by Joan Kilby
“I was just doing my job. You went above and beyond, and we all appreciate it.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek to loud catcalls, then presented him with the framed certificate.
Angus’s vision blurred as he looked down at the award. This evidence of acceptance by his hometown almost meant more to him than achieving first place at college.
“Thank you, Brianna, Mayor, everyone. Thanks to my crew, including John’s guys, who made it possible. I’ve been away a long time.” His voice wobbled and he had to take a deep breath to steady it. “But I’ve never forgotten Sweetheart or anyone in it. I was grateful for a chance to give back to Gordon and to the town that nurtured me and my mom. Thank you all.” He held up the certificate. “This is really special.”
He turned to Brianna and gave her a one-armed hug, pressing his mouth against her temple. One person in the audience stood, then another, and another. Soon, the whole crowd was on their feet in a standing ovation, the noise of applause deafening. His mom was in the front row, eyes misty, smile as wide as her face. His throat filled. It hit home to him how hard it would be to leave his friends and family again just as he’d renewed his connection to the town. And how hard it would be to ask Brianna to leave after seeing how she thrived here, and how beloved she was by the people of Sweetheart.
“Angus.” Brianna placed a hand on his upper arm. “Are you okay?”
“I wasn’t expecting an award,” he said, still fighting the surge of raw emotion. “Caught me off guard.”
“You deserved it.” She squeezed his arm and then she stepped aside at Mayor Kimble’s approach.
“You’re a credit to the town,” the mayor said and shook Angus’s hand. Turning to the audience, he held up his hands to quell the applause. “If you’d all like to go outside, we’ll begin the tree planting ceremony.”
Slowly the crowd started filing out of the front doors. As his rush of emotion receded, Angus knew he had to stick to his plan. He’d spent five years working toward getting his education and his reward was a high-powered, well-paying job that would allow him to ask Brianna to marry him. Finally, he was worthy of her. He pressed the ring beneath his shirt. Tonight he would offer it, and himself, to her.
*
Brianna joined Angus and the rest of the townsfolk behind a barrier protecting the newly laid turf to watch the tree planting ceremony. She stood close to Angus with her arm brushing his, taking pleasure in his warmth and nearness. She was proud of him, and proud of what she’d achieved, but also relieved that their duties were over.
Mayor Kimble and the Japanese contingent stood in front of a pre-dug hole. The horticulturist carefully removed the plastic from the root ball, snipped at the ends of the roots with a pair of secateurs, and lowered the sapling into the hole. He then backfilled it with dirt and then carefully tamped down the surface with his hands.
Mayor Kimble produced a bronze plaque written in English and Japanese with the date and the name of their sister town in Japan. It would be seated at the base of the tree. He explained this to the crowd and the man from Kalispell translated it to the visitors who bowed and smiled some more.
“Folks, that concludes the formalities,” Mayor Kimble said. “We’ll be having a barbecue a little later on, followed by a dance here at the hall. Please keep to the paths to protect our new lawn and make use of the picnic tables in the park next door.”
The crowd began to disperse.
Brianna glanced up. The western sky had cleared. “I’m glad the rain held off.”
“Now that we have no more official duties, you’re mine for the evening,” Angus said. “I’ve got a blanket in my car. Let’s find a spot on the grass while we wait for the barbecue.”
“I’ll be with you in a few minutes,” Brianna said. “The mayor wanted to talk to me after the ceremony. I won’t be long.”
Angus headed back to his truck and Brianna went in search of the mayor, walking past where the Rotary Club were firing up barbecues, and into the hall where chairs were being rearranged and tables set up. In the kitchen, the Ladies’ Auxiliary was unwrapping salads and pies and putting corn cobs on to boil.
She finally found the mayor in the furnace room where he was inspecting the workings of the instant solar hot water system. “Hi, Jerry. You wanted to see me?”
“Ah, Brianna,” he said. “Congratulations on a very successful festival. You did a wonderful job of pulling everything together.”
“Thank you, but I didn’t do it alone. I had a lot of help, especially from Sarah.”
“It was your idea, and your enthusiasm that drew everyone in and made it happen.” Mayor Kimble poked his head out of the door to make sure they couldn’t be overheard, and then turned back to her, his expression serious. “I’d like you to consider running for town council next year. I’m running for mayor again and I’d love to have you on my team.”
Brianna was stunned. “I don’t know what to say. I haven’t considered running for local government.”
“I understand you’re interested in green technology,” Kimble went on. “I’m an engineer and I think it’s high time our little town made the leap into the twenty-first century, became a role model for the county—heck, for the whole state. You could have a lot of influence.”
“I do have ideas about what we could do as a town,” she admitted. “I even have some plans I’ve drawn up for the tourist information office that could be adapted to other public buildings.”
“That’s exactly the kind of initiative we need in Sweetheart,” the mayor said. “So will you do it?”
“Can I think about it and let you know?” Brianna said. “I appreciate you asking me. It’s a big vote of confidence.”
“Well deserved. I hope we can work together in the future.” He shook her hand. “Now, let’s join the others.”
Dazed, Brianna searched for Angus and found him on a blanket near the shore. Her parents, his mom, and John Coates were seated at a nearby picnic table.
“What did the mayor want?” Angus said, handing Brianna a cold drink as she sank onto the blanket.
“Nothing, really,” she said evasively. “He just congratulated me on the festival.”
She didn’t want to spoil the evening by talking about work. And she needed time to think things through, figure out what she wanted to do. If Angus went to Sacramento and she ran for council in Sweetheart, they would be separated again, who knew for how long? She had a feeling he would encourage her to follow her dreams just as she’d done for him five years ago.
“Everything okay?” Angus asked, still watching her.
“Of course.” She smiled reassuringly. “I’m just hungry. Let’s see if the hamburgers are ready.” Without waiting for an answer, she got up and headed over.
Angus followed and thankfully didn’t return to the subject. They lined up for burgers, piled their plates with salad, and came back to the blanket.
“I’m glad to see that John Coates and my father seem to be getting along,” Brianna said, keeping her voice low. “Funny John never married. I wonder if he still has a thing for my mom.”
“He sees himself as a ladies’ man so maybe he enjoys playing the field.” Angus paused, a dill pickle slice halfway to his mouth. “In fact, is he flirting with my mother?”
Brianna chuckled. “Wouldn’t that be something if your mom married him? Your boss would be your stepdad.”
“I’m not sure I’d want that. Coates is manipulative.” Angus told her how his job offer had come about.
“So, does that mean the job isn’t real?” Brianna asked.
“No, it’s real enough. He wouldn’t have hired me if he didn’t want me. I just don’t like that he had another, hidden agenda.” Angus let a beat go by. “Was the mayor asking you to renew your contract?”
“No work talk!” she said. “We’ve earned a break. Time to shut down the old computer.” She pretended to flip a switch on his brain.
Angus let his head fall and shoulders sag.
“
Don’t shut down completely.” Laughing, she shook him awake again. “Tonight we’re going to go to the dance, have fun, and enjoy ourselves. Party and laugh and have a few drinks.”
“All right, if that’s what you want,” Angus said.
Brianna smiled at him, pushing aside the ache in her chest. If he was going to ride off into the sunset again, then she wanted their last evening together to be a good one.
*
Brianna stood in front of the mirror and fluffed her curls with her fingers. After the barbecue, she and Angus had gone to their respective homes to shower and change. Brianna put on a puff sleeve, midriff-baring top and a short, flaring skirt with ankle boots.
Hearing Angus’s truck in the driveway, she went to open the front door. The evening air was refreshed and balmy, scented with pine and cherry blossom.
She leaned on the porch post and watched him walk toward her. His dark hair was slicked back, and he’d changed into a jacket and a button-down shirt over snug jeans and boots. He was holding something in one hand.
“Hey, cowboy.” Her heart beat a quick-stepping rhythm and every sense she possessed came alive.
“Evening.” He stopped at the bottom of the steps, his gaze soft as he looked up at her. “You look enchanting.”
“Because you put a spell on me.” Then she laughed because it sounded so corny. It was true, though, she could almost imagine he was a prince in an old-fashioned fairy tale, come at last to claim her as his princess.
“This is for you.” He held out a corsage of pink silk cherry blossoms. “Real blossoms would have been nice but the petals fall off too easily.”
“It’s lovely.” She walked down one step. “Pin it on?”
His long fingers were scarred and callused after three weeks on the tools but dexterous as he slid the pin through the white cotton above her heart. His dark lashes were cast down to concentrate and she could study his face close-up. The chiseled features, the strong brow and jaw. Oh, Angus.
“I’m looking forward to having a whirl tonight,” he said as he opened his truck door for her. “I haven’t been dancing since we won that competition in Billings. Our sashay down Swan Street doesn’t count.”
“I’m probably a bit rusty, too,” she said. “I haven’t danced much since Billings, either.”
“We’ll have to make up for lost time.”
Lights were blazing in the community hall when they arrived. Country music was blasting and the front doors wide open. People mingled on the lawn outside the barricaded new turf or sat at tables inside against the wall. On the dance floor a handful of couples two-stepped around the room.
“The clouds are back,” Brianna said, looking up. In the distance was a low rumble of thunder.
Angus shrugged. “We’ll be inside.”
They went in and found a table, claiming it by throwing their jackets over the backs of empty chairs.
Angus held out his hand to her. “Dance?”
Brianna put her hand in his and followed him out, excitement putting a swing in her hips and a spring in her step. Angus took her by both hands and twirled her around, before walking her backward, then spinning again. They fell into their old rhythm as if it had been five days instead of five years. His smiling face was her focus as they spun and twirled, stepped, and dipped. Angus dropped in his trademark splits and popped back up, a move that had those watching break out in spontaneous applause.
“Show off!” Brianna said, grinning.
“You love it.” He grinned back.
She did, and she couldn’t get enough. They danced to three more songs, paused long enough to gulp down a cold beer and catch their breath, and then they were on the floor again to a western swing. His hands were deft and sure at her hips as he spun her this way and that. With his arm around her waist, and his thigh pressed against hers, their hips swayed as they sashayed forward, side by side.
Brianna was breathing heavily by the time the band took a break after promising to return in half an hour.
“I’m so hot!” Brianna said, flopping into a chair. She fanned her face and lifted her ponytail away from her neck.
“Another beer?” Angus asked her.
“Yes, please,” Brianna said.
“Beers are on me for you two tonight.” Mayor Kimble plunked two cold longnecks on their table. He cocked a finger at Brianna and winked. “Don’t forget to think about it.” He moved off before she could say anything.
“What’s that about?” Angus said.
“Work. Not talking about it tonight, remember?” Brianna tipped the bottle to her lips and let the cold tart liquid slide down her parched throat.
“Is that Daniel Hunter, the football player?” Angus nodded at a man surrounded by young guys looking for an autograph. Women of all ages were just looking.
“Yep. He’s Sarah’s late husband’s brother.” Loyal to her friend, Brianna was prepared to be disgusted by this legend in his own mind, but Daniel was politely trying to deflect the women’s attention and sign footballs for the boys. Sarah might have been a bit hard on him. Was there more to her antipathy than she was letting on?
Daniel’s gaze scanned the room every few minutes. If he was looking for Sarah, he would be disappointed. Jeffy had a slight fever so Sarah was staying home.
“Great job on the build, Adams.” Blake clapped a hand on the other man’s shoulder, as he swung into a chair at their table. “Mind if we join you?”
“Please do.” Brianna moved her purse so Hayley could sit next to her and gave her cousin a hug.
“You guys were amazing on the dance floor,” Hayley said.
“It feels good to blow off steam,” Brianna said. “It’s been a fun but intense three weeks.”
“Sure you can’t stay longer?” Blake asked Angus. “I could use a young gun like you to help with the ranch project.”
“Sorry, no can do.” Angus swigged his beer. “I’ve only got a couple more days and I’m off.”
Brianna was chatting to Hayley but one ear was tuned in to the men’s discussion. Was it her imagination, or had Angus sounded regretful just now? Was there any chance Blake could change Angus’s mind about taking the Sacramento job? What would induce him to stay in Sweetheart?
“I hear you got your dad and John Coates to be friends again,” Hayley said, drawing Brianna’s attention back to their conversation.
“Seems that way,” Brianna said. “I hope it lasts. Is Aunt Joyce here tonight?”
“She’s sitting with your mom and dad,” Hayley said. “And John Coates.”
“Look out, Angus, your mom has competition,” Brianna joked, adding to Hayley, “Coates was chatting up Audrey earlier.”
“He’s not my mom’s type,” Hayley said. “Perfect for yours, though,” she added to Angus with a grin. “He builds houses, she sells them.”
“Let’s not matchmake my mother, please.” Angus held up his hands to ward that off. “At least not with my boss.”
“All in the family,” Blake quipped. “Almost as good as marrying the boss’s daughter.”
“Blake,” Hayley warned.
Brianna caught Angus’s eye and they exchanged an embarrassed glance. Blake had always teased her as if he were her big brother.
“Too soon?” Blake persisted. “You two need to issue a press release. Are you still broken up, or are you getting back together? It’s hard to tell.”
“Blake, honey, are you deaf?” Hayley said.
“Brianna knows I’m kidding, right?” Blake said. “I wouldn’t say anything intentionally hurtful. I’m sorry if I touched a nerve.”
“We’re friends,” Brianna said. “We’ll always be friends, won’t we, Angus?”
“You got it, babe.” He lifted his beer bottle to her.
What else could they say? Brianna’s bright mood dimmed a bit. Probably Blake felt he could joke around because he’d taken her at her word that Angus meant nothing to her anymore. She’d done too good a job at convincing everyone that they were just frien
ds.
“It’s hot in here. I think I’ll get some air.” Brianna grabbed her purse and jacket and headed for the side exit.
Outside, she walked down to the lake, light dappled by the rising moon. Cool air flowed over her heated skin. That kind of teasing and speculation about her and Angus’s relationship was exactly what she hadn’t wanted to happen when Angus came back to town. She didn’t even know where they stood. Yes, they were friends, and always would be, but she wanted so much more—love and children, a home of their own.
“Are you okay?” Angus came to stand beside her.
“I’m fine. Just annoyed at Blake.”
“Forget it,” Angus said. “He didn’t mean any harm.”
“I know, but still.”
“If it’s any consolation, Hayley was kicking him hard underneath the table.”
Brianna chuckled and relaxed. Angus always managed to make her see the funny side.
“Friends, huh?” he said, his expression blank.
She threw him a quick glance, unable to decipher his tone. “Anything wrong with that?”
“Of course not.” He smiled. “Why don’t we go look at the cherry blossoms? Will said he was keeping the lights on until midnight for anyone who wanted to walk through.”
“That’s a great idea.” Brianna linked her arm through his.
Chapter Fourteen
“Wow,” Brianna breathed.
Fairy lights woven through the bare branches of the cherry trees illuminated the blossoms and turned the entire orchard into a sparkly wonderland.
“It must have taken Will days to do this,” Angus said in a hushed tone.
“I put in a call to the high school football team. They were happy to help string the lights,” Brianna said as they slowly strolled the grassy path between the trees.
The air was humid with the impending rain but still surprisingly warm for this early in the year. The scent of the blossoms was faint but fresh. His hand brushed hers and then his warm, rough fingers enveloped hers. The atmosphere crackled with electricity.
“You’re amazing at organizing people.” Angus gave her an amused but admiring glance. “Must be your superpower.”
