by Tonya Kappes
Maggie looked at her watch. Damn, Belle was right. How did the time slip away?
“Fine. I’m on my way.” Maggie did a u-turn on the old country road leading to Mitch’s.
Her feelings were going to have to wait. Probably best anyways. The eminent domain case needed to be taken care of first and foremost. Then they could discuss her future as Grandberry Falls attorney, and occupying a piece of his heart.
She tried to call him one more time, leaving a message, “Hey, where are you? What was the big secret you needed to find out? Call me. I want to make sure we have everything for tomorrow morning. I’m going to help decorate for the festival, so call me or stop by.”
Maggie held the wheel with one hand and the phone up to her heart with the other.
She imagined the look on his face when she confessed that she didn’t believe she could live without him in her life.
Everything felt good. Everything felt right. Even if the eminent domain case didn’t go in their favor, she was confident they would make it through just fine.
###
It was ten o’clock at night by the time all decorations were up.
Maggie looked around. The starry sky lit up the night, and the paper lanterns glowed all over the park, and dotted the lake. It took her breath away.
She’d been to this festival so many times that she never realized what all went into making it happen. The table decorations were in place, all the kid games were set up just waiting to be played, and Hazel’s tea stand was ready to serve up the best sweet brew in town.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Hazel embraced Maggie from behind.
“Yes. Amazing.” Maggie patted Hazel’s hands. “Are you worried about tomorrow?”
Hazel grabbed Maggie by the arms and turned her towards her. “No. I know something is going to go our way. I’m not sure what. But something tells me it’s going to be all right.”
They hugged.
Maggie loved being here. She couldn’t imagine not. Too many years had gone by that she wasn’t here, but she was making up for it now.
“Have you seen Mitch?” Maggie asked.
Hazel smiled. “No, but there seems to be a different look in your eye.”
Maggie turned away. She had forgotten how well Hazel knew her.
“Maggie Greenlee, is my wish coming true after all these years?” Hazel clasped her hands together and did a little jig.
“Granny, don’t be ridiculous. I was just curious. I wanted to go over a few things.” Maggie pretended to fix a few of the place settings on one of the picnic tables. She wasn’t about to confess to anything. “Besides, you need to focus all your matchmaking skills on Belle and Butch.”
“Don’t you worry about your sister.” Hazel shook her finger at Maggie. “I’ve got that covered.”
She still needed to talk to Mitch and see if he felt the same way. After all, he’d never told her about his broken engagement.
“Let’s go home.” Maggie suggested. “We have a big morning ahead of us. We need all the sleep we can get.”
Maggie pulled her cell out of her pocket to see if Mitch had called and had missed it somehow. There was nothing there.
She’d have to go to bed on a wing and a prayer that they were going to be able to ‘wing it’ with Patricia. Only Maggie knew all too well that Patricia Van Meter wasn’t coming to town to play nice, she was coming to town to win. And Patricia Van Meter never winged it.
Chapter 36
Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death. ~ Unknown
Today is the day, Mitch thought as he straightened the office the best he could. He had left strict instructions with Susie to be sure to have coffee, Danish items, and other treats for the big meeting.
Everyone in town seemed to realize the day was today. He’d received several phone calls from citizens on both sides of the fence.
“Okay, these are from the Trembling Cup.” Susie rushed into the office. Her wavy hair flying behind her, a tray of pastries in her hands.
Mitch smiled at Susie. He wasn’t use to seeing her dressed up. Everyone was putting their best foot forward.
His thoughts continued to go to Maggie and how he dodged all her phone calls yesterday. She was going to be mad.
“What?” Susie put the tray on the desk.
“You are all fixed up. Not your usual self.” Mitch helped her.
“This is a big day for you, and I’m here to support you.” Susie plugged in the coffee pot and started the brew cycle. “We have twenty minutes. Where in the hell is Maggie?”
“Do we really need Maggie?” Mitch filled up the sugar dish, and put out the cream.
“Um, yes.” Susie nodded her head. “She did work there. Where in the hell is she?”
“I’m right here.” Maggie walked through the door, Hazel trailed behind.
His eyes searched her face, trying to reach into her thoughts. The nagging images of Grady holding her hands made him sick. It was an image he wasn’t able to get out of his head. Her tight skirt gave way to her long slender legs planted in black stilettos. She looked amazing.
Beautiful, he thought looking at her long dark hair pulled neatly back at the nape of her neck. Her bangs hid just the top of her eyes, making her a little more mysterious. She created a want in him that no one had ever done to him.
“And I’m here too.” The woman walked in with a barrage of people. Her blunt black hair, cut just above her chin, didn’t move as she sashayed into the office. She nodded. “Maggie.”
Don’t they have sunshine in New York? Mitch wanted to ask, because he’d never seen someone as pale-skinned in his life. She was gaunt, thin, and rude.
Without a word, Patricia Van Meter and her minions took a seat at the conference table, ignoring the treats.
“Patricia.” Maggie walked over to her former boss. Patricia stood up, nose to nose.
They both looked very New York to Mitch. He secretly thanked Maggie for being there. Patricia definitely intimated him. He had to put the feelings he was having for Maggie aside in order to address the issue at hand.
Maggie and Patricia kissed each other’s cheeks. Mitch walked over.
“Thank you for coming. It’s great to put a face with your voice.” Mitch held his hand out. “I’m Mitch Dozier, and this is Hazel Greenlee.”
“Aww, Maggie’s grandmother.” Patricia’s voice was snide. “Yes, let’s get this little matter taken care of.”
Patricia snapped her fingers. One of the gentlemen jumped up and began talking all sorts of legality with the Pelt Company and eminent domain gibberish that Mitch didn’t understand at all. He glanced over at Maggie who was taking all sorts of notes and nodding her head.
Even through his confusion with the situation, she still looked beautiful. And he hated himself for thinking it.
###
Maggie could feel him staring at her out of the corner of her eye. She kept herself busy by doodling on her paper. She knew how Patricia operated. It always began with legal jargon that no one understood. It was Patricia’s way to confuse everyone involved and somehow talk them into whatever she wanted.
Unfortunately, Maggie didn’t have anything to offer but a piece of property on the other side of town, and then she didn’t know who it belonged to. She was hoping Mitch had found out, but surely he would’ve called her if there was any good news.
Maggie looked over at Mitch, and offered a warm smile. He glared at her. Suddenly she felt weak and vulnerable in his face of anger. She’d been on Mitch’s bad side before, but it never stung until now. He turned away from her.
“So, if you could just sign on the dotted line, all of this can be over.” Patricia stuck the document in front of Hazel. “And I can get back to real business in New York.”
“Don’t touch that, Granny.” Maggie stood up, took the paper, and proceeded to leave the office. “Mitch, I need to see you and Granny out here.”
She heard the scooting of chairs behind her as she left the room. Whe
n the door behind her clicked, she turned around to find Hazel in tears, and Mitch with his arms crossed across his chest.
“Oh, my. She is a nasty woman.” Susie sat behind her desk chewing on a pen top. “Nervous habit.”
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Maggie punched Mitch in the chest with her finger. “Is this how the Mayor operates?”
Maggie stepped back when she saw Mitch’s jaw clinch.
“The mayor is supposed to hear all sides of the argument…” Mitch was interrupted by Hazel.
“I think it’s over. I’ll just sign the papers.” Hazel sighed deeply.
“It’s far from over.” Mitch pulled the blue paper deed out of his pants pocket. “I found out who owns the property on the other side of town, and he wants to offer it to the outlet mall instead of your farm.”
“Mitch!” Maggie threw her arms around him. It was the best news she’s heard all year. “Who is it?”
Her arms flung from around his head when he pushed her away.
“Maggie, this is a place of business, not a high school debate team.” His words were cold and calculating, sending knives into her heart.
“But, Mitch, this is great news.” Maggie stepped back giving him some room. Maybe she was wrong about Mitch. Maybe he had turned into a man she really didn’t know.
“Oh, Mitchell.” Hazel and Mitch embraced, while Maggie stood on the sidelines.
“Who is it Mitch?” Susie whispered, making sure no one could hear her in the other room.
“When I was meeting with Maggie the other day, and she pointed out the land, I vaguely remember something from the reading of my mother’s will about a piece of property that she owned.” Mitch held the deed out for Maggie to take.
She quickly glanced through the two page document.
“You own it?” She hesitated with bafflement. Trying to wrap her head around it, she asked, “Does this mean that we can go in there with the proposed plan we came up with yesterday?”
“Mitch, this means that you will make everyone in Grandberry Falls happy.” Susie wrapped her arms around Mitch’s neck, sending a ping of jealously through Maggie.
“Hold on.” Maggie gently unwrapped Susie’s arms from around Mitch. “Patricia might not go along with this, but it is something they have done before.”
“Hazel?” Mitch looked at Hazel. “Is this what you want? Do you want to save the farm? Or do you want the money?”
Everyone stood there in silence waiting for Hazel to answer.
“Maggie, are you planning on staying in Grandberry Falls?” There was determination in Hazel’s face to get the answer out of Maggie, as if the answer depended on Maggie returning to Grandberry Falls for good.
“Yes.” Maggie took Hazel by the hands, and her features became more animated. “Yes. This is my home. And if the County Attorney position is still open, I’d like to apply for it.”
She turned to Mitch, waiting for a response.
“How does Grady feel about this?” Mitch’s curt voice lashed out at her.
“Grady?” Hazel seemed shocked to hear his name.
“Yes, Grady.” Mitch confirmed, still staring at Maggie.
“Grady has nothing to do with me.” The situation had become clear as Maggie realized that Mitch did see them at the Trembling Cup yesterday.
“It didn’t seem that way to me when I saw you two holding hands and smiling at the Trembling Cup yesterday.” Mitch’s nostrils flared with fury.
“And what about Wendy?” Maggie shot back, and held her ring finger in the air. “Don’t we need to consult with your fiancé? We all know that I’m not engaged.”
Maggie couldn’t hold it any longer. Mitch still hadn’t told her about the engagement being called off and he wanted to know all about Grady, so it was a fair question to ask.
“Grady?” Hazel plopped down in the chair with her head in her hands.
“Excuse me, but have we all forgotten about the evil queen in the other room.” Susie pointed toward the conference room door. “Can we take care of all of this later?”
“Granny,” Maggie bent down the best she could in the tight skirt to get on Hazel’s level. “Grady came back to tell me why he didn’t go through with the wedding. And as much as you hate him, he did me a favor.”
“Uh. I want to hear this.” Mitch leaned against the desk.
“As a matter of fact, he couldn’t go through with the wedding because he could tell that my heart and soul were here in Grandberry Falls. He said that he didn’t want to see me unhappy.” Maggie took Hazel by the hands and helped her to her feet. “My soul is here.”
Maggie turned to Mitch. It was her only shot. And she was going to take it.
“And my heart is here too.” Maggie stood vulnerable. A raw and primitive feeling overwhelmed her.
Susie’s mouth dropped open; she stood speechless.
“I hate to interrupt this little reunion, but I have a noon plane to catch back to life.” Patricia Van Meter stood in the doorway of the conference room, tapping her watch.
“I’m sorry to keep you waiting, Patricia. But we have a new proposal for you and I think the Pelt Company will be in total agreement. If they aren’t, then this can take even more time in the legal system if you don’t sign the proposal today.” Maggie stood her ground against her mentor.
“Maggie Greenlee, are you really going to go up against me?” Patricia voice dripped with sarcasm.
“Yes I am.” Maggie made her way into the conference room, leaving Patricia to follow her in.
“Fine. Hurry up and tell us what you have to say.” Patricia’s eyes narrowed as Maggie took over.
It felt so good going up against someone Maggie had looked up to. Even if it was only going to be this one time in her life, it was still victorious.
And in the back of her mind, she was grateful that after today, she was going to get her life back on track.
Maggie pulled out the map of Grandberry Falls, explaining her plan to use Mitch’s land on the other side of town and why it would benefit everyone involved. Including all the citizens of Grandberry Falls. Plus the interstate was much closer, which would cut down on costs for everyone.
“I think I’ve taught you well.” Patricia signed the hand-written plan that Maggie quickly drew up. “How about coming back to New York?”
Maggie was flattered. A powerful relief filled her. She had just beaten the famous Patricia Van Meter.
She looked at Mitch. There was a deep concern in his dark eyes. It was time to put him at ease.
“Thank you, but I’m going to take the County Attorney position here in Grandberry Falls.” Maggie made sure Patricia had signed the correct spot, and she shook her hand. “Thank you, Patricia.”
“Are you sure?” Patricia gave everyone in the room a suspicious eye. “You are too good to be tied down here.”
Mitch stepped between Maggie and Patricia. “I think Maggie can make up her own mind, and it’s been made up. Don’t you have a plane to catch?”
Patricia cleared her throat and snapped her fingers. Her minions got up and followed her out of the office. When the door shut behind her, the room erupted in cheers.
“Maggie, you were great!” Susie screamed, jumping up and down.
Maggie drew her hands up to her mouth. She couldn’t contain the smile.
“Oh, Maggie.” Hazel embraced her, and then ran her hands across Maggie’s face. “I’m so proud of you. I was prepared to lose the farm. I’ve got to get home and make some calls. I’ve got some farm hands that need to start working on painting the fence, tamping down the gravel, getting the crops ready.”
Hazel grabbed Susie hand and dragged her out of the office leaving Maggie alone with Mitch.
Maggie turned to Mitch and noticed him watching her intently.
“You did great, Maggie.” His voice faded, losing its steely edge.
“Thank you, Mitch.” Maggie stuck her hand out. This was definitely not how she imagined it would be. “I apprecia
te you offering up your land.”
Of course she had gotten him a lot of money, but still. He didn’t have to offer his land for her family.
“Anything for Hazel.” He took her hand, and then stepped forward taking her into his arms. “Anything for you, Maggie Greenlee.”
She breathed lightly between his parted lips. “What about Wendy?”
Even though she knew the answer, she wanted to hear it from him.
“Wendy knew that my entire existence is based on you. She didn’t want to play second fiddle.” He moved his mouth over hers, devouring its softness.
She felt transported on a soft and wispy cloud.
Chapter 37
Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze. ~ Elinor Glyn
Everyone was waiting for them at the Thirsty Turtle to celebrate the victory for Grandberry Falls.
Cheers erupted throughout the entire bar with Hazel leading the toast.
“I just wanted to thank our wonderful mayor, Mitch Dozier, for taking everyone’s feelings into consideration while dealing with such a personal issue. And to my dear sweet, Maggie.” Hazel’s voice cracked. “I’m so proud of you and all the obstacles you have overcome in your life. I’m proud of you and so glad you are home. For good!” Hazel raised her glass in the air as sounds of ‘here, here,’ and glass clinking followed.
Maggie looked around. Belle, Butch, Wendy, Tommy, Susie, Jenna, Liz, and even Beth were clapping with huge smiles on their faces.
She and Mitch stood at the door grinning from ear to ear. But not for long. Mitch gathered her into his arms, held her tightly, and then kissed her right there in front of everyone.
Maggie gave in. With a giddy sense of pleasure she let her happiness show.
“What is that?” Maggie pulled back when she saw his hand dangling over her head with something brown between his fingers.
“It’s the mistletoe from your visit at Christmas.” He smiled ear to ear thinking about her holiday visit and their kiss under the mistletoe. “I didn’t burn it in twelve days.”
“I’m glad you didn’t listen to me.” Maggie kissed him again. She was glad he didn’t burn it. The superstition would come true, and they were going to be together.
