A few days after showing Angelica the cabinet, the restoration of the original cabin was complete. Together, Sunny and Jason stood near the barn, still a work in progress, and surveyed their accomplishment. Sunny's heart beat wildly and she said breathlessly, "Jason, this is the best day of my life. I never imagined something so wonderful could happen to me."
He seemed taken aback. "But you've reached the pinnacle of success in your career, you're adored by millions of fans, and–"
She interrupted, "Crazy as it seems, all of that doesn't compare to this. I can't explain it, but I finally feel like I belong somewhere. And even though my family is long dead, I can, well, feel them when I'm here. I belong here." She held her hand out. "Come on, let's unload the cabinet and take it home." Jason gave her a smile that tripped her heart as he reached and encircled her hand with his.
They walked back to the ATV where a small hauler had been attached and the cabinet loaded onto it. Jason drove the ATV to the front porch and they unloaded the cabinet onto a dolly. He carted it into the cabin and Sunny pointed to the exact location she guessed it had once stood. After it was set in place, they viewed their handiwork—a restored and furnished cabin.
Turning in a circle, Sunny exclaimed, "It's wonderful, simply wonderful! The furniture is so welcoming and homey." She tapped her chin and teased, "There's only one thing lacking."
Jason placed his hands on his hips. "Lacking?"
"Yes. Flowers and greenery. Lots of color for every table. Come on, I brought clippers." Sunny pulled on Jason's hand and laughingly dragged him outside. For the next hour they searched the forest and meadows gathering flowers and foliage. Back in the cabin, at the vintage sink and pump they'd ordered online, she pumped water into several vases and created masterpieces—well, what she considered to be masterpieces. She set the last vase in the center of a dining table discovered in Cottonwood, a town about thirty minutes away, and stepped back.
From where Jason sat in one of two rocking chairs beside the stone fireplace, he said, "Sunny, I think I'm beginning to understand how you feel. There's something magical about this cabin."
"Yes!" Sunny agreed. "It's magical here!"
For long moments they stared at each other and then he said, "The barn and outbuildings should be complete in one or two weeks."
Wanting to express her gratitude, she replied, "I've said this many times, but once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Jason stood and took two paces to the fireplace mantle and ran his hand along the length of the split log. "So, how do you want to celebrate when the project is complete?"
"What do you mean?" Sunny's heart skipped a beat.
"I was wondering if you wanted to spend time at the cabin. Maybe we could do something special." He lifted his head and held her gaze. "You're my friend. And you're not…" his voice trailed.
Sunny bit her bottom lip. "I'm not what?"
"You're not anything like I first thought. I jumped to conclusions about you. I figured you were spoiled and selfish, but you're neither. In fact, you're one of the most generous persons I've ever met. And, if the truth be known, I'm an ass."
Sunny wasn't expecting his last remark and inhaled sharply. "Oh no, Jason. You're a wonderful man. And if anyone was a horse's behind, it was me. I can't believe I actually threatened to force you off your land." She shook her head. "I'm really sorry."
They stared at each other and then they both started laughing. Between laughs, Jason said, "I think we've done enough apologizing, so let's forget the past and move on. When the restoration is complete, why don't we christen the cabin by cooking dinner on your new stove?" He pointed to the iron giant that looked like an antique, but was actually a reproduction of a wood burning stove, with four top burners and a small oven. Sunny imagined the stove was more elaborate than the original one, but she'd chosen it for safety reasons.
She clapped her hands. "Yes! That's a wonderful idea. And I'll find recipes from the 1800s." Another idea popped into her mind and she said, "And we'll dress the part."
Jason cocked his head. "If you say so."
She giggled. "I do. And I'll start searching antique and secondhand stores tomorrow for clothing."
Later that day as they followed the trail to the Spirit Tree, Sunny couldn't remember ever being so content, except, of course, for precious time spent with her mother. She turned to Jason and said seriously, "When we prepare dinner at the cabin we'll bring the elixir back home."