Caleb Brooks.
Lily notices him at the same time.
“Oh,” she says.
That single word tells me everything. Caleb catches Lily staring. Instead of looking away awkwardly like most people would, he smiles and winks at her.
Not a big grin.
Lily smiles back.
“Interesting.”
She nudges my arm. “Don’t start.”
But she didn’t stop looking.
Everett
The entire town has shown up. I’d hoped people would come. But I didn’t expect this. The sidewalk is packed. Kids running around while Henry tries unsuccessfully to keep them from climbing the decorative rope near the entrance.
Riley leaned beside me, laughing.
“You did it, man.”
I glance around the crowds. Lavender Creek has supported this dream from the beginning. And tonight it feels like they are all here to celebrate it together.
“Hey, Everett!” My parents are walking toward us.
Mom gives me a hug. “Oh, sweetheart, it’s beautiful!”
Dad stands beside her, studying the building. “You did good, son.”
Those four words mean more to me than he probably realizes.
“Thanks, Dad.”
He claps a hand on my shoulder. “Your grandfather would have been proud.”
For the first time in a long time, it feels like we are on the same page.
As the mayor approaches the microphone, everyone stops talking and turns to the front of the theater.
“Lavender Creek has been waiting a long time for this moment.”
People cheer.
“And thanks to Everett Callahan, the heart of our town is beating again.”
I glance out around the crowd. That’s when I see her.
Violet.
Standing near the middle with her family. The moment our eyes meet, the noise of the crowd seems to fade.
She looks incredible.
And for the first time in weeks, hope flickers in my chest.
