girls. Sage refrained from calling Colt again for an updated ETA, but just barely. Soon they arrived at the remodeled old firehouse that served as the home of the Eternity Arts Association. The festival entries were being hung in the theater for judging before being moved to the exhibit tent when the festival opened. At the registration table, with fanfare, Celeste filled out the entry form for the Patchwork Angels’ quilt, named Journeys. Sarah handed over the fifty-dollar entry fee.
The quilt was hung, lighting applied, and the group admired their work. Sage was as proud of the group project as she’d ever been of one of her own paintings. “We’re gonna win the ribbon,” she said. “You can bank on it.”
With the quilt business done, Nic and Sarah departed, but Celeste lingered while Sage entered her painting of Snowdrop into the local artists competition. After it was hung, Celeste studied it and smiled. “Your love for that little dog shines in your work. Have you sketched Colt yet?”
Thinking of the nude pencil sketches she’d done without his knowledge while he lay sleeping, Sage opened her mouth to say no, but she couldn’t lie to Celeste. “Artistic things. Nothing for public consumption.”
Celeste chuckled, “Drawing nudes of the man? I’ll bet they’re … powerful.”
Sage felt her cheeks flush with heat, then was happy to see a distraction walk into the room. Waving, she said, “There’s Rose.”
Her sister carried a gift-wrapped box tied with pink-and-blue ribbon. Seeing Sage’s wave, she crossed the room to them. “I stopped in to see the quilt the Patchwork Angels made. Is it hung yet?”
“It’s around on the other side.”
Rose studied the painting of Snowdrop and smiled. “You are truly talented, Goober. That makes me want to pick her up and hug her. Of course, I take full credit for the fact that you’re a superstar painter, since I forced you to take those art classes when we were girls.”
Sage looked at Celeste. “She wanted something to keep me busy so she could hang out with her boyfriend at the tennis center.”
“Sometimes seemingly small decisions can have far-reaching consequences,” the older woman observed, then gazed pointedly at the box in Rose’s hand. “You have a baby gift for someone?”
“I do. I’m on my way to the post office.” Rose stood proudly as she added, “It’s a baby gift for Brandon.”
Sage couldn’t hide her surprise. “That’s a big statement from you.”
“It is, isn’t it?”
“You’ve forgiven him.” Celeste reached out and gave Rose a hug. “I’m so glad for you, Rose.”
Sage saw her sister soften as she hugged Celeste in return. “You knew exactly what to say and when to say it to show me the error of my ways, Celeste. ‘Grudges are germs to the doctor who nurses them.’ ”
“Cute,” Sage said.
“That was the catchy part.”
“No, fishing was the catchy part,” Celeste corrected. “For me, anyway.” To Sage, she added, “Your sister isn’t much of a fisherwoman, but she did open her heart to possibilities while making the effort.”
Rose nodded. “I can see why those guys at the outfitters shop say fishing can be a religious experience. Celeste took me up above Heartache Falls. It was so peaceful and beautiful and uplifting.”
“God’s country.” Celeste all but glowed as she said it.
“I realized that I’d been thinking too small. Life is big. I need to look at it in a big way. The first step in doing that was letting go of small. Holding on to my anger at Brandon was small. So”—Rose lifted up her package—“I’m going big.”
Celeste clapped her hands. “Excellent. I’m so glad. Rose, you have come a long way and, I’m proud to say, have earned this.”
She reached into her tote bag and withdrew a small white jewelry box, which she handed to Rose. Rose lifted the lid and said, “Oh, it’s pretty. It’s an angel’s wings on a chain.”
“My design,” Sage said, narrowing her eyes. “You gave her an Angel’s Rest medal?”
“A blazon, dear.” To Rose, she explained, “This is the official healing center blazon awarded to those who have embraced healing’s grace. Wear it next to your heart, Rose Anderson. Carry the grace you found here with you along whatever life path you travel.”
Rose’s expression went bright with delight. “It’s lovely. Simply lovely. What a positive sentiment and statement it makes. Thank you, Celeste. I’ll wear it with pride and pleasure.”
She slipped the chain over her head, preened a moment, then added, “Now, if you guys will excuse me, I want to take a