Anna froze for half a second, caught like a deer in headlights.
“You’ve got this,” I murmured in her ear.
Then she smiled—small at first, almost bashful—but I saw it. That spark of strength under the nerves. She smoothed her dress with one hand and started forward, her back straightening a little more with each step.
Just as Anna climbed the stage, Sterling let out a sharp whistle and promptly launched himself from Mayor Bowen’s shoulder right to Anna.
She laughed in surprise as he landed gently on her shoulder and gave her a loud theatrical smooch.
“Mwah!” Sterling crowed. “Lookin’ good, sugarplum!”
The barn erupted with laughter and whooping applause.
Anna flushed, but she lifted her hand and gave Sterling a tiny pat on the head, then pointed to his bowtie. “Lookin’ good yourself, Sterling,” she said, her voice shy but playful.
“MayorSterling, sweetheart,” he answered in a near-perfect Humphrey Bogart impersonation.
A few more chuckles rolled through the crowd, along with some good-natured cheers.
She turned to the crowd. “Thank you,” she said, a little breathless but clear. “This was a group effort. A fewspecial shoutouts, especially to Chase Allen, who donated not just this barn but also his time.” She blew me a kiss, and I responded by patting my chest over my heart. “Thank you to Cameron Caldwell and Sterling Construction for not only building the stage but also helping us with temporary structures. To the countless people who contributed donations and volunteered their time to help pull this together, I’m eternally grateful.” She laughed and winked at everyone. “Even if I had to bribe half of you with pie.”
That earned a few hollers and shouts of, “Worth it!”
“I’m still learning how to speak up,” she admitted, tucking a loose piece of hair behind her ear. “But tonight, this event makes me feel like maybe I’ve found a place to do that. So, thank you. For showing up. For trusting me. And for being a town that lets people begin again.”
The crowd quieted, then roared back with a round of heartfelt applause.
Sterling let out another approving whistle. “She’s a keeper!”
“Now let’s have some fun, shall we?” She waved to Slim, whose band struck up a fast, foot-stomping tune.
The feathered mayor flew from her shoulder as she made her way down from the small platform, her eyes instantly finding mine. I held out my hand, and before she could protest, I whirled her out onto the dance floor, where we quickly fell into a rhythm with the music. Others joined in, and soon the barn was alive with activity.
After several upbeat tunes, the music shifted, and the band struck up a slow, romantic tune. Without a word, I pulled her to me. She came willingly as I pulled her gently against me, one hand settling at the small of her back, the other cradling her hand against my chest. She rested her cheek against my shoulder as we swayed slowly to a songabout second chances. She fit perfectly, like she’d always belonged there. I leaned down and brushed my lips against her temple.
“You’re beautiful,” I whispered, the words slipping out as easily as breathing. “You’ve made this whole night shine, Anna. You make everything better.”
I felt her smile against my chest, and I tightened my hold, never wanting to let her go.
Her fingers tightened slightly against my shirt, and for a few stolen minutes, it was just us, swaying gently, anchored only to each other.
The song wound to an end, applause breaking out around us, and Anna gave a reluctant little laugh as she pulled back.
“I have to check on a few things,” she said apologetically, brushing her fingers along my chest. “But after that, I’m yours for the rest of the night. Promise.”
“You’d better be,” I teased, squeezing her hand before letting her go.
Before she could dart away, she was intercepted by two guests, eager to tell her the barn dance was the best idea ever. I watched her grin and wave it off, gracious but modest, before moving toward the silent auction tables, where she chatted with even more people before moving on to the food and drinks. Everywhere she went, someone stopped her. And watching it happen, watching her thrive, thrilled me.
Now Beverly cornered her. She’d apparently decided her job as ticket taker was done and had appointed herself drink table overlord instead. She’d been standing sentry at the drink table, arms crossed tightly, throwing sharp glances at Hans every time he edged near the punch bowl. Whatever Beverly said to her, Anna just laughed and patted heron the arm, walking away unbothered while Beverly pursed her lips.
“I think good ole Beverly has met her match in that one.”
I turned to see Bristol smiling over a cup of lemonade as she watched the scene with clear amusement.
“Do my ears deceive me? Is that a compliment coming from you?” I teased.
She smacked my arm. “Don’t be an ass. It’s a full-time job keeping Beverly on her toes. It’s exhausting, you know. I’m genuinely happy to have another recruit.”
