Someone passes me a flute of champagne as I step through the doorway. It’s time to get this party started.
Slipping from Jett’s side, I saunter across the floor and around the makeshift runway. The fashion show will start soon.
“Pumpkin,” Dad’s voice startles me as I turn toward him. “If it’s alright, I’d like to say a few words.”
I had an entire speech planned to welcome everyone, but I’ll let my dad do the announcements.
Clearing his throat, he taps the microphone as feedback sounds on the speakers. “Good afternoon, everyone,” he begins as I step off to the side.
“For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Mark Drummond, Wren’s father.” Dad pauses as the crowd claps.
“When Wren arrived back in Silo Bay, I knew she was going to create something magical in our town, but I underestimated the power of my daughter. She approached me with the idea of turning our old barn into an event center. I was a little skeptical, but when she laid out her plans, along with journal entries she’dfound of her mother’s, I was impressed at the thought she put into every detail.
“Wren, sweetie, your mother would be incredibly proud of the woman you’ve become. I know I am. You took heartbreak and turned it into something magical—a place people can gather and celebrate. Here’s to The Haven.” He begins raising his drink. “Oh, don’t forget to like and follow us on social media.”
Laughter erupts as glasses are hoisted into the air. I cannot believe my dad told a room full of people to like our pages. The man doesn’t even have social media.
He steps off the stage, wrapping me in a warm embrace. I wipe my eyes as the lights begin to dim for the fashion show put on by our local boutique, Ember & Ivory.
Dad steps away, mumbling about heading back to the main barn to check on a tractor. But I’m not alone for long. Jett’s at my side as we watch the first model take the stage.
I built something beautiful from a life that tried to break me.
Jett
“Today was incredible.
“So incredible,” Wren says, bouncing in her seat as I shift the truck into drive. “I cannot believe the turnout.”
“I’m proud of you.”
She blushes at my praise.
Her voice fills the cab as she rides the high of the day. Every word spills into the next as she recounts her favorite moments. Vendors had never ending lines. Too many guests to count praised her renovations and gushed over the space, promising to book with her soon. The runway show featured locals whomodeled for Ember & Ivory. We laugh at her dad encouraging the crowd to like and follow The Haven on social media when the man doesn’t even have the first account. I soak in every word because seeing her happy is everything to me. She shined as she worked the room and started taking reservations for new bookings.
I reach over, my hand finding hers, threading our fingers together. “This is what you were meant to do.”
“You think so?” she asks sheepishly.
“Yeah, baby. I do.”
We ride in comfortable silence as I steer us down the familiar road, her thumb brushing back and forth over my knuckles. I pass the farm lane that heads to her cottage, and she doesn’t notice at first. Not until I’m steering the truck down the worn grassy land does her head tilt.
“J, you missed the turn.”
I hum. “Did I?”
“Where are we going?” she asks, but I don’t answer. Instead, I open the console on the dash and pull out a strip of black material, handing it to her.
“A blindfold?” she asks, eyebrow lifting. “Jett Riggsby, are you trying to get freaky with me?” Her eyebrows wiggle, and I bark out a laugh.
“Maybe later, Whiskey.”
She gasps as I let out a soft chuckle.
“Just put it on.”
Her grin widens. “All you had to do was ask if you wanted me so bad.”
