“What’s it gonna be?” someone shouts. “My niece’s birthday is next month, and I want some of these wings.”
Someone else shouts. “What we need is a new committee.”
There's a load of'I agree'from the audience as the room becomes louder with everyone talking over each other.
The committee is visibly shocked that the town has banded together and is ready to oppose them.
Mr. Sallow looks at Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Jenkins and then at the audience, who is expectantly waiting for something to happen.
He clears his throat and raises his hand, asking for silence. “As is the town's wish, I will resign from my position and make a recommendation to the mayor that Mrs. Jenkins and Mrs. Martin also step down.”
Mrs. Martin stands up, visibly angry. Her transformation from a well-put-together woman to a wench is complete, and everyone can see her for what she really is. The anger in her eyes tells me she knows that. She walks away from the stage, huffing, and leaves through a side door.
“Mr. Remington, you may have your license and start trading at the craft fair as early as next month. That is my last action as president of the craft fair committee,” Mr. Sallow says.
“Great. You can mail the license to my place. You know where I live.” I hold Levi’s hand tighter and pull him all the way out of the room.
Behind us, there’s clapping, whistles, and even some catcalls. Even though I ignore them, a big part of me feels like I finally belong somewhere. I may be the newcomer until the next one comes along, but it’s a badge I’ll wear with pride because, even as a newcomer, I’ve made a change. Even if only because of circumstances.
As soon as we’re outside the building, Levi stops me, turning me around so quickly I almost lose my footing. He captures my mouth with a hungry kiss that makes my brain mush but awakens my body.
“Jump his bones later. It’s time to celebrate,” Sage says. I don't even remember seeing him in the audience.
Levi smiles against my lips before we put a little space between us. I tuck him under my arm. No one needs that much space, anyway.
“Oh my god,” he gasps as he sees Jayden, Asher and Penny right next to Sage.
Now it’s clear why I thought Jayden looked familiar earlier. There’s no doubt when they’re standing right next to each other that they’re brothers. Asher, in turn, is holding on to Levi’s friend, Penny, as if she’s the most precious thing ever.
“Gotta say, I never thought I’d come out of the closet on the same day as my brother,” Jayden says.
Asher hits him on the side but gives his full attention to Penny, who raises her hand to show a shiny, beautiful engagement ring.
“Oh my…Pen! I’m so happy for you,” Levi says, stepping out of my embrace only long enough to hug his friend. He bumps Asher’s fist. “Thanks, man. I really appreciate what you’ve done, and I’m really happy you’re finally out with Penny.”
He nods. “I know it’s hard to believe, but I really have loved her longer than I can remember. This afternoon I instructed my lawyer to remove my parents from my business and pay them back what they've invested.” He laughs. “They’re not going to be happy when they find out, but it means I can give Penny the safety she deserves from the claws of my family. We can be our own family now.”
“Hopefully, Jayden will come back to visit too,” Penny adds.
“I promise.” He gives her a kiss and then turns to Levi. “We're good?”
Levi looks at me, and I can feel him relax into my embrace before he turns to Jayden. “Hmm…You still have my Backstreet Boys CD.”
“I guess I have another good reason to come back.” Jayden smiles and then excuses himself to drive back to Boston.
When we all part, Levi takes his phone out. “Let me call Liv and see if she can look after Ava tonight.”
I hold his hand to stop him. “Let’s spend the evening with them instead.”
“Are you sure?”
“Nothing would make me happier. Besides, I have a few more origami tricks up my sleeve, and I’m determined to be Ava’s favorite.”
He laughs as we get to his car. “I think you already are.”
When we get to his place, Ava comes running out.
“Daddybug!” She jumps onto Levi’s arms, and he holds her tight, giving her raspberries until she’s laughing so hard it’s contagious. “Is Arlo staying with us?”
