On the drive into town, he was saddened but not surprised to see how many places were for sale. On the other hand, plenty of places were in the process of being fixed up.
“You were right,” he told Stella, who rode in the passenger’s seat. “Not everyone is giving up so easily.”
“I don’t remember Chance Creek ever being so quiet, though.”
Steel was thinking the same thing. After a hard summer, everyone was gearing up for a hard winter, he mused.
The mood was different at the Harvest Festival. It was a simpler affair this year than the Spring Fling had been, during which the Founder’s Prize had first been announced, but there were still food booths, live music and games. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.
During the evening Steel met up with many old friends. The Cruzes were there, as were the Mathesons, the Halls, and the crowd from Westfield. But what made him happiest of all was when he spotted Liz with a bevy of other girls working at Fila’s food booth. Fila, Camila and Juana had taken them under their wings, and all of them were laughing and chatting as they worked.
“I’m so glad Liz is getting involved with the community,” Stella said as they wandered away with their food. “I was worried she’d never be happy here.”
“That’s the silver lining to all of this, I think,” Steel said. “We’re all in this together now, and everyone knows it.”
Everyone turned at the sound of microphone feedback. Steel looked to see the announcers were getting up on stage. Steel took Stella’s hand in his and waited.
As she looked around at the gathered crowd, Stella was so glad to see how many people had stayed. Regardless of who the prize went to, plenty of families had spent the past year chipping in for the good of the town. Now, with everyone pulling together like never before, she was sure Chance Creek would come back from all this better than ever.
“The Founder’s Prize was conceived of as a way to encourage good citizenship and giving back to the community,” the announcer said. “And I think we’ve seen that in spades this year. While countless people have given their time and energy to Chance Creek, I think you all will join me in saying that the Turners and Coopers have gone above and beyond. Therefore, the Ridley property will be awarded jointly to both families.” The man grinned. “They’re pretty much one family at this point, anyway.”
There was laughter and cheering, and Stella embraced Steel and kissed him, as all around her Noah and Olivia, Liam and Tory, Lance and Maya embraced, too. Even Jed and Virginia got in the act, Virginia allowing Jed to give her a peck on the cheek. Stella was proud of her family and happy that Jed and Virginia were finally going to get to live the life they had denied themselves for so long.
“I never would have guessed last spring this is how it would all turn out,” Stella told Steel.
“Life certainly has its twists and turns.” He kissed her again. “But I can’t argue with where it got us.”
The next day Steel found Virginia in her room at Thorn Hill in her wedding dress. Olivia and Tory were with her, helping her get ready.
“I’m proud of you and all you’ve done,” Virginia told him. “For this town. For this family. For Dale.”
“Thank you.” Steel embraced her.
“Now, when are you going to get to work on babies? I’m not going to live forever, you know.”
Steel rolled his eyes. “I already told you—”
“A fat lot of excuses is what you told me.” She jabbed at him with her umbrella. “Get to it, young man.”
Jed and Virginia’s ceremony was simple but charming, the arbor under which they stood decorated with greenery. Virginia wore a mauve wedding gown with a lace bodice and a draping skirt. The flowers in her bouquet were white, so elegant Stella thought they suited her perfectly. Jed stood straight and proud in his best suit.
Reverend Halpern took special care officiating, and Steel thought the whole town had turned out to wish them well. Through it all Jed and Virginia beamed like the high school sweethearts they were.
Steel and Stella stood up as their bridesmaid and groomsman. There shouldn’t have been any dust left in the air after all the rain, but there must have been because by the time the ceremony was in full swing, Steel’s eyes were watering from the grit.
“That’s us in five or six decades,” he whispered to Stella when he conducted her up the aisle after Jed and Virginia had kissed with unexpected verve.
“Let’s hope,” she answered.
After a light lunch and plenty of dancing, everyone needed a bit of a break before the second wedding of the day. Chairs were set up all over the lawn, with more inside, for their guests to rest and chat.
Steel kissed Stella before they split up to get ready for their own wedding. “Ready for this?”
“I’m ready. Don’t you dare stand me up. I’m not waiting for you for sixty years.”
“Nothing could keep me away.”
Mary and Enid both helped Stella change from her bridesmaid dress to her bridal gown. Maya, Olivia and Tory were on hand, too. Stella had chosen an off-the-shoulder princess-waisted gown with lace details. It made her feel like royalty. She hoped Steel liked it.
“Oh, you look so beautiful,” Mary said when she was dressed, stepping back to admire her.
“Resplendent,” Enid agreed.
“Steel won’t know what hit him,” Olivia said. “But he’s already a goner for you.”
Mary fluffed Stella’s gown, while Enid fetched her veil.
“Want to know a secret?” Mary asked. “Enid, Leslie and I have decided what kind of project we want to take on.”
Stella patted at her hair before accepting the veil, a little apprehensive. The last thing Chance Creek needed right now was a spa.
“We’re going
