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L ynda held two dresses in front of the mirror, trying to decide which one to wear.

The navy blue dress had subtle silver threading and was her go-to for Denver fundraisers.

It was sophisticated, understated, and comfortable to wear.

The other pale periwinkle dress had flowy sleeves and was purchased on impulse during a shopping trip with Isabel.

“You’re overthinking this.” Kathleen walked into Lynda’s bedroom holding a glass of white wine in each hand. “I’ve never seen you this concerned about what to wear to an event. It’s only the shelter fundraiser.”

Lynda took the glass Kathleen held toward her and placed the dresses on the bed. “I know. It’s ridiculous.” Taking a sip of wine, she let the crisp liquid cool her frayed nerves. “I’m a sixty-seven-year-old woman fussing over clothes like a teenager.”

Kathleen sat on the edge of the bed, picking up the periwinkle dress. “I’ve always liked this one. The color brings out your eyes.” She studied Lynda over the rim of her glass. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain veterinarian who’ll be at the fundraiser, would it?”

Lynda smoothed nonexistent wrinkles from the navy dress. “Don’t be absurd. I don’t know what to wear because I haven’t been to any other fundraisers in Sapphire Bay.”

“Is that why you’ve tried on four different outfits and redone your makeup twice?”

“Three outfits,” Lynda corrected automatically. “And I only redid my eyeliner once because I smudged it.”

Kathleen laughed, the sound warm and familiar in the cozy room. “Whatever you say. But for what it’s worth, Carol told me Matt’s looking forward to seeing you.”

Lynda bit her bottom lip. “If I tell you something, do you promise not to breathe a word of it to Isabel or Susan?”

Kathleen’s eyes widened. “Don’t tell me you’ve been seeing Matt without telling me.”

“It’s nothing like that,” Lynda said quickly, setting her wine glass on the nightstand.

“It’s just... he asked me to save him a dance tonight.

Only it wasn’t the words he used, but the way he looked at me.

” She sank onto the edge of the bed. “It’s ridiculous, I know.

It’s just a dance at a community fundraiser, not a marriage proposal. ”

“It’s not ridiculous at all,” Kathleen said, sitting beside her. “It’s perfectly normal to feel excited about dancing with an attractive man who enjoys your company.”

“That’s just it,” Lynda confessed. “I haven’t felt this way in.

.. well, longer than I care to admit. Even before the divorce, Ray and I were only going through the motions.

” She picked up the periwinkle dress again.

“I came to Sapphire Bay to reconnect with my oldest friends, not to develop feelings for the local veterinarian.”

Kathleen smiled. “Sometimes the best things in life are the ones we don’t plan for.” She nodded at the dress Lynda was holding. “Wear that one. It’s perfect for a barn dance.”

Lynda considered it, running her fingers over the soft fabric. It was more casual than she usually wore to events, but it could be more appropriate for a small-town fundraiser. “You don’t think it’s too... I don’t know, young?”

Kathleen snorted. “You’re not wearing a mini skirt and go-go boots. It’s a lovely dress that happens to make you look radiant.” She stood up and handed Lynda the navy blue dress. “Try both dresses with your jewelry and see which one you prefer.”

Lynda slipped into the navy dress first, adding a simple pearl necklace she’d brought with her. The reflection staring back at her was familiar—polished, professional, safe. It was the version of herself she’d crafted after the divorce, a shield against vulnerability.

“It’s nice,” Kathleen said diplomatically.

Lynda nodded, already unzipping it. “But not right for tonight.”

When she stood in the periwinkle dress moments later, even she had to admit there was something special about it. The color warmed her complexion, and the cut was flattering without being overly formal.

“Now we’re talking,” Kathleen said with satisfaction. “You look beautiful.”

Lynda twisted to see the back of the dress in the mirror. “Are you sure it’s not too casual for a fundraiser?”

“It’s perfect for a barn dance in Sapphire Bay,” Kathleen assured her. She rummaged through Lynda’s jewelry box. “What about these silver earrings?”

Lynda took the dangling earrings, simple silver leaves that caught the light when she moved. They were another recent purchase, bought on the same shopping trip as the dress. “I’ve never actually worn these,” she admitted. “They seemed a bit flashy for wearing during the day.”

“Which makes them perfect for tonight,” Kathleen said firmly. “Put them on.”

As Lynda fastened the earrings, she caught Kathleen watching her with a curious expression. “What?”

“Nothing.” Kathleen smiled. “It’s just nice to see this side of you. I don’t often see the Lynda who buys periwinkle dresses and silver earrings on impulse.”

Lynda felt her cheeks warm. “Blame Isabel. She’s a terrible influence when it comes to shopping.”

“I don’t think it’s Isabel’s influence,” Kathleen said softly. “I think it’s Sapphire Bay. You’re different here, freer somehow.”

Lynda couldn’t quite meet her friend’s eyes. There was too much truth in what Kathleen was saying. She was different here—less guarded, more willing to step outside the careful boundaries she’d drawn around her life in Denver.

“Well, whatever the reason,” Lynda said, reaching for her silver bracelet, “I’m wearing this dress.”

Kathleen looked triumphant. “Matt won’t know what hit him.”

“This isn’t about Matt,” Lynda insisted, even as a traitorous part of her mind wondered what he might think of the dress.

“If you say so,” Kathleen replied. “Have you spoken to Robert at your clinic?”

“I did,” Lynda said with a heavy dose of relief. “I sorted the staffing issues with a Zoom call to everyone and a promise I’d fly to Denver next month.”

Kathleen grinned. “Yeah, for modern technology.” She glanced at her watch. “Isabel should be here with Frank and Tommy any minute. She texted that they’re on their way to pick us up.”

Lynda frowned. “I thought you’d be going with Patrick.” Not long after Kathleen arrived in Sapphire Bay, she’d met Patrick Devlin, one of the foremen on the tiny home project. They’d become firm friends and spent a lot of time together.

Kathleen shook her head. “He’s on babysitting duties while his grandsons and their wives have a date night at the fundraiser. I’ll meet you in the living room when you’re ready.”

The doorbell rang just as Lynda was applying a final touch of lipstick.

“They’re here!” Kathleen called from the hallway. “I’ll let them in while you finish up.”

Lynda took a deep breath and looked at herself in the mirror. The woman staring back at her looked both familiar and like a stranger. She had the same silver hair and blue eyes, but there was a brightness to her expression she hadn’t seen in years.

She grabbed her small silver clutch and headed to the living room, where voices and laughter greeted her.

Isabel stood by the window in a deep green dress that looked beautiful with her blonde hair.

Frank was beside her, dressed in a sports coat and an open-collared shirt, looking handsome and relaxed.

Tommy, fidgeting in his “dress-up” outfit of khaki trousers and a blue button-down shirt, was the first to notice her entrance.

“Wow, Dr. Morth!” Tommy exclaimed. “You look pretty!”

The others turned, and Isabel’s face lit up with delight. “I told you that dress was perfect. You look absolutely gorgeous.”

Frank nodded in agreement. “Tommy’s right. You look lovely, Lynda.”

“Thank you all,” Lynda said, feeling a warm flush rise to her cheeks at their genuine compliments.

Isabel approached, adjusting one of Lynda’s silver earrings slightly. “These are perfect with your dress. I’m so glad you bought them.”

“I wouldn’t have noticed them without you pointing them out to me,” Lynda replied with a smile.

Kathleen emerged from the kitchen, elegant in a floral dress that looked perfect on her. “Sorry to keep everyone waiting! I just needed to grab my jacket.”

“You’re right on time,” Isabel assured her. “You might need to grab a jacket, too, Lynda. It’s just started to rain.”

Tommy tugged at Frank’s sleeve. “Can we go now, Grandpa? You said there’d be ice cream.”

Frank ruffled Tommy’s hair with affection. “Yes, there’ll be ice cream. And yes, we can go now.” He turned to the women. “Your chariot awaits, ladies.”

As they filed out to Frank’s SUV, Isabel shared her umbrella with Lynda. “When I dropped off the books, Matt turned on the lights you hung in the barn. They look amazing.”

“Everyone worked hard,” Lynda replied with a smile. “Matt and Carol have organized other events at the barn, so they knew the best way to arrange everything.”

Isabel leaned closer to Lynda. “Matt seems quite interested in you.”

Lynda shrugged. “He’s interested in a lot of people.”

Isabel shot her a knowing look but mercifully dropped the subject as they climbed into Frank’s SUV.

As they drove toward the barn, Tommy chattered excitedly with Frank about the night ahead. Kathleen discussed the auction items with Isabel, and Lynda gazed out the window at the mountains silhouetted against the darkening sky.

Tonight was just a community fundraiser, she reminded herself. If she happened to share a dance with a certain silver-haired veterinarian under the twinkling lights they’d hung together, well, that was simply being sociable.

But the flutter in her chest told a different story.