Chapter Thirty-Three #2
“That’s right,” Mayor Nordham added. “Skye Ridge was instrumental in assisting us, and we are forever indebted to you.”
“There is one person in particular whom we’d like to show our utmost appreciation.
This person was instrumental in ensuring that we had materials, connecting us to additional resources, securing volunteers, and providing free marketing.
With her assistance, this went from a nearly canceled gala to the most successful in the event’s history,” Mrs. Lovett announced.
Amariah’s breathing hitched, and underneath the table, she gripped my hand, squeezing it tightly. I squeezed back.
“Not to mention, she is a beautiful young lady with a heart of gold.” Mrs. Lovett smiled. “Without further ado, Mayor Nordham and the city of Ridgeland would like to present a special recognition award to Ms. Amariah Luke. Amariah, please join us on stage.”
We all stood, clapping and cheering loudly for Amariah. When she stood up, she hugged me, wrapped her arm around mine, and I escorted her to the steps and helped her onto the stage. I waited at the bottom of the stairs, watching proudly as she accepted the award.
“Amariah, on behalf of me and the entire city of Ridgeland, we present to you this plaque of appreciation. Your astounding efforts represent exactly what community stands for, and we are grateful to you for all that you’ve done,” Mayor Nordham stated, giving her a quick embrace and handing her the plaque.
Ms. Lovett warmly motioned for Amariah to speak, and she stepped up to the microphone, peering out at the sea of people. When I turned, everyone was on their feet, now giving her a standing ovation. Her mother’s and our friends’ beaming faces were bright with pride as Amariah blew them a kiss.
“Wow.” She cleared her throat. “I’m sorry I don’t have a speech prepared because I honestly wasn’t expecting this at all.”
Amariah stood quietly, closing her eyes as if soaking it all in for a brief moment as she centered her thoughts.
She turned to Mayor Nordham and Mrs. Lovett.
“First, to the mayor and the esteemed members of the Ridgeland Board of Commissioners, I accept this with an honored heart. In the same way our community helped Ridgeland, you all helped us. Skye Ridge shares the same values as Ridgeland. We support local businesses—businesses like Ms. Lucille’s, Sister Johnson’s, and Oak & Bean.
” She pointed to each person from their respective businesses as they beamed with recognition.
“We look out for others in need,” she said, eyeing Koby, who patted his chest and mouthed the words thank you.
“And we provide each other a safe place to land whenever things around us seem to crumble,” she said.
The soft gleam in her eyes found me, warming me to the core as I smiled and acknowledged her words with a slight nod.
“That’s how I was raised, and those values are shared among us all.
Where you all stand Ridgeland Strong, we are built Skye Ridge Tough.
Therefore, I accept this on behalf of the people who assisted me and the residents of Skye Ridge who pitched in without a second thought or complaint.
That’s what the Christmas season represents—bridging the gap among communities, showing up for our fellow man, and loving each other, not just through our ups but through our downs.
That’s the spirit that we can carry, not just this season, but all year long, because we are stronger together. Thank you.”
The entire room had been hanging on her every word, and when she exited the stage, the crowd went up in the loudest thunderous applause of the night. As she took my hand and I guided her down the steps, I bent so that my lips hovered over her ear.
“I’m proud of you, Mari Mar.”
The way she peered at me made my chest swell with a quiet intensity that settled there as if I finally understood what she’d been hoping for.
It was as if that sentiment anchored something inside of her…
a longing between us that had been waiting in the distance to be unearthed.
As we walked back to our seats, we couldn’t keep our eyes off each other.
It wasn’t until the master of the ceremony announced that the servers would begin to bring our plated meals to the tables and the opening of the dance floor that we broke our trance.
The remainder of the night was filled with filling our stomachs with delicious food and drinks, our ears with hearty conversation, and our spirits with laughter.
I watched as Amariah made her rounds, speaking with the different residents in both Skye Ridge and Ridgeland who helped make the event possible, and sharing a dance with her mother on the dance floor.
After a while, her mother glanced over at me and quirked her brow.
I knew that was my cue, and I didn’t skip a beat, homing in on the Bat-Signal.
“Pardon me, ladies,” I said as I approached Amariah and Mrs. Luke. “Do you mind if I have a dance?” I extended my hand toward Amariah.
Her mother patted my arm. “Please. These old bones need a break.”
“You sure, Mama?” Amariah asked, being polite.
“When you get my age, one thing you’ll forever be sure about is needing a break,” she teased, turning to me. “Enjoy.”
I took her place as Nat King Cole began to croon about chestnuts roasting on an open fire, holding Amariah’s right hand in my left and wrapping my other hand around her waist, bringing her close to me as her other hand rested on my chest.
“You know, I don’t think I told you before, but you look very dapper tonight, Mr. Gold,” Amariah said, patting my jacket lapel, her eyes twinkling in the soft light.
“Why, thank you, Ms. Luke. It’s good to know that I clean up well.”
“You can’t tell from all the female onlookers?”
I chuckled before settling my gaze on her. “No. How could I when all I see is you?”
Entranced with each other, our movements slowed as my head bent and hers tilted to meet mine.
The wisps of her sweet breath tickled my lips as they met, landing against each other softly, gently.
For a few seconds, everything and everyone vanished, and all that was present was us.
Our eyes opened slowly, and the realization of what had just happened spread over Amariah’s face.
“Jacob—” she whispered hoarsely.
“Amariah,” I stopped her, clasping her chin between my thumb and forefinger, “let’s just enjoy tonight.”
Rather than respond, she released a soft sigh and melted into my arms, leaning her head on my shoulder. I rested the side of my face against the top of her head, enjoying the feel of her in my arms. That’s how we remained in the quiet silence of each other for the rest of the night.