“You both remember my wife, Candice,” Ryan continues, gesturing to the beautiful blonde standing to his right.
Candice reaches for Heather’s hand, a huge smile on her face. “We don’t normally deliver the news in person, but I couldn’t wait.”
Heather's face goes pale. “Okay.” Her voice wavers and my hand finds her back, offering silent support.
“The board reviewed your proposal for the interactive children's library,” Candice begins.
Drawing in a deep breath, Heather nods, her teeth digging into her bottom lip.
“We were impressed.Veryimpressed. The scope of your vision, the detail in your planning, the clear community need is outstanding. It's exactly the kind of project Sapphire Development wants to support.” Candice pauses. “I'm pleased to say that your grant has been approved. Full funding for the interactive children's library with the chance to renew each year.”
For a moment, nobody in the tent moves. Then Heather makes a choking sound that's half-laugh, half-sob, her hand covering her mouth.
“Are you serious?” she whispers. “That’s so much more than I asked for.”
“Completely serious,” Ryan confirms. “Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, pending final paperwork and timeline agreements. Congratulations, Heather.”
Heather's knees buckle and I pull her against me. She's shaking now, tears streaming down her face.
“You did it,” I murmur into her hair. “You actually did it.”
Amy lets out a whoop and pulls Heather into a fierce hug. Word spreads quickly—Heather got her grant and the library is expanding again—and suddenly we're surrounded by well-wishers.
My smile won't quit as Heather floats through the crowd, collecting hugs and congratulations with such grace, all while swiping at the happy tears she can't quite contain. This is her moment and I'm bursting with pride for this remarkable woman who never stopped fighting for what she believed in.
Finally the initial excitement dies down and people drift back to the market, and I guide Heather to a quieter spot.
“You okay?” I ask softly, studying her face.
“More than okay.” Those beautiful hazel eyes meet mine, still glistening.
I brush my lips against her forehead. “Listen, I need to slip out a little early. Jake Martinez and his girlfriend are coming at five to watch Violet. They said they could stay the night with her if we needed it.”
“Think they'd be okay with Cookie tagging along? She'll never forgive me if I leave her at home alone.”
I grin. “They're making cupcakes and marathoning Disney movies. I'm pretty sure Cookie's invited whether you ask or not.”
Heather snorts. “She's gonna rob them blind.”
“Good. They can earn their babysitting money.” I wink. “Besides, that gives us the whole night.”
The restaurant is a forty-minute drive up the coast, with an outside deck that overlooks the ocean. It's the kind of place that requires reservations weeks in advance, but I'd called in a favor with an old teammate who knows the owner. White tablecloths, candlelight, and a view that takes your breath away.
Heather looks stunning in a dark blue dress that hugs her sweet curves and somehow highlights the light blue in her hazel eyes. “I can’t believe I never knew this place was here,” she breathes, staring out at the dark ocean, moonlight glinting off the waves rolling in. “It’s incredible.”
“Not as incredible as you.” It's a cheesy line, but I mean every word.
She huffs softly, though I catch the pleased flush on her cheeks. “Did you steal that from a Hallmark card?”
I chuckle and shrug. “Maybe.”
We order champagne to celebrate, and she dives into details about her plans for the children's library with the interactive reading stations, the scavenger hunt corner, and the storytellingtheater. Her face glows as she describes each element, and I could listen to her talk about this forever.
“What about you?” she asks, after the waiter brings our entrees. “Spring training starts in a few months. Are you nervous?”
“Excited more than nervous. We've made some solid roster moves. The youth baseball camp is already full and should build community goodwill. And...” I reach across the table to take her hand. “I have something good to come home to now. That changes everything.”
Her cheeks flush pink. “Logan?—”
