I glanced down at the clipboard, quickly skimming over the list of acts. Dancers, singers, even Keith performing magic tricks. It was a great turnout, and both Grand Haven and Pineberry were rallying around Ms. Kenzie and the effort to raise funds for the shelter. A place that offered second chances to so many.
“You look official,” Caleb’s voice teased softly behind me, his warm breath on my ear.
Turning around, I feigned seriousness as I clutched the clipboard to my chest. “Ms. Kenzie said I’m in charge. Don’t distract me.”
He chuckled, stepping close enough that his fingers grazed my own. “I’ll behave. Just wanted to tell you the kids are almost ready. Ms. Kenzie asked me to help get them to and from the stage.” Caleb winked playfully.
“Okay, good.” I nodded. “They are up next. I want to give Noelle her charm bracelet. Is that all right?”
“Of course.” Caleb beamed, glancing to the side of the stage. My gaze followed, drifting to the group of children near the side entrance. They were practically vibrating with excitement. They all had matching Grand Haven’s Grand Talent T-shirts. Noelle was amongst them, but her gaze settled on me.
I waved and she smiled, mouthinghias she stood in line waiting her turn to sing on stage. We made our way toward her. It felt good to have Caleb beside me, just in case she didn’t like my gift.
“Hey, you,” I said, lowering my voice so her friends didn’t hear me. “Are you excited?”
She gave me a half smile. “I think so. I’m nervous too. Butterflies, you know?”
“Adrenaline is perfect for the stage. Used to happen to me all the time when I modeled,” I said, crouching beside her.
She nodded then paused as I pulled a drawstring bag out of my pocket. “What’s that?”
I handed her the small velvet pouch. “A little something. For luck.”
Her brows pulled together as she opened it carefully. Noelle gasped as she saw the silver bracelet inside. There was a single charm shaped like a crown.
“Fit for a queen,” I joked.
“For me?” she asked, her voice quieter than I’d ever heard it. I had found the charm bracelet at the farmers’ market and thought it was perfect. I loved the bracelet Julia got me all those years ago and Noelle often looked at mine when we were together.
“You can add charms to it for certain occasions,” I added, waiting for her to respond. Maybe I was wrong about my decision to get her something like this.
She slipped it onto her wrist, holding it out for Caleb to clasp. She stared at it for a moment before speaking. “I love it. Thank you so much.” Then she looked up at me, suddenly more serious. “I’m going to keep it forever.”
My throat tightened fast. I swallowed down the nostalgic feeling, almost déjà vu. “I’m so glad you like it,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “There are so many options for charms to add on. One for every moment. Even the hard stuff.”
Noelle nodded again, like she understood more than the average nine-year-old. “I want to fill the whole thing. Can we get more charms, Dad?” Caleb laughed and nodded, before Ms. Kenzie whistled, bringing me back to reality.
I turned to Caleb and noticed he’d watched the exchange with a tenderness in his expression. “She doesn’t give compliments lightly,” he said with a grin. “When she likes something, she really means it.”
I chuckled. “I can tell. It is a beautiful bracelet.” Then I remembered my duties. “Can you find Dirty Al for me?” Icringed. “He’s supposed to be telling jokes. I just hope they are child friendly.”
He smirked, squeezing my hand lightly. “I’ll look for him, boss.”
My cheeks flushed as he walked away, and I cleared my throat. I had a job to do.Focus, Grace!Tonight, I wanted to dedicate myself entirely to giving back.
“Grace?” Lucy approached hesitantly, her hands twisting nervously together. She wore the volunteer shirt we’d handed out to everyone earlier. Her hair was pulled into a simple ponytail. She’d come a long way in just a few short weeks.
“Hey, Lucy!” I greeted. “Did everyone get a wristband?”
She nodded timidly and was about to speak before Caleb rushed over, a panicked look on his face. “Grace, Dirty Al is having an allergic reaction. He ate a sesame cookie without realizing it. The ambulance is on its way.”
“Oh no!” My eyes widened. “What am I going to do? We don’t have another performer signed up.”
My eyes darted from Caleb to Lucy, who was hovering beside me. She opened her mouth to say something, but just as quickly, she closed it.
“Lucy, what is it?” I asked frantically as I scanned the room for Ms. Kenzie.
“I can sing,” she murmured softly, and Caleb’s eyebrows rose in surprise.
