Chapter 35

**New Beginnings, New Challenges**

The new shop was everything Claire and Ethan had hoped for—a bright, welcoming space filled with coastal charm and carefully curated pieces that reflected their love for craftsmanship and community. The grand opening had been a triumph, and the initial wave of customers had been overwhelmingly supportive, eager to connect with the story of a family who had started over against all odds.

But as the honeymoon phase of their new beginning faded, the realities of running a business in an unfamiliar town began to set in. Claire found herself navigating a different customer base, one that was less familiar and more discerning than the loyal following they’d built in Seabreeze. The locals were curious but cautious, and while many embraced the new shop, others were hesitant to open up to the newcomers.

Ethan, too, was feeling the strain. The logistics of setting up in a new location were more complicated than he had anticipated, and the challenges of managin