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“Thank you, Walden. I’ll be there first thing on Monday.” I give him my sweetest smile as I turn away and remember the Mayor’s words, We’ll make a politician out of you yet, young lady, and smile to myself.
Maybe we will after all.
Just then, Gigi’s voice comes on over the loudspeaker. “Thank you, everyone, for attending the Welkins Ridge Library’s First Annual Hot Reads Fundraiser!”
I turn amidst the sound of clapping and cheers. Gigi standing in front of the circulation desk, talking into a microphone. She’s flanked by several shirtless firemen and clearly having the time of her life.
She continues. “Now it’s time to meet the heroes of the hour, the Welkins Ridge fire department!”
After telling the crowd that the firemen will be autographing calendars, she introduces each firefighter by name. The cheers and clapping get louder with each name called—and who knew the nice ladies of Welkins Ridge could whistle like that?
The firemen are great sports, each one acknowledging the crowd with waves and blowing kisses as their names are called. A couple of them pull off some short dance moves, edging us ever closer to male stripper territory.
Finally, Gigi calls out, “And last but not least, the man of the hour, without whom none of this would have happened, Fire Chief Jeremy Wainwright!”
Jeremy emerges from the hallway behind the front desk, dressed like the other firefighters in turnout pants and boots, his bare chest covered only with a pair of suspenders. The cheers, clapping, and catcalls get even wilder as he joins the lineup of firefighters.
His handsome face is flaming red, but he acknowledges the crowd with a wave and a smile. Gigi makes a show of pushing Mikey out of the way to make space for Jeremy. Mikey pretends to be heartbroken, and laughter ripples through the audience.
Who knew these guys were so good at putting on a show?
“Chief, I believe you wanted to say a few words?” Gigi hands him the microphone.
“Thanks, Gigi.” Jeremy clears his throat. “The guys and I appreciate the, uh, appreciation.” More laughter. “So, I’d rather fight a fire than pose for a sexy dudes calendar any day. I have to admit, the first time someone suggested doing this, I thought they were a little out of line.”
There’s a twinkle in his eye as it catches mine. Heat rises to my cheeks, partly because I’m being called out, and partly because I’m being called out by a half-naked, very buff firefighter.
Jeremy continues. “But when I asked my guys if they’d be willing to take part in this, they jumped at the chance to raise money for it. Mikey here—” he gestures at Mikey, “the library helped his uncle get a job when he’d been out of work for almost a year. Palmer said his son wouldn’t have passed algebra without the tutoring program. The library helped connect Dillon’s sister with the social services she needed after she was disabled, and it helped Wilson’s mom find out about a grant to go back to school after his dad died.I’ve talked to dozens of people over the last few weeks who had stories about how the library helped them. A good cause is a good cause, and the Welkins Ridge Library is one of the best. Before we start signing calendars, I’d like to acknowledge the lady who has held it all together. Her vision, creativity, and hard work have helped the members of this community out in so many ways—” Jeremy’s eyes meet mine again, serious this time, “And I really, really hope she’ll stick around and run it for years to come because we’re all better off with her here. Everyone, Blaze Wilder, head librarian!”
The applause and cheering are almost deafening. Gigi pulls me up to the front desk. A little shy and a lot choked up, I wave at the crowd. Jeremy offersme the microphone.
For a moment, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to say anything through the happy tears that are threatening to dam up my voice, but I clear my throat and make the effort. It’s the least I can do.
“I wasn’t expecting any of this,” I admit, looking out at the sea of familiar faces. “I’m totally overwhelmed. I know a lot of people contributed to making this fundraiser a success, and I am so incredibly grateful to all of you and to everyone who has supported the library over the years.”
I stop there. There is so much more I’d like to say, so many people to thank, and so much love for my little town to express, but afraid I’ll burst into tears and become completely incoherent if I continue.“Thank you,” I manage. “Now go get your calendars signed!”
There’s more applause and someone—Gigi, I think—takes the microphone. The firefighters move behind the front desk. Calendars in hand, the audience forms a line, and Jeremy gently hustles me away from the crowd.
“How do you feel about this stupid, ungrateful town now?” he asks in a low voice.
My voice trembles. “I love this stupid town more than ever, and I love you. Thank you for doing all this.”
“It wasn’t just me.”
“I know, but it was a lot you, and I’m grateful. And I’m sorry I didn’t have more faith in you.”
“Water under the bridge if you turn down that job in New Orleans.” He’s smiling, but there’s a serious question in his eyes.
“I guess I have to. I still owe you that hot chocolate.” I blink back tears. “My winter just got a whole lot colder, so I hope you have plans to keep me warmed up.”
35
BLAZE
5 months later
There’s a framed photo on the window ledge of Jeremy and me together at Bailey’s wedding. Beyond it, huge, fluffy clumps of snow are falling, thick and fast.
