43. Sydney
“Hey,” Cole says, using a gentle hand to stop me from racing back out the cabin door. “Before we go out there, let’s just breathe for a minute, okay?”
The features of his face come into focus as I zero in on him, calming me from the adrenaline that the grand opening has me running on.
“Just breathe,” he reminds me. “You’ve been going nonstop all day. Don’t forget to stop and take it all in, okay?”
I take a deep breath in, letting my heart rate slow down to an appropriate speed. “Okay. You’re right.”
For the first time all day, I take the time to appreciate this quiet moment. I’m suddenly glad that we needed to run back for the stack of flyers I forgot to grab earlier this morning.
“It’s a big day, Sydney. You should be feeling proud of yourself, not stressed out.”
He leans in to kiss me, and I latch onto him, holding him against me for longer than I’m sure he intended. I just need to feel connected to him for a moment before we go back outside. When he pulls away, my eyes flutter open slowly, feeling notably calmer.
“That’s better,” he says with a wink.
“Okay, I’m relaxed,” I say, looping my arm through his. He leads me out of the cabin, and the live music by the lodge can be heard immediately as well as the general buzz that comes with a large crowd of people all talking at once. Streams of people pass us, going the opposite way to check out the new recreation area, and I smile as they walk past, wishing I could see the reactions of every single person here as they see each area for the first time. If only that were possible.
As we get closer to the lodge, hand in hand, I take Cole’s advice and truly soak it in for the first time today.
All these people are here to enjoy and appreciate the updated Ruby Lodge—the project I poured so much of my blood, sweat, and tears into over these past few months. I can’t count how many people from my past have congratulated me so far today, bringing up memories and stories from when my grandparents were alive and running the lodge. It feels like more than a celebration of a renovation here today. It feels like a celebration of a community in a way. One I’m proud and honored to be a part of.
Cutting through the crowd, we pass the long table where Shirley has her catering set up, and Paul and Blair are helping her serve the food. Blair winks at me as we pass by, and I wave to Laura and Jimmy, who are in the long line for food. I make a mental note to find them later, the next time I feel like I need a break.
On the far side of the property, Neal is running an ATV to shuttle people back and forth to check out the glamping area. I wave to him as Cole and I head up the lodge stairs, past the band, and in the door under the Welcome to Ruby Lodge banner we hung yesterday.
Inside, the dining room is filled to the brim with people. Every chair in the entire room is taken, and there’s a long line at the bar. We reach the corner and wait patiently for Graham and my dad to get the line under control, chatting to ourselves quietly. When Graham comes to our side of the bar, I pass him the fliers.
“I put some at the front desk, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to have some back here too,” I say with a smile. “Just in case anyone asks. It has all the information on the updates we made and the list of new amenities we have to offer guests.”
“Awesome, thanks,” Graham says, a little out of breath. There’s a swirl of both excitement and exhaustion behind his eyes, but I know he loves every bit of today just as much as I do.
“Graham, I hate to do this to you, but I need to get back to your mother,” Dad says, coming up behind him. “I’ve stayed as long as I can for the day.”
“No problem, Dad.” Graham nods. “I hired extra staff for today. They’ll be here any minute now.”
I meet Dad when he rounds the bar, intent on saying a quick goodbye so he can be on his way. Instead, he pulls me in for a long hug before I have a chance to even lift my arms.
“Tell Mom I’ll see her soon, okay?” I whisper as he pulls back.
“You bet I will,” he says, emotion brimming in his eyes. He pushes his lips together as if he doesn’t know how else to articulate his feelings at the moment.
The feeling is mutual.
I pull him in for one last hug, although I plan to say goodbye to him and Mom tomorrow before Cole and I head back down to Minneapolis.
He throws one last wave to Graham, Cole, and me before disappearing into the crowd. Cole is at my side instantly, sending a comforting scrape of his fingers down my arm. Somehow, he always seems to know when I may need an extra dose of comfort.
“Come over here,” he suggests quietly, leading me to the windows. From this corner window, we have a perfect view of the whole crowd outside. He comes behind me, wrapping his arms around my collarbone.
“You did this,” he whispers in my ear, his chin on my shoulder. “I’m proud of you, Sydney Peterson. And I love you.”
I squeeze his arm, feeling the weight of his words in the center of my chest.
“Thank you,” I whisper back. “I’m proud of you too, Cole.”
His arms squeeze me tighter in response, and I twist my neck to look up at him, wanting to look into his eyes. I haven’t been able to get enough of the way he looks when I tell him this next part.
“And you already know I love you too.”
His face softens the same way it always does, and he heaves a slow inhale. I like to believe that the words are healing a small piece of him every time I say it.
He presses another kiss to my lips, and then I straighten, resting the back of my head against his chest. I scan my gaze from side to side, watching the ferry full of people coming into the bay, the kids that are dancing in front of the band, and the people that are pointing out the new bear statue with excitement.
All of it warms my heart, and I find myself feeling exhilarated. For the many memories that will be made here for years to come. For the newfound love that I get to carry with me when I leave. And for once in my life, I’m already looking forward to when I get to come back home.