“When are they coming? What time should we expect the first evacuees to start arriving?”
“Any minute.”
She nodded, a new determination squaring her shoulders, straightening her spine, and bolstering her resolve. She suddenly tugged her hand from his and whipped around,reaching out for Holly’s arm as the woman walked past with a tray basket of breads, rolls, and scones headed for the banquet tables at the edge of the room.
“Hey Holly, how many slow cookers and stock pots do you have at the Café?”
“More than I can count,” Holly answered, puzzled. “Why?”
“What about soup mixes? Do you have any on hand?”
“Sure. I’ve got at least a dozen big batches in the freezer. Minestrone, chicken noodle. I think I have some chicken tortilla soup in there, too.” Holly’s eyes narrowed and her head cocked as she tried to connect Faith’s dots. “Why? What are you thinking?”
“That we should expect an even bigger crowd for tonight’s soiree,” she said without any trace of sadness or disappointment, “And we’ll need to make sure they’re fed, entertained, and have one of the most memorable nights of their lives.”
CHAPTER 22
This wasn’t what she had originally planned, but when it came down to it, nothing had gone according to plan thus far, so Faith wasn’t even deterred by this recent turn of events. Sure, it was a monkey wrench thrown in her carefully curated idea of the evening, but it wasn’t going to change the fact that her community was going to celebrate tonight, however that looked.
Jack and Holly made a quick trip to the Cornerstone Café to gather all the essentials they would need to set up the community center’s kitchen for serving hot soups. Stewart and Paula Joy from the Main Street Market generously contributed twenty cases of bottled waters and all of the ready-made food they had on hand, rotisserie chickens included. Meanwhile, the manager of Bitter Cold had already made plans to attend the soiree but shifted her focus to ensure a constant supply of coffee and tea for the event.
They had a coffee cart, a soup station, provisions for both hot and cold drinks—plus all of Faith’s bakery items—along with plenty of cheer and good will to go around.
And boy, was it a sight.
Several evacuees arrived dolled up in their soiree finest, showing up in sparkling ball gowns, tuxes, suits, and slacks, but with backpacks and duffle bags serving as a notable juxtaposition. Others came bundled in their heartiest winter gear. And for those that didn’t arrive at the center in warm layers, the guys over at Major Hart Mountain Sports were able to supply jackets, coats, and blankets.
And all of this was in addition to the necessities that the firehouse provided. They had protocols for situations like this, and in any other town, the community would rely heavily on that. Not so in Snowdrift. Here, it was neighbor helping neighbor, friend looking after friend, everyone taking care of one another amid challenging circumstances. And Faith wouldn’t have it any other way.
For the first two hours, it was controlled chaos. Faith helped Mitch man the line at the door, greeting each evacuee with calm instructions and a welcoming grin. There was no need for panic; they were a well-oiled machine as they directed guests where to go for food, warmth, or just to sit and talk with a friend at a finely set table that somehow still felt right for the occasion.
So many more people were without power than Faith had initially realized. Most of the evacuees came from further up the Summit, having been without electricity since the early hours of the morning. Others had only lost it right before the soiree was scheduled to begin, which was why many were already dressed to the nines. Faith hadn’t changed into her soiree attire, but she did have it hanging in a coat closet in the volunteer room for later.
Even though she already owned a dress that she had planned to wear, Sarah and Rachel had convinced her to purchase a lovely apricot-colored gown on their outing to the dress shop. The skirt was a delicate tulle with a satin bodice, and she had plans to complete the ensemble with a chunky knit shawl thathad been her grandmother’s. She had wanted to wear the dress tonight, if only to feel pretty and done up for once by trading in her apron for more fashionable attire. And maybe she had hoped to get a compliment or two out of Mitch. That had also been a goal.
But none of that mattered now. She guided evacuees on tennis shoe-clad feet, scurrying about like a mouse in a maze.
Only after everyone had been admitted, instructed where to go, and settled in, did she stop to finally catch her breath.
Leaning against a big wooden podium that displayed one of Trinity’s gorgeous bouquets, she stood at the periphery of the event hall. Despite the temporary chaos and challenges, the space remained beautiful. But it wasn’t the décor or the grandeur that made it so. The true beauty stemmed from the genuine sense of community that prevailed, despite all odds.
Faith hugged her arms to her chest and sighed.
Music had been playing for the last half hour once things had settled and the hum of chatter had quieted to a lull. The melodic beat had encouraged several brave souls to take to the dance floor now made smaller by the water stations and coffee bar that crowded the edges. It didn’t keep them from cutting a rug, though. It was a mixture of sequins and puffer jackets, sport coats and sweatpants, and it was the loveliest, most endearing sight.
Faith’s heart ached from the view—her favorite town, her favorite people, and her favorite event all coming together in such an unexpected yet wonderful way.
“Can I steal you for a dance?”
Mitch had materialized at her side while she’d been busy getting swept away in her reverie. She practically jumped out of her shoes at the sudden sound of his voice.
“Oh goodness.” Her hand pressed to her rapidly beating heart. “I didn’t see you.”
“Sorry. I thought you heard me come up.”
“I was just a little lost in all of this.” She waved toward the quirky, charming sight before them. “It’s not how I envisioned the night going, but I can’t say I’m mad about it.Thisis Snowdrift Summit, Mitch. This is what we’re all about.” She spun on her heel to face him. The twinkle lights hanging above them painted a gentle glow over his handsome features, and his gaze softened the moment it connected with hers. “I so hope you’ll decide to stay,” she said, giving over to the feelings that had her words brimming with honesty. “I hope you’ll consider making this place your permanent home.”
“I don’t think it was ever in question that I’d be going anywhere,” he said. “Not once I met you.”
