caught her breath. Her fingers found the sunflower pin. And for the first time in ages, she laughed—unrestrained, unguarded, glowing.
---
Ron watched her vanish, then headed to the Stardrop Saloon.
He'd brought Emily fabric and Gus Kalos seasonings.
Inside, the saloon buzzed with evening chatter. Emily weaved between tables, delivering plates. At the door's chime, she turned automatically. "Welcome—oh! Ron?"
"Evening." He moved to the counter as Gus emerged from the kitchen, towel in hand.
"Evening! What'll it be?" Gus grinned.
Ron ordered a few takeout dishes, then placed the seasoning bottles on the counter. "From Kalos. Thought you might like these."
Gus's eyes widened. He uncorked one, inhaled deeply, and beamed. "You remembered me? Sit tight—I'll whip something right up!"
Lately, the saloon had thrived on Ron's Kalos imports and affordable farm produce. Even Evelyn and George—rare visitors—had come tonight. Gus had feared losing Shane and Pam would sink the business. Instead, new faces filled the stools. Gratitude warmed him to his core.
Emily finished her rounds, washed her hands thoroughly, and set a cold beer before Ron. "What did you give Gus? He's grinning like he won the lottery."
"Some Kalos seasonings." Ron smiled, then produced the fabric bundle. "And this is for you. Kalos textiles—I thought you'd appreciate them."
Emily froze. She dried her hands meticulously, then accepted the fabric with quiet reverence.
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