Eli grabbed a chocolate cake and traded it for a twenty-dollar bill. “This was all Anna’s idea, but as usual, it was a good one.”
Anna slipped her arm over Tessa’s shoulders. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you so passionate about a decision. We’re here to support you and help you in any way we can. Every little bit will help, right?”
Tessa leaned her head against Anna’s shoulder. “I really appreciate it.”
“It’s nice to be back in Mystic Water, baking for the town. I’ve seen folks I haven’t seen in two years. We’re going to run out of treats soon, and at least half the people want to know if I’m going to be here again tomorrow.”
Tessa shook her head. “No, you and Eli enjoy yourselves while you’re here. I don’t want you working yourself ragged on your days off. You’ve done enough.”
“Are you kidding?” Eli laughed. “This is Anna’sthing. Put her in a kitchen with the essentials, and she’s as happy as a pig in the mud.”
Anna poked Eli in the ribs. “You just compared me to a pig.”
“At least subtract from the profit to pay for supplies,” Tessa said.
Anna shrugged. “I’ll think about it. Besides, we have ulterior motives. We want to be married at Honeysuckle Hollow, and we figure you’ll rent it to us for free, so we’re just paying our dues now.”
Tessa grinned. “Clever.”
Anna handed Tessa a chocolate-covered Oreo. “Lily has been accepting gently used clothing all morning at her shop,” Anna said. “The town has donated clothes in carloads, and Lily’s putting the sales of the merchandise into a special Honeysuckle Hollow fund. You should see the spot she’s set up near the front to display the donations. You wouldn’t believe how many people have flocked there already. It’s a win-win because it’s pulling people into Lily’s shop who might not have been in there yet, and she’s making crazy sales on her merchandise too.”
Tessa bit into the Oreo and smiled around the cracking chocolate coating. “This is too much.”
“The food or the assistance?” Anna teased. She squeezed Tessa’s hand. “This is just what you needed, what everyone needed. Look how happy the town is. Honeysuckle Hollow is bringing them together. I had no idea the house had helped so many people, and now they’re able to help itandyou.”
“This is not following my plan at all,” Tessa said, smiling as she remembered Crazy Kate’s words from the day before. “It’s a much better one.” She grabbed another chocolate-covered Oreo for sustenance later. “I’m going to go see Lily. Thank you again.”
Anna made a shooing motion with her hand. “I’ll get you back during the wedding. Take Lily a box of peanut butter truffles. She’ll pout otherwise.”
Tessa took the short walk to Lily’s downtown boutique. Inside, at least two dozen people crowded around racks and shelves of clothing. Tessa found Lily dancing around the clothing racks, passing clothes to shoppers and pointing them toward items she knew they’d love. Lily had a way of knowing exactly what would fit and flatter each body. She barely had time to chat with Tessa, and she waved off Tessa’s thanks, saying she loved helping out in a way that was in her element. Lily did pause long enough to take the truffles and hug Tessa.
“I’ll call you tonight,” Lily said as she gave Tessa a loving shove toward the door.
Tessa stepped out onto the sidewalk and noticed a handwritten poster board taped to the front window of Cavelli’s Deli across the street. The sign read, “Today’s Proceeds Support Honeysuckle Hollow’s Rebuild!”
Sunlight streamed down, and the milky globes on the streetlights glowed like miniature moons. People flittered up and down Main Street, and Tessa felt overwhelming gratitude expanding in her chest like a bubble. She crossed the street toward the deli just as the town veterinarian, Dr. Jenni Ingles, rounded the corner, walking five dogs at once. One thick leash sprouted five leashes halfway down, and the dogs—all varying sizes—bumped into one another as they jostled down the sidewalk like a sled dog team.
The door to the deli opened, and Emma Chase, the town’s assistant librarian, stepped out with an armful of to-go bags. The dogs wagged their tails and headed straight for her. She smiled at the veterinarian. “Looks like a furry Hydra.”
Jenni smiled and struggled to slow the dogs’ forward motion. “Grabbed food at the deli to support the house, Tessa. I look forward to seeing it rehabbed. Good to see you both.”
“Hey, Tessa,” Emma said as she shifted the lunch bags in her arms. “Morty and I just supported the rebuild too. I love old houses. Does yours have a library?”
“The house does have somewhat of a library, in the living room. Lots of built-ins. Thanks for the support. I can’t believe how much aid the house is receiving. I’m stunned.”
Emma smiled. “A house with books is a house that can be trusted. Morty probably hasn’t seen you to tell you yet, but he heard about Honeysuckle Hollow this morning at breakfast. His parents stayed there for a couple of weeks when he was a baby. They’d bought a house, and the contract fell through for some reason or another, but Dr. Hamilton took them right in until they could find another one. Anyway, Morty started a book drive at the library. He’s put out the word that people can drop off books, and then we’ll price them and resell them for deals until they’re gone. All the money is going to Honeysuckle Hollow. You wouldn’t believe all the people showing up with boxes of books. It’s been so busy that we haven’t even been able to stop for lunch, hence the mandatory food run.”
Tessa’s mouth dropped open. “Thank you, Emma. Tell Morty thanks too. The whole town—I just—wow, all this support for a house.”
“It’s more than just a house. It’s been ahomefor a lot of people. Good luck with everything. Morty will be in touch.” Emma hurried down the sidewalk toward the library a few blocks away.
“It’s so much,” Tessa said to no one. “The diner, the deli, the boutique, the library, the college kids, the town . . .”
“Better not be caught talking to yourself. You might replace me as the town crazy.”
Tessa turned to see Crazy Kate standing behind her, grinning, and carrying a canvas bag on her shoulder. “Can you believe all of this? Have you seen what everyone is doing?”
Crazy Kate nodded. “Matthias was a good man—the best. I wish he were here to see how the house has brought everyone together. Like ripples that start from a tiny pebble dropped into water, Honeysuckle Hollow has touched so many for decades. More people than we ever imagined. See what one act of kindness can do.” She spread her arms wide. “It can change an entire town.” The sunlight glistened on her tan skin and reflected in her eyes.
