Grayson actuallydidknow that look.
“Your brother is the best,” he told her, meaning it.
“Let’s go tell him I said yes,” she said, her own eyes twinkling.
“Evangeline,” Grayson said, uncertain what hewanted to say, but needing her beautiful green eyes on him again.
“Yes?” she said.
“Thank you,” he told her, reaching down to smooth back a lock of soft dark hair the wind had blown across her face.
To her credit, she didn’t ask what he was thanking her for. She just leaned into his hand, scars and all, and closed her eyes like he was making her dreams come true instead of the other way around.
25
EVANGELINE
Evangeline looked around the Trinity Falls Community Center, unable to believe her eyes.
The month since Grayson’s Christmas proposal had flown past. They had gone on a few post-engagement dates that had been so much fun. And then there was the tiny courthouse wedding, with just a few friends present, as well as Rory, who held a happy, wiggly Leo in his arms.
Grayson had offered her a dazzling wedding with all the bells and whistles, but she had told him honestly that she would rather concentrate their efforts on the event they had planned for today.
“Almost time,” Ana said on her way past with a tray of mini ham and cheese croissants.
Evangeline smiled and made her way to her seat of honor, where Rory waited along with Grayson’s parents. His mom held Leo in her arms while his dad played peek-a-boo with the happy baby.
It turned out that once Grayson’s parents knew hewanted them around more, they changed their tune about visiting. They’d only been back in Florida after the holidays for two weeks before they came right back for today. And Evangeline suspected that they just might be spending a whole lot more time up north, now that they were getting to know their grandson.
The lights flickered and everyone rushed to their seats.
Captain Erik Anderson took the stage and Grayson followed him, his jaw tight, but his posture relaxed.
“Thanks so much for coming, everyone,” Captain Anderson said. “Today is a very special day for the Homecoming Heroes Center. We’ve been given a gift that will allow us to purchase land and build a house for returning veterans who need a place to stay.”
Applause filled the space, and Evangeline’s eyes went to Grayson.
Her handsome husband still looked relaxed, and there was joy in his eyes too, along with some sadness, which was understandable given the circumstances.
“I know there’s a beautiful dinner about to be served, so I’m going to hand things off to our generous donor, Grayson Ward,” the captain said. “And he’ll let you know how you can help.”
Everyone clapped as Grayson took the mic and stepped forward.
“Thank you so much for that introduction,” Grayson said with a smile. “Of course, you’re the man who built this community and brought us all together, and I can’t think of anything more important than that.”
He raised his hands to clap and the crowd applauded the captain again.
“As for myself, I’ve been an extraordinarily lucky man,” Grayson went on. “At times, I’ve thought I was too lucky.”
His voice dropped on that last sentence, and Evangeline saw a hint of the pain in his eyes that used to be there every day.
“But someone important recently told me that if I’ve been blessed, then it’s my job to spread it around,” he went on. “And I think she’s awfully wise.”
He looked over to Evangeline and winked, and she felt her whole face burning as the room full of people turned to her.
“My unit is here with us tonight,” he said, his eyes going to the table of honor.
As he introduced each of his men, Evangeline fought back tears. They were all looking up at him, nodding and smiling, their families beside them. And he was clearly so proud of every one of them.
