I’m the problem.
Darkness has settled, the sun’s rays quietly dipping below the horizon. Lamplights and perfectly placed lanterns illuminate the square as people continue to enjoy the first night of activities.
I draw a deep, reassuring breath before letting it out through puffed cheeks.
No more running.
Once outside, the full effect of the festival settles in. Music drifts through speakers set up strategically throughout the square. Food vendors are set up in the blocked-off streets, thesmell of delicious food wafting by in the breeze. Scarlet, who is working at the Mama’s Cakes table selling pies and sweets, offers a kind smile and waves. I give her one back but don’t stop to talk. There’s a sense of urgency pounding in my head—I need to talk to Smith.
For such a small place, it’s truly impressive how much Sammie and Levi were able to fit into the square. Not to mention that trying to find one person in this crowd is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. People are packed onto the grassy area, the gazebo, and any open space available. The amount of squeezing between bodies is threatening to make me claustrophobic. I finally find a break in the crowd and take a relaxing breath in an attempt to orient myself.
“Oh, Miss Moore. Just the person I was looking for.” Lori Haverford crosses the small space over to me, a delighted smile on her face. “I’m just so glad I found you. These gatherings are wonderful, aren’t they?” She swats her hand through the air dismissively. “Anyway, I’ve been wanting to thank you for introducing me to Matthew. He’s such a handsome and kind young man. Spoke very highly of you, I must say. But how thrilling is it that he’s writing about our town? You know, I knew that hiring Miss Williams was a good idea.”
Thankfully, my scoff goes unnoticed as she drones on. Sammie was public enemy number one for Mrs. Haverford since the day she was hired. She even tried to get her fired.
“But having that young man come here is such a gift. It’s a shame he had to leave so quickly. He even let me walk him to his car. Such a gentleman.”
“Wait,” I stammer. “He’s left already?” He’s not supposed to leave until tomorrow morning. Dread at the thought of never seeing him again settles into my stomach.
Lori nods her head, her eyes sad. “Not five minutes ago. He seemed a little downcast if you ask me. Such a handsome man shouldn’t be so sad,” she tsks.
A tall man with a white handlebar mustache steps behind her, his deep voice rumbling as he says her name. She turns sharply on her heels, her mouth falling open.
I don’t bother to excuse myself from the conversation before pushing my way back into the crowd. The dawning realization that he could leave Rose Prairie, and me, behind sends me into a panic. My stubborn self has waited too long to be honest, and now it might be too late.
All niceties gone, I push my way clear of the crowd, ignoring all the complaints aimed my way. My feet hit the pavement in quick slaps. I have to walk a block to get to my car since I was unable to park off the main street, and I waste no time rounding the side street to my car. The keys jingle in my hands as I fumble for the fob to unlock my car.
Surely he hasn’t gotten too far, right? I can still catch him.
With a wish and a prayer, I slam my foot down on the gas, hoping like hell the cops are all busy at the festival. The engine roars to life as I speed out of town, unwilling to let Smith leave without knowing the truth—the same truth I only just allowed myself to realize.
The town passes in the window in a blur, my foot not once letting off the pedal. Finally, a sleek sedan comes into focus in front of me and all I can think is that ithasto be him. I need it to be him.
Urging my car faster, I ease into the opposite lane on the two-lane highway, ignoring the no-passing signs. I glance through the passenger side window to look at the driver, but it’s too dark to see who’s behind the wheel. Cutting in front of the car, I start to slow down, hoping he’s not reckless like me, and breaks the no-passing rule. I tap the brakes, the red light illuminating thecab of the car behind me just enough to make out the familiar silhouette of Smith.
Honking my horn I signal to pull over, my hand pointing to the side in emphasis. Gravel and grass crunch beneath my wheels and as soon as I come to a stop, I fling the door open.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Smith yells, his door slamming shut behind him. “You could’ve gotten hurt.” He runs his hand through his dark hair, concern etched on his face.
“I was scared,” I spit out in a rush. “I left because I was scared of what I felt for you. I was young, I’d never been out on my own before, and you came crashing into my life. Here I was, a twenty-one-year-old girl who had goals and dreams, but when I met you none of it mattered. All that mattered was the smiles you gave me, your sweet touches. Your love. I was scared,” I say again. “I was scared of what I felt—what Istillfeel for you.” Smith doesn’t retreat as I reach my hand through the space between us to rest on his chest. “I was scared,” I say, as I let out a broken sob.
“What are you saying?” he asks, his voice desperate. His hand tips my chin up, his blue eyes soft. Tears run down my face and he carefully wipes them away.
“I’m saying I love you. I’ve always loved you. Never stopped loving you. I convinced myself that the best thing to do was to leave. Walk out your door and focus on myself—a clean break. Because I couldn’t do it with you looking at me. I wouldn’t have been able to turn around and walk out. I wasn’t strong enough. I think a part of me always knew I was making a mistake, and we’ve both paid the price for it.”
Smith swallows hard, tears threatening to spill from his eyes. “Say it again.”
My hands slide up his strong chest to cup his jaw. “I love you,” I breathe. “I’ve always loved you. Never stopped.”
A wistful smile touches his mouth before he kisses me. He pours all his love into this one, world-stopping, all-encompassing kiss. He pulls me closer to him, deepening the kiss until I’m completely wrapped up in his embrace.
Smith kisses me like I’m the answer to all his prayers, and maybe I am because the man in my arms is mine.
When he pulls back, we’re both breathless. Smith runs his hands along my jaw, brushing strands of hair out of my face. “I love you.” Three simple words uttered on a dark road never sounded so sweet.
“The Best Town In the World”
The Daily Click
