Chapter 37
Harmony
The community center in downtown Granite Falls is finally ready for the fundraiser I set up for Serenity.
No one knows who the cause is for—no one needs to know my sister’s personal business.
Even she still doesn’t realize that I know about the scum that attacked her.
But now that I’m in the right frame of mind and there’s no more threat, I can finally do something for her.
A night of dancing and fun with our neighbors is all we promised for a fifteen-dollar entry fee. The town also donated the cost of the rental fee, so every cent we receive will go straight to Serenity.
Elias steps up beside me and nuzzles my ear. “I think we have a few minutes before people come.”
I sink into him, almost about to give in, but Mr. and Mrs. Milte filter into the scarcely decorated room. Only a few bright pink streamers are placed strategically around, but I didn’t want to waste any money.
“Later,” I mumble back before heading over to greet our first visitors. “Thank you so much for coming.”
Mrs. Milte huffs. “I almost didn’t because you never went to our restaurant so we could properly thank you, but this is a fundraiser, and you know I’m on the committee for raising money.”
I ignore everything implied and say, “Thank you. Elias and I will go later this week.” I turn to my boyfriend—just thinking that still gives me flutters. “Won’t we?”
“Of course.” He tucks me against his side. “We’ve just been so busy.”
Vicki and Kami enter next with John and Sophie on their heels. Lana leads my sister and niece inside. After another hour, at least another hundred people show up. My heart nearly explodes at the community support.
I pick up the microphone left on the table by the speaker.
“Could I please have everyone’s attention?
” The voices slowly quiet down, and all of our guests look at me.
“Thank you for coming. This is a fundraiser close to my heart and will help one of our own, and it means the world to me that anytime a community member needs help, you all show up. I also have a donation jar set up in case anyone wants to give extra. Now let’s party! ”
Everyone cheers, and Abigail, our makeshift DJ for the night, turns up the music. Some of our neighbors dance while some stand around, talking and having a good time.
Elias twirls me onto the dance floor, and I laugh. Now, we can enjoy our time together without a looming threat. John snatches up Sophie and joins us. The four of us interlock arms, and we let loose to the music.
I search out Abigail. She stands near the speaker with her phone in hand. Once this song comes to an end, she looks down and picks a slow song. Winking, she gives me a thumbs-up with her free hand.
Elias pulls me in close, and I stare up into his eyes. He leans down and places a gentle kiss on my lips. My heart still leaps anytime our mouths touch.
Two hours later, everyone leaves. After Elias, John, and Abigail help me finish cleaning, I grab the huge donation jar, which is stuffed to the rim.
Happy tears fill my eyes. Our town is the best and always comes together whenever needed.
It probably isn’t enough to pay off Serenity’s debt, but it’s something to hopefully keep those dangerous men at bay.
And I feel slightly better now that Elias has security cameras set up around her condo.
I motion for my friends and boyfriend to go out ahead of me and for Serenity to wait. She raises an eyebrow in question. Summer comes over, running circles around me. Someone must’ve fed her sugar.
“I held this fundraiser for you.” Before Serenity can argue, I forge on, “I know about your debt and how hard it is to be a single mom. I watched Mom do it. Do not fight me on this. Please, just this once, let me help you.”
Tears well in my sister’s eyes, and she pulls me in for a hug. “Thank you, Sis.” A sob escapes her lips as if it’s been begging to burst free. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I just didn’t want to drag you down with me. I love you so much.”
“I love you, too.” I squeeze her. “But please, stop thinking that way. You’ll never drag me down. All you ever do is lift me up.”