Tennis in Heels

by Sophie Kaye

  “Good. I hope you have fun.”

  Sam arrived with a big box and Hailey started unpacking more cookies.

  Jessica walked on. She checked every booth and talked to all the salespeople. The rest of the committee were helping with setting up the bonfire and a horse-drawn carriage that would take couples on a tour of the city.

  The gazebo was drowning in twinkle lights and kids were already gathering to watch the festival being set up.

  “Will you have some time off tonight, or are you in work mode?”

  Jessica smiled at the voice behind her.

  Michael stood with a big box of chocolates and a teddy bear.

  He shrugged. “I was going to get flowers, but it's a bit too cold.” He handed her the presents.

  “It's perfect.” She took them and looked around.

  “You have nowhere to put them.” He looked defeated.

  “Well... No.”

  “Maybe I'll just hold on to them.” He smiled. “I'll make sure you get them later.”

  Jessica smiled.

  “Do you need any help?”

  “I think we're all set. There's usually some issues right at the start of a festival, but Bellfrey does this often, so we're getting used to it.”

  “You're not on all the committees, are you?”

  “No, just the Valentine's, and Spring feast. And Midsummer madness. And the Christmas pageant. Oh, and Harvest Feast. That's one of my favorites.”

  “Only those.” Michael smiled at her.

  “I help out with some of the other events too. I like to keep busy.”

  “Will you be too busy for a ride in the carriage later?”

  “I think I can make some time.”

  “Good. I'll see you later, then.”

  Michael kissed her and disappeared with the presents.

  The Valentine's festival was a welcome reprieve every winter in Bellfrey. When the winter nights felt long and the days short, the festival brightened everyone's mood. This year they all came together with an extra reason to celebrate. They had saved the bank.

  While they waited for the bonfire, they gathered around the hot cider and warmed their hands on the mugs. Every year Tammy made her famous cider. And every year, since she was an unruly teenager, her daughter Petra would hide a flask and add some rum to her friends' mugs. Nowadays, Petra had her own station for those who preferred something extra to warm them up.

  Jessica couldn't resist stopping for a nice warm cider, with just a dash of rum.

  “This is great.” She lifted the mug to Petra.

  “Try telling my mom that. She thinks whiskey would work better. I keep telling her it's all about which rum you use.”

  “Well, I like it. I hope you have a good evening.” Jessica put down the mug.

  “You too. Take some time to relax, will you,” Petra said. “I keep seeing you run around like a madman.”

  “Oh, I intend to enjoy myself later on.”

  “WHAT'S GOING ON?” HAILEY said as Sam led her past Jessica.

  Jessica turned towards the bonfire.

  “You might want to watch this.” Michael was standing behind her.

  “You're back.” She smiled at him.

  “Come on.” He put a hand on her back and steered her through the crowd towards the gazebo.

  “What's going on?”

  “Just wait and see.”

  Michael stopped a bit away and took out his phone.

  Sam was leading Jessica up into the gazebo, under the twinkle lights. As if on cue, everyone left them alone.

  Michael was holding out his phone. Jessica wrinkled her eyebrows. He was filming.

  Realization dawned on her as Sam went down on one knee. Bellfrey silenced. The festival held its breath.

  “Hailey,” he said. “Ever since I met you, I can't stop smiling. I always knew something was missing from my life. And I tried so hard to find the pieces that would fill that hole. And then I bumped into you, literally, and you not only made me complete, but you made me better. I want the chance to be a better man at your side. So, I'm asking you...” He hesitated.

  There were some whispers and Sam waved his hand.

  “Aww,” Hailey said and put her hand to her mouth.

  Sage came running into the gazebo, dressed in a red overall and white wings. In her hand, she held a bow and an arrow with a heart.

  She went next to Sam, and he nodded slowly at her. “So, I'm asking you...” he said.

  “Will you mawwy im?” Sage said and held out a box.

  “Oh, yes. Yes, of course, I will.” Hailey's eyes were tearing up.

  “Hew,” Sage said and gave the box to Sam. She ran off to Myra.

  Sam opened the box and took out the ring.

  “Will you do me the honor of letting me be Sage's dad?”

  Hailey nodded.

  Sam placed the ring on her finger and Bellfrey cheered.

  Sage clapped and danced around them as they kissed.

  Michael stopped filming.

  Jessica held a hand to her chest. “That was so romantic.”

  “He's been practicing with Sage for three weeks.” Michael smiled and looked at his phone. “I just need to send this to them.”

  “You knew about this?”

  He winked. “I'm quite a romantic guy.”

  “I can't wait to find that out for myself,” Jessica said and smiled at him.

  Would you like the prequel to the Bellfrey Romance series for free?

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  Amanda is only in town for a short visit before starting her new job as a decorator in Langford.

  Her vacation takes a sour turn when the owner of the Inn finds out that she can't redo his common room.

  Things turn even more desperate for Amanda when she gets a phone call telling her the job is a dud.

  Can she convince the stubborn Inn owner to let her have the job?

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