The following week was the busiest Emily had experienced in years.
For days, she worked late into the night after Noah and Nora had gone to sleep. Rolls of fabric covered the dining table, sketchbooks lay open across the living room, and colorful threads filled neatly arranged boxes beside her sewing machine.
She adjusted the final stitch on a cream-colored dress before stepping back to admire her work.
A tired smile appeared on her face.
"It's finished."
She carefully placed the dress on a mannequin beside the rest of her collection.
Soft pastel dresses.
Elegant office wear.
Comfortable casual outfits.
Each design reflected the peaceful seaside life she had built over the past three years.
More importantly, every piece reflected the woman she had become.
Strong.
Independent.
