Everyone had been quiet while he spoke; now they became even more hushed. Like they were all holding their breath.
“You said today that you were the Bayside Blogger,” someone said.
Sawyer nodded. “That’s right, I did.”
Dan grabbed the microphone. “Sawyer Wallace is not the blogger. He lied. He is protecting the real blogger.”
Sawyer didn’t need a microphone. He raised his voice. “Maybe I am. Maybe I’m not. But Dan wanted a name and he got one.”
Dan stalked across the stage, baring his teeth. “I’m offering to save the newspaper. All I want to know—all I deserve to know as a silent partner—is the real identity of the Bayside Blogger.”
“Not at the expense of journalistic integrity,” Sawyer’s dad called.
“Please. We’re not talking about some international headline in the New York Times. This should be a no-brainer. Who is the Bayside Blogger?”
The crowd was reacting exactly as he’d anticipated. They didn’t like being cornered any more than he did.
But what he hadn’t expected was to see Riley walk onto the stage. His heart dropped.
She took a deep breath and faced the town. “I’m the Bayside Blogger.”
Chapter Sixteen
She didn’t look at Sawyer. She didn’t need to. She could feel him staring at her with his mouth hanging open. As soon as she’d stepped onto the stage, his eyes had darkened.
But she needed to do this.
“Sawyer is not the Bayside Blogger.”
Sawyer pivoted toward her. “No, Ri, don’t,” he whispered.
“I am. It’s been me the whole time. I’m the one who’s been writing about all of you.”
A hush fell over the crowd. Every pair of eyes in the house was trained on her. Riley gulped, suddenly feeling very, very uncomfortable. She bit the inside of her cheek as she rocked back on her heels.
No one offered any words. Nothing. No angry tirades. No supportive gestures. Perhaps she hadn’t thought this whole thing through.
Too late to change her mind now. Riley pushed her shoulders back and faced the firing squad, er, her fellow townsfolk.
“You’re the Bayside Blogger?” someone asked.
“Yes. I am.” She wanted to say more, to offer some kind of explanation, but a muffle in the crowd caught her attention.
Claudia was elbowing her way to the front of the stage. When she reached it, she turned back. “That’s not true, either. I’m the Bayside Blogger. I’m the one who’s been writing all those blogs and social media posts.”
Whispering began in the audience as Riley started stuttering. “Wait, no...”
“So am I. I’m the Bayside Blogger.”
Everyone turned to see another member of the Bugle staff who was standing near the closest bar. He raised his glass in salute and took a long chug. “I’ve been following all of you. I get tips every day.”
“No, no, no. You guys don’t have to...” Riley tried again, but no one was paying her any attention. No one except Sawyer, who sidled up to her and grabbed her hand.
She whirled to face him. “Why are they doing this? They don’t have to help.”
“They want to,” he said kindly. “So let them, Riley.”
“They’re all lying,” Carissa called from the back of the room. With Jasper’s help, she climbed up onto a chair. “I am the Bayside Blogger.”
“No, you’re not. You weren’t even in town when it started,” Simone Graves called out, annoyance in her voice. “I am the blogger.”
“Wrong again,” Elle said, joining Riley and Sawyer onstage. Every head in the place swiveled toward her. “It’s me. I’ve been doing it this whole time. Even when I was in Italy. I just utilized the internet.”
“Oh, please. Everyone knows I like to blog and I’ve been gossiping about all of you for years.”
Riley couldn’t keep her mouth from falling open at this latest admission from Elle’s father, Ted Owens. Mr. Owens rarely even attended a Dumont event, let alone talked when he did.
Still, she couldn’t believe what she was witnessing. Every person was defending her. Or did they even realize she was the one telling the truth?
“Sawyer, are they covering for me?”
He leaned close, his breath a whisper on her neck. “I don’t think they even realize that you’re the real blogger. I don’t think they care.”
Elle put an arm around her waist. “They’re protecting this town, Ri. And you’re an important part of this place.”
At that moment, Cam stepped onto the stage and opened his arms wide. “Now, now, I can’t have my fiancée and soon-to-be father-in-law lying on my behalf. Time for me to man up.”
Riley almost choked. Cam Dumont was one of the most masculine men she’d ever met and probably the least likely to even have a Facebook account, let alone know how to write a gossip column.
“I am the Bayside Blogger,” he called out.
People couldn’t contain their amusement at this admission. Whistles and catcalls echoed throughout the space. Cam took a bow and snagged Elle for a long, dramatic kiss.
“He must have had a few drinks. I’ve never seen Cam act so gregariously.” Sawyer grinned.
“This night keeps getting more surprising by the second,” Riley said.
“Sometimes I’m the Bayside Blogger.”
Everyone stopped talking and turned toward Mrs. Dumont. She flung back her head and leveled a bold stare at the crowd. No one dared contradict Lilah Dumont.
“Hey, I’ve tipped the blogger off more than once,” admitted Tony from The Brewside from the middle of the room. “Guess that makes me the blogger, too.”
“You’ve tipped off the Bayside Blogger?” Jasper asked with shock in his voice.
“Hey, I work in the heart of the town. I know all the good gossip.”
“Dude,” Jasper said with a smirk and a head shake.
Dan tapped his finger against the microphone. Apparently he was done with this charade. “Who is really the Bayside Blogger? I demand to know.”
“We all are.”
“The Bayside Blogger is part of our town. And our town sticks together. So don’t think you can come in here and try to rip us apart.”
Riley wasn’t even sure who was saying what at this point. Tears threatened her eyes. She was beyond moved at the loyalty of Bayside.
Mrs. Dumont moved to the center of the stage and reached her arm out. Dan immediately handed over the microphone. “I believe you have your answer, Mr. Melwood. Now, we are going to continue celebrating the Bugle tonight. You are welcome to join us or you are free to leave. Your choice.”
With an expression of defeat, Dan slumped off stage and made his way to the nearest exit, shaking his head. A loud round of applause roared through the crowd.
“Now, Bayside,” Mrs. Dumont corrected them. “Let’s keep it classy.” But she was grinning from ear to ear as she said it.
It definitely took some time, but eventually talk of Dan Melwood, the Bayside Blogger and the very exciting start to this party died down.
“Wow, just wow,” Carissa said as she and Jasper found Riley and Sawyer.
“Tell me about it,” Riley agreed.
Cam and Elle made their way over with champagne for everyone. Well, everyone but Carissa, who enjoyed a large ginger ale in a champagne flute.
“I just love this town,” Elle said.
Riley had to hold in a smirk. She remembered not too long ago when Elle was ready to pull her hair out at the thought of staying in Bayside. Of course, Riley may have been responsible for that attitude since the Bayside Blogger had kinda, sorta made it difficult for her. But in the end, Elle and Cam fell in love, so the end justified the means.
Riley took a moment to glance around at the party. The band was playing. People were dan
cing. Guests were enjoying the drinks and the food.
And she and Sawyer were in love.
Everything was perfect.
“Tell me about the Bugle’s financial troubles,” Jasper said to Sawyer.
Well, almost perfect. For a few minutes there, Riley had allowed herself to forget that there was still one very big problem. The fate of the newspaper hung in the air.
Sawyer must have allowed himself a brief reprieve from his worries, too, because at Jasper’s question his face fell. The smile he’d been wearing slipped away and his eyes narrowed.
But he explained what was happening with publishing and specifically with the Bugle to Jasper. Riley couldn’t help noticing that Elle, Carissa and Cam were all listening attentively, too.
It was bad. The newspaper needed help.
She’d never seen Jasper in business mode before. The usually charming and fun-loving Dumont brother had become serious while he took in every word from the editor. His arms were crossed over his chest. He didn’t ask any questions, only occasionally nodded.
When Sawyer finished, Jasper responded. “What I’d like to know is, why didn’t you come to me sooner?”
Sawyer appeared to blush. “Honestly, I did think of your family. But you’re in real estate. I didn’t think you’d be interested in signing on to the publishing world.” He rocked back on his heels and scrubbed a hand over his face. “Although, you are opening that bookstore on the other side of town.”
Jasper raised an eyebrow.
“It’s official. I’m an idiot,” Sawyer said, as he worked through everything out loud.
Jasper chuckled. “Come with me.”
Carissa placed a hand on Riley’s arm when she wanted to follow the two of them. Carissa smiled and shook her head. “Let them talk.”
“But...” Riley protested.
“But nothing. I filled Jasper in on all of this last night after you told me and Elle what was going on. He was up all night on his computer. I think he has the solution to two problems.”
That was great. Then something dawned on her. “Two problems? What’s the second?”
Carissa remained tight-lipped. After what felt like an eternity, Sawyer and Jasper returned, wearing matching grins.
Riley jumped in front of Sawyer. “What happened?”
“Meet my new silent partner. Mr. Jasper Dumont has agreed to work with me to keep the Bugle going,” Sawyer announced.
Riley let out a long, relieved sigh. It felt like the weight of the world had just lessened. She couldn’t even imagine how Sawyer felt although, the way his eyes were shining, she had a pretty good idea.
“We have some details to work out, but I think that can wait until Monday.” Jasper stuck his hand out and Sawyer didn’t waste time shaking it. “I couldn’t be happier to help such a worthy institution.”
Carissa crossed to her boyfriend and wound an arm around his waist. “What about the other thing, Jasp?”
“Ah, yes.” Jasper placed a kiss on the top of her head. “I probably shouldn’t do this in such a public forum, but since we’re all friends and tonight is a celebration, why not.” He faced Riley. “As you all know, I’m opening a bookstore.”
“How’s that going?” Elle asked.
“Everything is right on schedule, except for one tiny thing. I don’t have a manager. There’s a certain type of person I’m looking for and I’ve yet to find her.” He continued staring at Riley.
Did he think she knew someone to manage a bookstore? In all honesty, she couldn’t wait for the Bookworm to open and planned to spend a lot of time there. How fun to have a place that would sell new and used books. Bayside really needed someplace small and local that catered to the community and—
“Ri,” Sawyer said, amusement in his voice.
“What?” She realized that Jasper wasn’t the only person watching her. Everyone in the group had turned their attention in her direction. “What?” she repeated.
Jasper cleared his throat. “I was wondering if you had any interest in applying for the manager position?”
“Me? You’re kidding.”
Jasper shook his head. “Nope. I need someone who is good with people, who knows the town, who likes reading. I want someone who not only knows books but understands social media and more current forms of communication. I think you might just be that person.”
Riley was stunned. She clasped Sawyer’s arm in excitement. “Ohmigod. Jasper, this is amazing! Of course I’m interested! I’m thrilled that you’d even consider me.”
“I may have told him you recently resigned from the Bugle,” Sawyer added.
“Let’s have lunch this week and talk it over,” Jasper said.
In the matter of a few hours, everything seemed to go from dark to light. Dan Melwood’s threat was gone, the Bugle was saved, and she might have a new career to look forward to.
Then there was Sawyer.
As their friends dispersed to enjoy the party, Sawyer reached for her hand. He led her to the middle of the dance floor and swept her into his arms.
She’d never felt more at home.
“Happy?” he asked.
“Beyond words,” she replied. “I’m just so ecstatic the way everything has turned out.”
“Me, too,” Sawyer said. “Plus, I’ve made a decision. I’m going to take some advice a good friend offered me.”
Riley cocked her head.
“My favorite redhead suggested I learn to evolve. I think she was right.”
“She sounds really wise. And beautiful.”
“She’s both.” Sawyer kissed her. “We’re going to stop printing the Bugle every day of the week. We’re going down to three times a week plus a Sunday edition. Some special editions throughout the year.”
She knew that decision must have been hard for him. At first, it would have made him feel like a failure. But she knew it was the right way to go and she couldn’t be prouder that he’d come around to it.
“You’re going to have some extra time on your hands.” Her arms tightened around his neck. “However will you fill it?”
Sawyer met her gaze. “I’m going to be spending it with my new fiancée.”
Oh. Oh? Oh!
Her hands started shaking as she backed up from him. “What did you just say?”
“Hmm,” he said lazily. “I thought you heard me but I guess not. So let me make it crystal clear.”
Sawyer got down on one knee right in the middle of the dance floor. People stopped dancing and faced them. She thought she saw phones being held up to capture the moment, but she couldn’t tear her eyes from Sawyer. Especially when he pulled something out from his back pocket and she realized it was a ring box.
“Ohmigod,” she exclaimed, her hands flying to her mouth. She was so caught off guard that she barely noticed everyone in the tent was sighing and gasping.
“Now you’re sounding more like yourself. And you know what? I love who you are, Riley Hudson. I love how obsessed you are with The Real Housewives, but that you read Newsweek while you watch them. I love that you never miss an episode of Entertainment Tonight. I love that you’re the Bayside Blogger,” he whispered. “I love that behind all those outrageous outfits you parade around in, you have the biggest heart on the planet. I love how well you know me and how you’ve always been there for me.”
Sawyer coughed.
“I love you, Riley.”
She leaned over and kissed him. “And I love you, Sawyer Wallace.”
“Marry me?” he asked.
She couldn’t stop the smile from blossoming if she’d tried. “Of course.”
Sawyer twirled her around until she was dizzy. Or maybe that was from being so in love and so happy.
The crowd applauded wildly and Sawyer grinned.
“Wait, wait,” she said, fumbling in her
tiny purse. “We have to snap a selfie.” She turned to him. “You’re not going to get away with being camera shy this time, Mr. Editor in Chief.”
As she held her phone up, Sawyer leaned in, wrapped his arms around her and smiled—for real. They took a whole round of selfies showing off her new ring, their matching smiles, and the love that had been steadily growing between them since they were kids. Even as a brand-new bride-to-be, Riley couldn’t help imagining the headlines her own engagement could make for her column! Not that she’d ever write about herself again...
Then Sawyer yelled out, “Can someone make sure to tip off the Bayside Blogger about this?”
Riley laughed as her phone vibrated, the tips no doubt pouring in. Finally, the blogger would have the scoop she’d been waiting on for a long, long time.
Epilogue
What a great start to a new year.
Smiling, Riley crossed to the window of her apartment and hip-bumped Sawyer. Her fiancé. She still couldn’t believe it.
Sawyer’s arm shot out and wrapped around her waist, bringing her snugly to him. The room was dark except for the pretty light emanating from her Christmas tree. Riley never took down her tree until after New Year’s.
They stared out at the bay, aglow with the twinkly lights the town had put up after Thanksgiving. All of the boats were decorated, the large tree still stood in the town square, all of the stores and businesses were illuminated. Most of the town’s residents were down there. She and Sawyer had been in the crowd until ten minutes ago.
They’d eaten dinner at the Boathouse with all of their friends and family. It had been one of the best nights of her life.
Tony closed The Brewside early and joined them for dinner. He joked about not having anyone to kiss at midnight, but Riley suspected there was something deeper under the laughter. Hmm, wouldn’t the Bayside Blogger be all over that one, she thought with a smirk.
Jasper and Cam chastised him for giving tips to the blogger but Tony simply grinned. “I work in the eye of the gossip storm. Besides, I didn’t want the blogger to get any details wrong.”
More reason to love Tony. “Truth in reporting is important,” Riley said.
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