Chapter Eight
Cammie leaned against the workbench in her Glacier Ridge shop, wiping perspiration from her brow. Late afternoon sunlight filtered through the window, casting a warm glow over the packed boxes and empty shelves. Her heart ached as she took in the sight. She’d poured so much of herself into this space, and now, it was all being dismantled.
Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. She glanced at the screen: Sweet Valley Blooms. Curious, she answered. “Hello, Miss Betty. I’ve been meaning to call and congratulate you on your retirement.”
“Cammie, honey! Thank you. I heard you’re moving to Hickory Falls,” Betty said warmly but with a hint of urgency. “I’m heading to Florida next month and need to clear out my shop for the new owners. How’d you like to buy the whole lot for $5,000? Coolers, shelves, inventory—everything. But you’ll need to take it all.”
Cammie’s stomach flipped. It was an incredible offer, but the logistics were daunting. “That’s generous, Betty, but I’d need to see what’s included before I decide. My new space isn’t as big as yours.”
“Of course! Can you swing by tonight? I’m here late taking inventory.”
“Sure,” Cammie said, grabbing her keys. “I’ll be there soon.”
The drive through the Berkshires was breathtaking, the snow-dusted trees glowing in the setting sun. By the time she reached Betty’s shop, the temperature had dropped sharply and snow flurries had started to fall. Inside, Betty greeted her enthusiastically and launched into a whirlwind tour. Three pristine coolers, shelves, vases, ribbons, and a treasure trove of other supplies made Cammie’s head spin.
“I can’t believe this,” Cammie said, inspecting a cooler that looked brand-new. “This is such a blessing. But I have no idea where to put it all—or how to move it.”
Betty chuckled. “Oh, we’ll figure it out. Let me make a few calls.”
As Betty disappeared into the back room, Cammie hesitated, then scrolled through her emails to find Allen’s number. Typing it in, her finger hovered over the call button. She hated asking for help, but this was too good to pass up. Before she could second-guess herself, she tapped the screen.
Allen picked up on the second ring. “Hey, Cammie. Everything okay?”
“Define okay,” she said wryly. “Betty over at Sweet Valley Blooms just offered me the deal of a lifetime—three coolers, shelving units, and more supplies than I know what to do with. But I have to take it all ASAP, and I’m completely out of my depth. Any chance you could use those problem-solving superpowers of yours to help me?”
“Of course,” he said without hesitation. “Hang tight. I’ll tie on my cape, make some phone calls and head your way.”
Before she could respond, the shop door jingled, and a tall man in a police uniform stepped inside. He tipped his hat. “Cammie Rodes? Tim Adler, Sweet Valley’s sheriff.”
Cammie blinked. “Uh, hi?” she replied cautiously, her phone still at her ear.
“Put me on speaker,” Allen said from the other end of the line.
She did as instructed, her curiosity mounting. “You’re on speaker now. Sheriff Adler, Allen Calhoun. Allen, Sheriff Adler.”
Tim smiled at Cammie. “Allen and I go way back to our Special Ops days.”
Cammie didn’t say anything but mouthed, “Oh,” as the pieces began to fall into place.
“Tim, you’re a lifesaver. Think you can pull together the Adler clan tonight?” Allen’s voice carried an easy confidence, as though he already knew the answer.
“Already on it,” Tim replied. “We’ll take care of this. Just text me the drop-off location.”
“Thanks, man. I’ll make some calls and let you know. Grab a chair, Cammie. You’re about to be amazed.” She looked at her phone as the line went dead. He hadn’t even said goodbye.
What followed felt nothing short of miraculous. Before Cammie could even pocket her phone, trucks rumbled up one after another, engines humming in the frosty night air. Lauren Adler—Tim’s sister—directed the packing in the front, while Maggie Adler, a take-charge older woman, led her sewing circle in organizing the back. Cammie stood in awe, watching the shop empty in record time.
Cammie tried to help, but it quickly became clear that stepping in would only disrupt their productivity. “Told you this community knows how to rally,” Betty said, grinning as she supervised.
Just over an hour later, a caravan of trucks snaked its way toward Hickory Falls. Allen stood waiting outside the GatheringGrounds, directing vehicles to the empty back half of the old feed store. Hickory Falls townspeople had gathered to help unload and organize the supplies. Gwen took charge like a seasoned general, her clear voice cutting through the winter night as she directed the delivery with precision.
Watching the organized chaos around her, Cammie felt a lump rise in her throat. This wasn’t just Allen calling in favors. These people wanted to be here, wanted to help—it was more than an act of kindness. It was a declaration of acceptance. For the first time in years, she felt like she belonged. The idea of being part of something like this—a community that truly cared—was foreign to her, but she found herself wanting to lean into it. She could get used to this. She looked forward to earning her place among their ranks.
Amid the bustle, a towering man with a thick beard and bulging muscles approached. His imposing size making Cammie hesitate for an instant. Allen waved him over with an easy grin.
“Cammie, meet Eric Stoll, my old Army Ranger staff sergeant,” Allen said, his tone carrying a note of respect. “He’s a big reason Hickory Falls runs as smoothly as it does.”
Eric extended a massive hand, his voice gruff but kind. “Nice to meet you, Cammie. Zach told me about the new florist in town. Let me know when you’re up and running so my Sarah can receive the first order.”
“I’ll hold you to that,” Cammie replied, her smile softening as she realized his intimidating demeanor hid a genuine warmth.
Allen turned to her with a playful wink. “Told you I’d solve your problems. Inventory stored and your first client. Boom,” he said, making an explosion gesture with his hands.
Cammie nudged his arm. “You’re such a child,” she teased, but her smile showed her gratitude.
Soon, Cammie learned that many of the men helping—Allen, Eric, Zach Harrington, and others— shared a military background and were now part of the region’s search-and-rescue team. Gwen’s roommates, Harper and Becky, along with Max’s wife, Ellen, pitched in as well, their laughter and friendship adding to the lively and loving atmosphere of the evening.
By the time the last box was unloaded and everyone began to disperse, Cammie felt as though she’d met half the population of Massachusetts. The warmth and camaraderie left her overwhelmed, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. She blinked rapidly, trying to compose herself, but Allen noticed.
He stepped close, his arm slipping around her shoulders comfortingly. “You okay?”
She leaned into his side, letting the strength of his presence steady her. “I just… I don’t even know how to thank you. Or anyone else. This is more genuine kindness than I’ve ever experienced in my life.”
Allen’s voice was low and steady. “You don’t need to thank us, Cammie. This is what friends do. You have friends here—in Hickory Falls and the extended mountain community. You’re not alone. Not anymore.”
His words hit her square in the chest, and before she could stop herself, she wrapped her arms around him in a fierce hug. Allen froze for a split second, then sank into the embrace, his arms circling her as though it was the most natural thing in the world. Her head tucked perfectly beneath his chin, and for a brief moment, the chaos of the evening melted away.
When they parted, Allen’s determination solidified. He would do whatever it took to win her heart.
As Cammie climbed into her car, she glanced back at him, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Goodnight, Super Allen.”
He chuckled, watching her drive away. “Goodnight, Cammie. I’ll see you tomorrow.”