The crowd went silent. Sara’s cheeks heated. Being the center of attention wasn’t her strong suit, and she felt exposed standing on the stage next to the mayor. Sara clasped her hands in front of her.
“I want to thank you all for coming to tonight’s event.” Mayor Stewart smiled brightly. “I know you are excited about The Dixie Kings’ performance, but first, please give a big round of applause for Sara Wilson, the head librarian who made this all possible.”
Cheers and whistles went up from the crowd. Sara waved a hand as a thank you, and the heat in her cheeks increased.
The mayor gestured for the crowd to settle down. “As many of you know, the city council has taken library funding under advisement this month.”
Sara held her breath. Did the vote happen already? Was the mayor going to explain how the library was closing down? Her stomach clenched, and Sara knotted her hands together so tightly, her knuckles turned white.
Mayor Stewart tugged Sara forward. “I’m pleased to announce the city council has decided to continue funding the library. It’s cherished by our residents. So much so, that we received hundreds of letters in protest. As a result, the city council has agreed to fund the Hidden Hollows Library permanently.”
Sara’s mouth dropped open. Permanently? It would never close down. Her grandmother’s legacy was safe. Tears pricked Sara’s eyes as the crowd cheered and whistled again.
“Sara, would you like to say a few words?” the mayor asked.
She was dumbstruck, but she stepped to the microphone anyway. It was like a thousand-pound weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Her gaze swept across the crowd, pausing on her sister and Ben. The whole family was jumping for joy. Sara could relate. This was, quite possibly, one of the happiest moments of her life. But something was missing.
She wanted Grant.
It slammed into her like a hurricane. She wanted Grant there, alongside her, sharing this moment. She was in love with him. Utterly, impossibly, in love with him.
Yes, it was terrifying. But not having him here with her…that was so much worse.
“Sara?” Mayor Stewart whispered. “Everyone is waiting.”
She blinked and realized the entire crowd was staring at her. Sara cleared her throat. “Th-th-thank you.” She closed her eyes, willed herself to stop stuttering, and took a deep breath. “Thank you, Mayor Stewart, and the city council. I also want to thank the volunteers who helped make tonight possible.”
She paused as her gaze snagged on a familiar figure standing at the edge of the crowd. Her heart skipped a beat. Grant. He was here.
Sara raised a hand and gripped the microphone. “If you’ll allow me, I have something else I need to say besides just a thank you. Tonight wouldn’t have been possible without one very special person. Grant Edwards.”
Grant pushed off the tree he was leaning against. Surprise flickered across his features.
“When Grant found out the library was in danger, he rolled up his sleeves to help me save it. No job was impossible. He wrangled five-year-olds in the after-school program and arranged for The Dixie Kings to be here tonight.” She sucked in a breath, knowing in her heart everything she needed to say. “He supported me every step of the way, and somehow, without even knowing it, I fell in love with him.”
The crowd was dead quiet. No one moved, but Sara couldn’t see anyone except Grant.
“I love you, Grant. I’ve been in love with you for a while, but I didn’t want to admit it. I was scared. Love is risky, and it can hurt sometimes. But this moment has made me realize that it’s worse to turn your back on it. I’d rather have the love for as long as I can, then never have it at all. I’m sorry it took me so long to figure it out. I’ve been a fool.”
Grant started moving toward her. The crowd parted, making a path as he broke into a jog and raced up to the stage. Sara’s heart pounded as he stopped in front of her.
His gaze locked on hers. “Say it again.”
“I’m sorry. I’m a fool—”
“Not that, Sara. Say you love me again.”
His expression was a mixture of hope and disbelief. Sara’s chin trembled. “I love you, Grant.”
He inhaled sharply. “Like a forever, get married, live-our-whole-lives-together love?”
She bit her cheek to keep herself from crying and nodded. “Yes.”
Grant reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring before getting down on one knee. The entire crowd gasped. Behind Sara, the mayor clapped and said a loud, “Shush.”
Sara stared at the ring in his hand before lifting her gaze to meet his. Grant cleared his throat. “Sara Wilson, I love you. There is no one else in the world for me. Please, make me the happiest man on earth, and say you’ll marry me.”
A lump formed in her throat. The love shining in his eyes warmed her. It was real and genuine and lasting. Grant was her future. There was only one answer she could give him.
“Yes,” Sara choked out. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
The crowd erupted in cheers, and Sara flung herself into Grant’s arms. He kissed her passionately and, impossibly, her heart raced faster. When she pulled away, they were both breathless.
“I love you, Grant.”
“I love you too.” Grant slipped the ring on her finger, and the crowd cheered again. They stumbled from the stage as the mayor introduced the band.
“Mom!” A blond-haired bullet raced toward her. Sara braced herself as Ben slammed into her. “Mom, you’re getting married!”
Then Ben hugged Grant. “Coach Grant, are you really going to marry my mom?”
Grant bent to look him in the eye. “I am, if that’s okay with you.”
“Are you kidding? That’s the best news ever! You’re going to be my dad.”
Ben hugged Grant, and Sara’s chest squeezed tight. A mix of emotions tumbled inside her. Joy, but also some sorrow. She wanted Ben and Grant to be close, but she didn’t
