“He did,” Joyce confirms. “But it was worth it.”
I stand back, letting Winnie share her gift with the people who’ve become our community. She looks at me over their heads and mouthsI love you.
I mouth backI love you too.
“The spirits say those two are going to get married,” Silver Sam announces.
“I’ll bet you ten bucks he proposes by Christmas,” Lucky says.
“You’re on.”
Mayor Barbie nods sagely. “I’ll start planning the engagement party.”
“Nobody’s engaged!” Winnie calls out, but she’s laughing.
That’s when her parents walk in, followed by her brother Fabrizio carrying a large pastry box. My mom brings up the rear.
Winnie’s lips part and form an O. “What—how?—?”
“Patton invited us,” her mother says, rushing over to hug her. “He said you two were having a special dinner and we should surprise you with dessert.”
“Cannoli,” her father adds. “Just like home.”
Winnie looks at me, eyes wide. “You did this?”
“I made one call. Your mom did the rest.”
“Cathryn helped.”
Winnie is crying happy tears, laughing and hugging her parents and introducing them to everyone. The quiet romantic dinner I planned has turned into a full-scale community event.
I catch Mindy eyeing Fabrizio, who smolders in her direction.
“Your brother is cute,” she whispers to Winnie.
“Don’t even think about it,” Winnie warns.
“Too late. Already thinking,” Mindy sing-songs.
The crew starts moving tables, someone turns on music, and within minutes, the engine bay has transformed into an impromptu party.
I find Winnie in the crowd and pull her close. “I’m sorry. This was supposed to be just us, but I also couldn’t leave everyone out.”
She shakes her head. “This is perfect. This is us.” She gestures to the crowd—townspeople, firefighters, family, all mixing together. “This town has no concept of privacy.”
“Our town,” I correct softly.
“One big happy, dysfunctional family,” she agrees with a laugh and I join in.
Much later, after everyone finally leaves and we’re cleaning up, Winnie helps me pack away the decorations.
“Thank you for the album,” she says quietly.
“I wanted you to see how special you are, valuable, loved.”
“Even the messy, unflattering parts?”
“What parts?”
