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“James?” He smiled benevolently as a loving father smiled to his daughter. “Of course, my dear. What is it?”

“Well,” she said, searching for the right words. “I’ve been trying to come up with a way to surprise him. I know of his love for watch mending, so I was thinking perhaps you could help me find a watch I could gift to James, an old watch that doesn’t work, something he could work on and bring it to perfection.”

He smiled, pondering. “I know exactly the right place. We could go together this afternoon if you’d like.”

Her eyes widened in surprise and delight. “That would be lovely.”

“We will find the perfect thing. Trust me,” he said with a mischievous smile. “As for that dinner with your family, write them a letter letting them know that you will be glad to attend… with your husband.”

“Yes,” she chuckled.

“You know, I’ve learned one very important thing in all the years I’ve spent on this earth,” he said musingly. “And that is that fate has a way of making things happen exactly as they were supposed to happen. Your sister left because she was supposed to leave. You were supposed to marry my grandson. That is how fate had arranged it. Now she is back, but things will remain as they are, have no fear of that, my dear.”

Upon hearing those words, Penelope realized that she had been secretly afraid that Vanessa would try and find a way to ruin her happiness now. It would not be the first time that her sister’s jealousy affected Penelope’s life. However, Penelope knew that she wouldn’t allow any such thing to happen.

“I know, Grandfather,” Penelope agreed. “I just forget that sometimes.”

“I will be glad to remind you of that whenever you need it,” he said softly.

Penelope was more than grateful for that. Relieved, she could now focus on finding the perfect gift for her husband.

CHAPTER27

“Here we are, my dear,” Grandfather told her when they stepped into the little antique shop, the door jingling softly as they entered.

The shop was dimly lit, filled with the musty scent of aged wood and polished brass. Shelves lined the walls, displaying a vast array of curiosities from bygone eras. Penelope’s eyes widened with wonder as she took in the sight of ornate clocks, delicate porcelain figurines, and shelves of dusty, old books.

Grandfather led the way with a purposeful stride. “Remember, my dear,” he said in a low voice, “we are looking for a watch that doesn’t work. It is not about the time it tells but the story it holds.”

Penelope nodded, her excitement barely contained. She had never accompanied her father in this manner, and her little heart leaped with joy at experiencing something like this. Grandfather had a way of making every little detail come alive, and she cherished every moment she spent in the company of this dear, old man.

As they approached the counter, the proprietor, an elderly man with spectacles perched on the end of his nose, looked up from a ledger. He smiled warmly. “Good day to you both. How may I assist you?”

“Good day,” Grandfather replied, inclining his head politely. “We are in search of a particular item, a watch to be precise. One that no longer functions.”

The proprietor raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “A watch that doesn’t work, you say? That is an unusual request. May I ask why?”

Grandfather smiled, his eyes twinkling with a secret shared only between him and Penelope. “I shall let this lovely lady respond to that question.”

“Well…” Penelope smiled, blushing a little. “It is to be a gift, for someone very dear, someone who likes to tinker with broken watches.”

“Ah, a fellow clock enthusiast,” the proprietor nodded thoughtfully. “I am one of those myself. I wholeheartedly understand the joy of repairing watches.” He motioned for them to follow. “I believe I have a few such items in the back. If you would be so kind as to come with me, I can show them to you.”

They followed him through a narrow aisle to a small room at the back of the shop. The proprietor unlocked a glass cabinet and carefully extracted a tray of pocket watches, each one unique and worn with age. He laid the tray on a velvet-covered table, inviting them to take a closer look.

Grandfather picked up a silver watch with intricate engravings. “This one,” he murmured, turning it over in his hands. “Look at the detail, Penelope. The craftsmanship is exquisite.”

Penelope leaned in, studying the intricate patterns etched into the case. “It is truly beautiful Grandfather,” she agreed. “But… does it have a story?”

The proprietor smiled. “Ah, every piece in my shop has a story, miss. This particular watch belonged to a sea captain in the early 17thcentury. He carried it with him on long voyages though it stopped working on his final journey. Some say it ceased to function at the exact moment he perished in a storm.”

Penelope shivered, captivated by the tale. “A watch that has been someone’s closest companion, even in his final moments, most certainly providing solace and comfort,” she whispered. “It is perfect.”

Grandfather nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Indeed, it is. We’ll take it.”

The proprietor wrapped the watch carefully in tissue paper and placed it in a small wooden box. As they completed the transaction, he looked at them curiously. “I think whoever this watch is meant for will love it.”

Penelope smiled. “I hope it will remind him that every moment, even those that have passed and cannot be measured, is precious.”