Chapter 29
My eyes flutter open as sunlight creeps through red curtains. I blink, trying to remember where I am, and my gaze finally lands on a heart-shaped pillow on a nearby couch, which is the perfect reminder.
I chuckle. With the inn’s manor house fully booked with my mother’s advance team and press pool, I’ve been assigned to stay the night in Mystic Hollow’s Honeymoon Cottage, which is isolated and away from the frenzy. And a location that Shaw and Nessa prefer.
Sneaking out of a tiny cabin—with a team of agents monitoring every inch—is not an easy feat. Not that I was planning on going anywhere after my dance under the stars with Gabe.
I smile, recalling how we spun and swayed beneath the night sky, then collapsed on his blanket to gaze at the stars.
My bed jiggles as my sister hops on. Elle is wearing the sneakers I should’ve been wearing last night. “If you’re going to do a grand gesture, at least wear the proper foot attire.”
I give her the stink eye. “I couldn’t focus on anything other than getting to Gabe.”
This earns me a croon, plus a “that is sooo romantic” from her. I give my sister a glance and realize she’s already dressed for the day. “Why didn’t you wake me up?”
She twirls a strand of her hair. “You looked like you needed your beauty sleep after a late night.” I throw a pillow at her. “Elle! We have a lot to do.”
A knock on the cabin door interrupts us. “Don’t open the door,” I tell Elle. “I’m not ready for visitors.” She rolls her eyes and does the exact opposite of what I’ve asked.
Tita Karra smiles in the doorway. “Goodness, I miss you two. The manor house is so loud.”
“How is Ruby doing?” I ask as she walks in. “I hope it’s not too much for them?”
“Are you kidding? The two of them are happier than I’ve seen them in a while. It’s been a long time since their hotel has been fully booked.”
Her hands land on her hips. “Abby, how come you’re not dressed?”
“Tita, she had a late night,” Elle teases.
Someone clears their throat. My heart leaps seeing who it is. “Hope I’m not interrupting?” Gabe asks in the doorway. He’s carrying a tray of coffee and a box of doughnuts. Elle’s eyes light up.
“Mayor Lee is here and brought some treats,” he says as Elle takes the food off his hands. Behind him are Jaisha and Billie, holding more goodies.
The twins look supremely apologetic as they duck their heads inside. I gesture for them to join us inside the cabin. Billie enters first. “We’re so sorry about Kyle and the photos.”
“It wasn’t your fault,” I say.
Jaisha shakes her head. “We’re sort of responsible. I mean, I am. I’d been egging Kyle on about being a one-hit wonder and I probably reminded him about having access to Gabe’s cloud during a nasty staff meeting.”
Billie arches a brow. “Probably? You said Gabe’s newspaper folder had more talent after one semester than Kyle did his entire life.”
Jaisha shrugged. “Well, it’s true.”
I chuckle. “It’s all good. I think things ended better than could be expected.” I glance at Gabe, whose dazzling smile melts me.
Jaisha makes an ooh la la sound. “Does that mean things with you and Oliver are over?”
“There never was a me and Oliver,” I tell them.
Billie hides a grin behind her hand while Jaisha leans in. “Really. How would you like to clear the record with me—with an exclusive interview?”
“Jaisha,” Gabe warns.
She shrugs. “Thought I’d try.” She nods at her twin, and the two of them leave to join the other volunteers.
I peek out the door and feel my chest tighten with happiness.
Marge is already at work, guiding volunteers as they set up tables, and even her partner, Mayor Lee, chips in.
Mrs. Rey arranges her flower display with Pat’s help.
Mike is assembling the ice cream and biscuits food booth.
My heart swells at the sight—so many familiar faces from Mystic Hollow, people I’ve worked alongside, now woven into the fabric of this town I’ve come to love.
Tita Karra taps my arm. “You’ve made your mark on this town, anak,” she says. “And you’ve made some good friends.” She leans close so only I can hear. “Maybe he’s more like a star than a firework,” she says.
My cheeks flush, recalling Tita’s analogy—a romance that burns steady like a star or explodes and disappears like a firework. “He’s my North Star,” I reply.
Elle runs out the door as she shouts, “They’re here.”
Tita winks at me, then pats Gabe on the shoulder as she follows my sister. “Looks like the Darbys made it,” she says. I glance at Gabriel—he nods, even looks happy to see Oliver’s family helping with the jubilee.
After a tense call from my mother, Oliver’s family—eager for any sign of peace after what looked like a falling-out between me and Oliver—jumped at the chance to help.
My mother agreed to focus her economic priority speech specifically on her rural and small towns initiatives in Mystic Hollow, where she would highlight her plans for small business owners, like the Calabreses, and one idea inspired by me.
As part of her visit, she would stay at the Darby family’s Commander Resort on July third for photo ops and meetings, then deliver a speech at Gabriel’s inn the morning of July fourth to kick off the jubilee festival.
In return, Oliver’s family agreed to let the Calabreses host the daytime Fourth of July festivities, while their resort would host the evening fireworks celebration. It’s a win-win for both businesses and the entire community. But right now, there’s only one community member on my mind.
I wrap my arms around Gabe’s waist. “This is amazing, but there’s still a lot of work to do.”
Gabriel’s eyes are half-hooded as his leans forward, angling for a kiss. “I’m sorry? What work?”
I giggle and push him away. “Gabriel, focus.” I pull out my phone to show him my list. But instead of looking at my list, he swipes a finger across my screen to lock it. Then he pulls me close. “I have a suggestion. Maybe you don’t use a checklist for this event?” He grins.
I feign anger. “Gabriel, one of my mother’s talking points—inspired by me, by the way—is an initiative to get more young people to volunteer in local communities. I can’t blow off my duties if she’s making me an example.”
He chuckles. “Fine, how about a compromise?”
I tilt my head. “Okay, I’m listening.”
“We complete another item off your list.” He steps close. The heat from his body and glow in his eyes are an unfair negotiating tactic as I match his step forward.
“Two items,” I counter.
He throws his hands up. “Okay, two items. But I get one more photo shoot for my portfolio,” he says, his eyes twinkling.
“Another photo shoot? Gabe, we only have twenty-four hours before the jubilee.”
He intertwines our fingers. “It won’t be until late tonight.” He pulls me close. “You’ll need to meet me at the tree swing.” I shiver with delight. Posing in the same place as his grandparents’ famous photograph would be an honor.
“You have a deal,” I say as I sigh into our kiss.
Like our photo shoot that night on the tree swing, the jubilee the next day is a sweet success. My mother’s visit to Mystic Hollow attracted people from all over the state and even across the borders, with some very loyal pie eaters for our Fifty States Pie-Eating Contest.
Though our celebrity chef fell through for the contest, everyone seemed to enjoy his replacement, my father, who had no problem describing himself as an amateur baker, in addition to being a First Gentleman and a former astronaut. #Lifegoals.
The small businesses and every member of the Main Street Makers Business Council were thrilled to meet my mother, especially Marge, who promptly declared herself president of her fan club.
And for Elle, the crowning achievement was beating me and Oliver at a game of Frog Launch on the midway, but not before shamelessly flirting with the boy running the game.
I purse my lips as Elle waves away the stuffed bear in the boy’s hand and points at the prizes behind him.
Oliver chuckles. “Apparently, her large panda stuffy needs a large frog friend.”
I smile at my bestie, who’s wearing his familiar country fair outfit—khakis and a fitted cornflower-blue polo that doesn’t hide his athletic build.
He looks every bit the part of the dashing vice president’s son.
I decided to go a little off script today with my white cutoff shorts and sneakers.
I toss my rubber frog in the air. “One more game? I see a large dolphin stuffy on the prize board calling our name.”
He laughs and puts his hands in his pockets. “Nah, I’m good, Abby. I mean, I did get to swim with real ones while you were shoveling a ton of horse sh—” I elbow him in the ribs and he joins my giggles until he abruptly stops.
I follow his gaze and see Gabriel in full photographer mode, grinning as he takes photos of a mom and her baby wearing the cutest red-white-and-blue dress and headband.
Oliver tilts his head. “Not a bad way to meet constituents,” he says thoughtfully.
His face melts into a full-on smirk as he teases me.
“Or just be an active and caring member of the community,” I retort.
He sits on the game counter, so we’re eye level. “Have you seen the latest headlines about you?” he asks.
I cover my face. “No. I’m making more news? Are they angry we’re not together?” I remove my hands slowly and gaze at him. “Are you angry?”
His body stiffens, but I know that twitch he does with his mouth when he’s holding back a smile. He holds up his phone so I can read the headline: “First Daughter Puts Community First.” My eyes tear up as I read on about being a “vital voice for young people.”
Oliver chuckles. “Seems you’ve changed the narrative with your volunteer work here. I’m glad they’re talking positively about you and not focusing on us as a couple. Takes some pressure off, doesn’t it?”
I nod. “I have to show Gabe this. He’ll be proud to see our work being praised.” I pause to give my friend a hug before running off. We don’t need to say anything further, thanks to our best-friends mind-melding abilities—we both want the other to be happy.
“I’m good, Abby,” Oliver says, pulling away.
“And I’m starting to see the appeal of Mystic Hollow.
” He nods behind me. I twist to see Kyle and the twins enthusiastically waving at him to come join them, water balloons gleaming in their hands.
I arch a brow at him. “You sure you’re going to stay here and not come to my mom’s party? ”
He stands up like he’s about to make a declaration. “Absolutely. It’s the Commander’s inaugural fireworks show. I’m happy to represent my family. And besides”—he nods in Gabriel’s direction—“better him than me dealing with your two left feet on the dance floor.”
He walks away and grabs a couple water balloons from Kyle’s bucket. I debate whether to tell them that Oliver is a star quarterback, but I’m sure Kyle will learn the hard way.
“You guys going to be okay?” I find Gabriel standing not far away. A look of hesitation in his eyes. I don’t hesitate as I wrap my arms around his neck.
“Totally. Besides, Oliver’s never had a hard time making friends.” I nod behind me, where he’s clowning around with Kyle and the twins.
I grab my phone and find the article Oliver showed me.
Gabe skims it, and I watch a smile spread across his gorgeous face.
“You did it, Abby. And I agree, you are an inspiration, and not just for young people.” I shriek as he lifts me in the air and spins.
I stretch out my arms, close my eyes, empty my mind of any worries or cares. And enjoy a perfect summer day.
Later that afternoon, an ecstatic Ruby closes out the carnival with a heartfelt thanks and the exciting announcement that the jubilee has had its largest attendance ever—and the inn is officially booked for the rest of the summer.
I laugh as I experience the largest group hug ever as Elle, Tita, Marge, and several others cheer.
Ruby also graciously invites all the guests to watch the fireworks show at the Commander later this evening, and I know that’s the cue for me and my family to head back to DC for the party back at the White House.
As we head to Mystic Hollow’s regional airport, we find Marge, Mayor Lee, Pat, and Mike waiting for us on the tarmac.
Each one of them gets the biggest bear hug from me, followed by Gabriel, Elle, Tita Karra, and Ruby like a conga line of well-wishes before our group boards the plane.
As I embrace each of my new friends, I promise a special tour of the White House and my return to Mystic Hollow for their pumpkin festival.
Pat hands me a bag. I giggle seeing the Abby Special printed on the to-go container. “It’s official. You’re part of Mystic Hollow,” he says.
Smiling, I glance at Gabriel. “I already feel that way for more reasons than one.” I hold up my ice cream container and our group says “brain freeze” as we pose for Gabe’s camera.
As we settle on the plane, I smile to myself as Elle acts as tour guide and flight attendant for Ruby and Tita Karra.
I cozy up beside Gabriel and he whispers in my ear, “I was wrong.”
I smirk. “Let me count the ways,” I tease.
But he ignores me as his copper eyes hold mine. “You do belong in Mystic Hollow.” I lean my head on his shoulder and we watch the world grow smaller outside our window.
It’s a short flight from Mystic Hollow to DC, so I plan to savor every minute with Gabe before my mom’s big Fourth of July party.
My dad’s voice pipes over the plane’s speaker. “Folks, looks like we’ve got a special treat. We’re going to fly through some early fireworks shows.”
Our group gasps as we look outside the plane’s windows. Bursts of light brighten the ground below as our plane flies through orange-and-pink sunset-kissed skies.
Gabriel’s hand wraps around mine and he doesn’t let go. Not on the plane, not on the dance floor at the White House’s gala, and not when we sneak upstairs to the Residence.
Alone at last, we dance on the Truman Balcony of the White House to the sound of firecrackers and the brilliant bursts of light stretching high into the sky.
I stare at the strong planes of Gabe’s face as the glare of fireworks casts delicious shadows over his cheeks. To think, we only met just a few weeks ago and now here we are, twisting and turning in matching Chuck Taylors. He laughs and asks me what I’m thinking.
“I’m just mentally checking off my bucket list,” I reply.
He laughs. “You know, I might be developing a list of my own you can help me with.”
“Does it involve ordering a pizza?” I tease.
“Oh, that’s definitely on the list, but it’s not the first item.” His voice trails off as he dips his head for a firework-packed, toe-curling kiss.