Page 98 of Small Town Boy

I shove the mic back at Dustin, who takes it, giving me a nod. I return the gesture and turn to go, but he stops me, pulling me into a hug. It’s his own sign of solidarity, and one that’s greatly appreciated.

We release each other, and I make my way off stage, beelining it for the only thing in the world that matters to me.

She’s surrounded by all three girls, Camden, and Winston—my own damn twin still MIA—a smile the size of Georgia across her face, eyes still shiny with tears. At least these are happy ones.

Breaking free from the group, she runs that last few feet to me, and I catch her as she leaps into my arms, twirling her around as if we were in a movie.

“Did you seriously just do that?” she asks, holding my face in her hands.

“Sure did. Honey, you know me well enough to know I don’t say anything unless I mean it.”

Sliding down my body, she laughs, shaking her head. “You told them you’re going to marry me.”

“I did. And I am. Why, you about to contradict that statement?”

“Not at all.”

28

BRONWYN

“So, where exactly were you?” Kenzie asks, eyeing Willa over her cup of hot chocolate.

“I said I was sorry!” Willa lets out an exasperated sigh, repeating her apology for the twentieth time. An apology I accepted hours ago. Nonetheless, the mystery of where she was remains and has piqued everyone’s interest. “Bronwyn has accepted it. Why can’t y’all?”

“Be a lot more willing to accept it if we knew where you disappeared to. Or at least who with,” Sylvie adds.

I choke back a laugh, loving how relentless these two are. Rocking back on my heels, I let out a long, silent yawn. I’m exhausted. Truth be told, I don’t know how I’m still standing. Everyone told me that Thanksgiving was a long, full day of work, but somehow it exceeded my expectations.

Maybe it was because of all the excitement of the morning. Noel’s declaration was certainly unexpected and left the entire town more than slightly off-kilter. Which was fine by me—they needed a little shaking up.

My exhaustion might also have to do with the fact that I don’t think I’ve sat down for more than twenty minutes all day. Noel and I managed to sneak in a couple of kisses during Dustin’s performance, but only a couple. None of it was designed to last very long, since we knew everyone would want to get on with their holiday, which they did, dispersing quickly and allowing us to run teardown as efficiently as possible. Only to promptly start setup over in the town square for the tree lighting.

The only break came when Miss Belle brought us her famous leftover turkey sandwiches and sweet tea. Out of politeness, I tried the beverage again, and provided everyone a good laugh as I choked it down.

“It’s okay,” Milo said. “We know it’s not for everyone.”

“It’s just very sweet.”

“Instant diabetes,” Anton joked.

Instant diabetes is a damn good way of putting it too.

I take another sip of my drink, the girls’ banter fading to the background, letting myself get lost in the moment. One that still feels surreal.

I’m standing in front of a massive pine tree, all strung up with lights, with some of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met. The twins are putting the finishing touches on the tree, while Dustin and Camden stand off to the side, backseat driving. All six of Willa’s brothers, plus Kenzie’s four male cousins, are strewn around the square deep in conversation. It’s a scene I never could have imagined. The only thing more overwhelming than being here is the love I feel.

Because I have found my family.

This group proved that to me today with the way they rallied around me. Noel with his very public declaration, Dustin continuing on afterward like nothing had happened, Willa with her profuse apologies, and everyone else running interference so that I wasn’t inundated with people. They are everything I could want and more.

“First off, I don’t know why you think there was anyone else involved,” Willa states, cutting through my thoughts. “And second, stop making this about me. I’m not the one who was claimed publicly by the town mute.”

This time I don’t hide my laugh. Because she’s not wrong. Noel absolutely made a very public claim on me. And I loved every second of it.

“No, that was me.”

I look at the girls, Cheshire cat grin on my face, and we all burst into giggles.