In Waning Bay, Michigan, Daphne Vincent, a children’s librarian in her early 30s, had built a stable and organized life with her fiancé, Peter Collins. Peter, a predictable and handsome software engineer from a wealthy family, proposed to Daphne in Richmond, Virginia, where they met. Daphne, who had moved around frequently during her upbringing due to her single mother’s job, was thrilled to have found a sense of belonging with Peter and his family and friends.
Peter purchased a beautiful Victorian house in Michigan, and Daphne, with her modest librarian’s salary, played her part in furnishing their new home. They were planning their wedding, with dresses, invitations, and venues all booked, and Daphne was content and loved by Peter’s family.
However, their organized life took a sudden and devastating turn when Peter returned from his bachelor party tipsy and abruptly ended their engagement. He confessed that he had fallen in love with his childhood best friend, Petra Comer, and she had reciprocated his feelings. To make matters worse, Peter and Daphne had always been close to Petra, with Peter reassuring Daphne that their relationship was more like that of siblings or cousins.
Daphne was left heartbroken and uprooted in a new city with few friends despite being there for nearly a year. After Peter’s departure, Petra’s fiancé, Miles Nowak, a free-spirited sommelier who occasionally indulged in recreational activities like smoking weed, came looking for Petra. When he learned that Daphne needed a place to live, he offered her a room in the two-bedroom apartment he had shared with Petra. Despite their differences, with Daphne being neat and punctual and Miles being a bit of a messy manchild, they managed to coexist as respectful roommates.
Daphne had promised the local library that she would organize a significant read-a-thon fundraiser in 105 days. Still, she began searching for job opportunities elsewhere, intending to leave Waning Bay as soon as responsibly possible. Her mother had relocated to Maryland, and Daphne was considering librarian positions on the East Coast.
One evening, Miles suggested a daring plan to mess with Peter and Petra. They decided to attend Peter and Petra’s wedding together, faking a romantic connection. When Peter called Daphne the next morning, she insisted on attending the wedding with Miles, which took Peter by surprise. Daphne and Miles then decided to use this ruse to its full advantage.
Daphne also surprised her co-worker, Ashleigh Rahimi, by offering to spend time with her outside of work. For a year, Daphne had maintained a cordial but distant relationship with Ashleigh. They decided to visit Cherry Hill, the wine bar where Miles worked. Ashleigh, a single mom in her early 40s, was initially surprised by Daphne’s offer, but the two started bonding as they went to the upscale wine bar with an unexpected atmosphere, given Miles’ hipster appearance. Ashleigh had frequented the place before and referred to Miles as the “handsome bartender who might be a drug dealer.” The staff provided exceptional service to Daphne and Ashleigh.
Miles gradually introduced Daphne to the beauty of Michigan, taking her to local farms, cherry orchards, and lavender farms. They visited various vendors, some of whom generously donated to the upcoming read-a-thon, which impressed Daphne. However, they ran into Peter and Petra at a lavender farm, leading to an earth-shattering kiss between Daphne and Miles, intensifying their simmering emotions.
As the weeks passed, Daphne and Miles continued to bond, exploring new activities like dune buggy riding. One night, they watched a movie together and shared a passionate moment, deciding not to have full intimacy. However, the intense connection between them continued to grow.
Daphne and Miles faced a sudden twist when Miles’s sister, Julia, unexpectedly arrived from Chicago, claiming to be Miles’s support system during a difficult time. Julia quickly sensed that something was going on between her brother and Daphne. They attended Daphne’s library story hour and enjoyed a kayaking trip.
During a night out at a local bar/restaurant, Daphne and Miles continued to grow closer, with even Ashleigh noticing the deepening connection. As their bond strengthened, Miles revealed his commitment issues and low self-esteem, stemming from his emotionally abusive and narcissistic mother.
Amidst this, Daphne realized her complex feelings for her father, who had been absent during her childhood but had visited Waning Bay with his new wife, Starfire. Daphne hoped for reconciliation but was left heartbroken when they departed without saying goodbye.
Daphne and Miles eventually consummated their relationship, spending a romantic day together and solidifying their connection. However, Julia’s extended stay and Daphne’s commitments led to complications.
A misunderstanding with Ashleigh made Daphne realize that she was repeating her father’s mistakes. While she initially struggled to balance her new friendships with Ashleigh and Miles, she found a way to make amends.
Miles came back to Waning Bay after visiting Daphne’s father and Starfire and revealed that he had been trying to mend things but had failed. Daphne also shared her plan to leave for a job in Maryland, leaving Miles heartbroken.
With support from Ashleigh, Daphne began preparing for the read-a-thon, recruiting Julia and Miles as volunteers. Daphne and Miles confessed their love for each other, and Daphne decided to stay in Waning Bay, planning to live independently for a while.
One year later, Daphne and Miles bought a run-down house, slowly fixing it up, and hosted a housewarming party with Julia and Ashleigh. Daphne’s mother visited, and life in Michigan was perfect. Daphne had found love, independence, and a sense of belonging in the town she had once felt like an outsider.
This story explores the journey of two individuals, Daphne and Miles, as they navigate heartbreak, discover unexpected love, and build a life together in Waning Bay, Michigan.