Chapter 34 #2
I felt Declan’s hand tighten around mine as Pastor Williams continued talking about chosen families and new beginnings and the courage it takes to build the life you actually want instead of the life you think you’re supposed to want.
“Some of us,” Pastor Williams said with a small smile that seemed directed at our pew, “are blessed to discover that the place we were meant to be was right here all along. Others find their way home after traveling far from where they started. Both journeys are gifts, and both deserve celebration.”
As the congregation joined together for the final carol, I looked around at the faces of people I’d known my entire life, people who’d welcomed Declan like he’d always belonged here, people who were genuinely happy about our decision to build a future in their community.
This was home. Not just the physical place, but the people, the community, the sense of belonging that I’d taken for granted until I’d almost lost it.
After the service, we made our way through the receiving line of neighbors who wanted to congratulate us on our relationship and wish us well for the holidays. It was the kind of community celebration that felt both overwhelming and exactly right, like the entire town was invested in our happiness.
“Holly,” a soft voice called my name from behind me, and I turned to find, the owner of Romancing the Tome bookshop, waiting to speak with me.
“Adelle,” I said warmly, genuinely pleased to see her.
According to my mom, Adelle had moved to Everdale Falls about three years ago and had transformed the failing bookshop into one of the town’s most beloved gathering places.
I hadn’t had a chance to go in while I’ve been back, but I made a mental note to visit and support her business.
“I hope I’m not interrupting,” Adelle said, glancing between Declan and me. “I was wondering if I could speak with you about something. Professionally.”
“Professionally?”
“I heard that you’re starting an event planning business,” Adelle explained. “And I was thinking that the bookshop’s third anniversary is coming up, and I’d love to do something special to celebrate. Something that would bring the whole community together around books and reading.”
“That sounds wonderful,” I said with genuine enthusiasm. “What did you have in mind?”
“I’m not entirely sure yet,” Adelle admitted. “Maybe an outdoor literary festival? Author readings, book discussions, activities for children? I’d love to show people how important books and stories are to building community.”
“It sounds like exactly the kind of event that would be perfect for Everdale Falls. I’d love to help you plan it.”
“Really?” Adelle’s face lit up with obvious relief and excitement. “That would be amazing. I’ve been thinking about it for months, but I don’t have any experience with event coordination.”
“That’s what I’m for,” I said with a smile. “Why don’t you come by after the holidays, and we can start brainstorming? I’m sure we can create something beautiful.”
As Adelle thanked me and hurried away to catch up with friends, Declan looked at me with pride and affection.
“Your first official client,” he said with a smile. “Everdale Events is officially in business.”
“Looks like it,” I said, feeling a flutter of excitement about the possibility of building something meaningful here, of using my skills to help people like Adelle create events that brought the community together.
“What do you think a literary festival would involve?” Declan asked as we made our way toward the church exit.
“I’m not sure yet,” I admitted. “But Adelle seems to be passionate about books and community, so I’m sure we can come up with something special. Maybe we could get some local authors involved or reach out to writers with Vermont connections.”
“Sounds like you’re already planning,” Declan said. “And I can help with authors. I know a few.” He winked but left it at that. I’d press him about it later, but right now was for Christmas and family.
When my phone rang a moment later, I frowned and checked the screen.
My heart stopped, and I chewed my lip.
“Everything okay?” Delcan asked.
“Uhm, yeah. It’s my friend from Chicago. Catherine Watkins. I haven’t spoken to her for a while.”
“Take it,” he said as the phone continued to buzz in my hand like a bee in a box.
I took a deep breath, the cold air stinging my lungs, and swiped to answer.
Declan gave my hand a final, reassuring squeeze before letting go, giving me the space I needed.
I stepped away from the joyful chatter of the church steps, finding a quiet corner near a snow-dusted fir tree.
“Hey, Cat,” I said, my voice steadier than I expected.
“Before you say anything, I want to apologize for being a total bitch and dropping off the face of the planet.”
“Whoa, okay, I wasn’t expecting that, but I’ll take it and accept. I heard about you and Derek…”
“Yeah, gaslighting fucker,” I muttered. “I really am sorry, Catherine.”
“Gaslighting?” she asked. I could practically see the frown from here.
“Long story short, he wanted to isolate me, and I let him. I’m sorry.”
“What? That asshole,” she snapped. Catherine’s voice crackled with protective fury. “I am going to find him and personally rearrange his face. I knew he was a tool, but this is a whole other level of scumbag.”
“He’s not worth the jail time,” I said, a small, genuine smile touching my lips for the first time in the conversation. It felt good to hear her immediate, unconditional support. “But I appreciate the sentiment. A lot.”
“Are you okay? Seriously. Where are you?”
“I’m home,” I said, the word feeling more real and solid than it ever had before. “In Everdale Falls. And I’m... actually, I’m really good.”
There was a pause on the other end of the line. “Good as in ‘I’m surviving,’ or good as in ‘I’m genuinely happy’?”
I looked over at Declan, who was now in a deep conversation with my dad, but his eyes kept flicking back to me, a silent question in their depths. “Genuinely happy,” I said, my voice soft. “Cat, I’m not coming back to Chicago. I’m staying here.”
Another pause, this one longer. “Okay,” she finally said, her tone shifting from protective to intrigued. “That’s... a plot twist. Do I have to drive eighteen hours to make sure you’re really okay?”
“No, I’m good, although a visit would be amazing.”
“I might take you up on that,” she says wistfully.
“Everything okay with you?” I asked.
“Yeah, just, you know. Tired.”
“Well, you are always welcome here.”
“Thanks, Holly. I’m glad you’re good. I have to go, but Merry Christmas. I’m glad you picked up.”
“I’m glad you reached out. Merry Christmas, Cat.”
We hung up, and I felt a weight lift as I rejoined Declan with a soft smile.
“Holly! Declan!” Mom called from across the church steps, where both sets of parents were waiting to escort us to the next phase of Christmas Eve celebrations. “Ready for breakfast casserole and family gift exchange?”
“More than ready,” I called back, taking Declan’s hand as we made our way toward our families.
“Nervous?” I asked quietly as we approached the group.
“Terrified,” Declan admitted with obvious cheerfulness. “But in the best possible way.”
As our parents launched into enthusiastic discussion of breakfast plans and gift-giving logistics and what sounded suspiciously like preliminary New Year’s Eve party planning, I realized that being terrified in the best possible way was exactly how I felt about everything.
Our relationship, our future, our decision to build a life together in Everdale Falls—all of it was terrifying and wonderful and exactly what I’d been too afraid to hope for.
But as Declan squeezed my hand and smiled at something Dad was saying about family traditions, it dawned on me that some kinds of terror were worth embracing.
But today was for Christmas Eve breakfast casseroles and family traditions and falling asleep in Declan’s arms while snow fell outside our windows and the whole world felt full of possibilities.