“Love you, Johnny. Thank you for everything.”
“I’ll see you soon, darling. We’ll be sipping martinis and swapping fabric swatches in no time.”
“This is amazing,” I said as we walked through downtown toward the town square. I’d never been in Blue Sky Bay at the start of fall, and to say that this small town rose to theoccasion was a massive understatement. Tonight was the grand opening of the fall festival, and the entire downtown along Bay Avenue was decorated with hay bales and pumpkins, with corn stalks wrapped around every light post. Every store window was decked out, and it was so festive and fun. But the town square at the center of everything was where they’d put the pumpkin patch, and the place had been completely transformed. Normally the square had a large grassy area where people sat and had picnics. They’d set off the fireworks for the big Fourth of July event here as well. It was across from the container park, so everyone could go back and forth between the two.
“They go all out, right?” Cutler said as his large hand covered mine.
My gaze moved around at the maze of hay bales and pumpkins and gourds. Carnival games had been set up around the perimeter, and music played through the speakers downtown.
“They really do. I knew they went all out at Christmastime, but I’ve never been here at the end of September.”
He smiled down at me, and I loved how proud he was of the town that he lived in. He’d felt the same way about Magnolia Falls, the small town where he’d grown up. But I remembered him telling me back in college that he wanted to expand his father’s business someday and move to Blue Sky Bay.
And Cutler Heart was a man of his word. He always did what he said he was going to do.
I loved that about him.
“Gracie, Cutler,” a familiar voice called out, and we both turned to see Shana and Billy Peterson walking toward us.
“Hey, how are you guys?” I asked as I gave them both a hug, and Cutler greeted them as well.
“I mean, look how relaxed I look.” Shana motioned to her face and laughed. “We’re so happy in the new home. Truly, you both exceeded our wildest dreams.”
“We could never thank you enough for what you did for us,” Billy said, looking between us. “You turned that fixer-upper into our dream home.”
“That’s so nice of you to say.” Cutler clapped Billy on the shoulder, and I couldn’t help but smile at the overwhelming pride I felt. The reveal had been beyond what I could have imagined. Shana had cried multiple times, which in turn had made me cry.
Creating a home for clients was the best job in the world.
It was about bringing their vision to life, in a place that they wanted to grow old in.
How do you beat that?
“I’m so happy you love it.” I sighed. “It’s the best compliment ever.”
“You two make quite a team,” Shana said. “Too bad you aren’t sticking around, Gracie. I think you could make a real mark on this town with your talent.” She started blinking rapidly, and her husband laughed as he wrapped an arm around her.
“She gets this way pretty much every day when we wake up in the morning,” he said. “This was a long time coming, and having a place for our boys to call home means everything to us.”
“Speaking of our rugrats, we should probably go find them.” Shana hugged me one more time.
I waved and then turned to look at Cutler as I blew out a big breath. “That was sweet of them to say.”
“You’re more talented than you know, Jeege. Let that sink in,” he said, stroking the hair away from my face. “Making dreams come true for people is a gift.”
“She was talking to you too.” I arched a brow. It was getting cooler with each passing day, and I was grateful that I’d worn a heavier sweater tonight, because the breeze off the water bustled around us.
“I know. But I’m confident about my skills.” He smirked. “I know my talent. I know I’m where I’m supposed to be, building new homes and renovating old ones, and changing this town one home at a time. But you’re just getting started on your career journey. And I want you to recognize your talent and your worth, because there’s no one like you, Gracie Reynolds.”
My heart thumped against my chest as a large lump formed in my throat.
“You’ve always seen me, haven’t you.”
“Always. Even when you couldn’t.” He tugged me against him and kissed my hair.
“There you are,” Phoenix said as he came jogging over. “I just got off work and thought I’d meet you here before we head over to Four Clovers.”
“I wouldn’t have guessed you to be a pumpkin patch guy,” I teased as the three of us started walking toward the fun.
