The Memory Keeper: A Heartwarming, Feel-Good Romance(82)

“That’s amazing!” Hannah pulled a chair over to the side of the bed. “I can’t wait for you to come home.”

“Nor can I. How’s the shop?” she asked.

“It’s… good.”

Gran perked up. “What do you mean, ‘good?’”

“Well, before we get into that, I thought I’d let you know that Speckles showed up at your house yesterday. She sat on my lap on the back porch.”

Gran clasped her hands in delight. “Oh, I’m so excited to hear that.”

“That cat has been giving me fits. It was the first time I’ve seen her since I’ve been home. I didn’t want you to worry, so I hadn’t told you.”

“I would’ve worried,” Gran said.

“I know.”

“Have you told me everything when it comes to The Memory Keeper?” Gran asked. “Hannah, I know the shop looks like it could fall down at any moment. My worst fear was that I’d lose it before I was well enough to make it wonderful again. Even though I know my head’s in the clouds.”

“Maybe not entirely,” Hannah said. “I’ve decided to stay and run it with you.”

Gran threw her hand to her heart. “Oh, my dear! You have?” Without warning, she broke down into sobs.

Hannah grabbed a tissue, handing it to her and wrapping her in a loving embrace.

Gran sat back, the tears still falling. “You know,” she said, sniffling, “The Memory Keeper is a tangible reminder of the life I’ve lived. And when it looked like the shop was closing, it was a shocking thought that everything I’d built during my time here was finished. I’ve waited for you to come home for years, praying for you to see that this is where you belong. I felt it in my bones.”

Hannah could hardly keep her emotions in check. As always, Gran was right.



The sound of live music made its way through the laughter and conversations of the crowds as they gathered around lemonade stands and perused craft tents, the scent of funnel cakes, caramel corn, and barbecue in the air. A little girl ran by Hannah holding a silver balloon, her face painted in bright colors. She disappeared into the crowd, beside the street performer spinning a line of hula-hoops on top of his head. The Spring Festival was underway.

Hannah stopped at the juice tent and bought herself a raspberry Popsicle, nibbling on the end of it while she looked for Mary, Noah, and Liam. Darlene broke through the mobs of people, waving armfuls of carrier bags from various stalls.

“How are you?” she said when she reached Hannah.

“I’m doing well,” Hannah replied. “Looks like you’re having a good day.”

“Yes, ma’am,” she said, wriggling her arms excitedly. “I got a bouquet and print from the shop too! Your new employee Georgia is holding it for me until the end so it doesn’t get crushed.”

“That’s wonderful,” Hannah said, taking a lick of her Popsicle.

“I love what you’ve done with The Memory Keeper,” she said. “Your gran should be proud of you.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s definitely bringing in business. Georgia could barely keep her head above water.”

“Really?” Hannah had considered the idea that the tent outside might increase business, but she hadn’t thought it would do so by that much.

“Yes. You’d better go help her out. She was behind by about ten orders when I left her. They’re coming in faster than she can keep up with them.”

“Oh my goodness. Thank you for letting me know,” she said, chucking her Popsicle into a nearby trash can, the excitement that their idea was working bubbling up. “I’ll go right now. It was great to see you, Darlene.”

“You too!”

Excited to see what Darlene had described, Hannah rushed across Main Street, and turned the corner headed to the shop, weaving through people while she texted Liam to let him know to meet her at The Memory Keeper. She stopped at the edge of the lawn and took in the sight in front of her.

Georgia was chatting animatedly with a group of customers as they stood under the tent outside, half a bouquet arranged on the table at the back of the tent. She was moving excitedly as she explained the concept of the prints, handed out mini bouquets, and took money. Others had their hands on the glass door of The Memory Keeper, peering inside, while more had settled at the tables and chairs which were now set up out front. Hannah put her fingers over her grinning lips, a thrill like she’d never felt before rushing through her. While she knew that every day wouldn’t be a festival, they might have just done enough to get people interested.

“Need some help?” she asked Georgia, walking behind the table, dropping her handbag down and grabbing a vase.

“Yes,” Georgia said with a giggle, obviously just as giddy at their success.

Hannah grabbed the half-filled vase from behind her and held it up. “Who’s waiting for this arrangement?” she asked the crowd.

Two elderly women raised their hands.

“They’ve already paid,” Georgia said, her focus on the order she was taking.

“Come on inside,” Hannah told them, unlocking the door, and beckoning them in. She called to the crowd, “The showroom’s now open! Feel free to look around. We’ve got complimentary, farm-fresh lemonade for all our guests.” She set the bouquet on the antique counter and turned the record player on low, to give them the festive atmosphere she hadn’t experienced since those days with Gran. Then she began filling glasses with lemonade from the bar fridge and setting them on a silver tray.