Page 104 of Sundown Somewhere

“Yes, but there is something I need to do first. Just…trust me.”

“Okay…”

She follows me inside, but I can’t shake the feeling that something is off. That she’s not quite herself. She should be smiling, and giggling, and badgering me about what this is all about.

At least that’s how this went in my head.

I try to convince myself that I’m overthinking this as I lead her inside. That I’m too in my own head. Which I probably am. I want today to be perfect. For her to know that Project: Second Star is about her and everything she means to me. About our past and our future.

Stopping just inside the lobby, I swallow hard, my heart starting to race. I take a moment to drink Dolly in—realizing for the millionth time how incredibly lucky I am that she wandered into my life. Wild strands try to escape from her ponytail, and there is a smudge of grits across her left cheek, but her glow is just the same. That perfect, ethereal glow.

“So…errr…you’re probably wondering what…errr…” I stumble.

So much for having my speech planned out.

Dolly smiles, her blue eyes lighting up. “Are you letting me in on the secret early?”

“I am.” I chuckle. “Because Project: Second Star…it’s not just for this town. It’s…it’s for you.”

“For me?”

I nod. Letting her hand drop, I step over to the easel holding a large poster containing a rendering of the design, pulling off the sheet that covers it. My pulse picks up, that knot in my chest twisting and tightening all over again.

“You’ve been saying for years that the playground over at Newton Field has seen some better days and is in desperate need of an upgrade. So, I designed a new one for you. I present Neverland Park.”

Dolly gasps, eyes going wide, hands flying to cover her open mouth. Stepping in closer, she runs her hand over the rendering.

“The new layout is set up to resemble the current footprint, with a swing set, jungle gym, and slide. But now, there is also a climbing wall, see-saws, and tunnels. Plus, my favorite part—a treehouse,” I tell her, unable to hold it in any longer. “The two-story climbing structure, designed to look like Peter Pan’s abode—complete with a little offshoot for Tinker Bell—has a silhouette of Peter and Wendy on the side, hands clasped together as they fly, a set of twin stars to their right.”

“Second star…” she mutters.

I nod. “All the equipment is made from composite or recyclable materials, meaning that they will withstand the Georgia weather better than wood, plus are safer for the kids to play on. Less risk of splinters. We’ll also make sure that sustainable, safe materials are set up surrounding the equipment in case of falls.”

“Hux…”

Taking her hand again, I pull her into me, needing to look her in the eye for this next part. Wanting her to know this is all for her.

“This was going to be your wedding present. A way to honor you. But…it’s become more than that. It’s about us. The town is going to think it’s a Hayes Cares initiative, inspired by my love of Peter Pan. But this is for you, Dolly. From me. Because you’re my Wendy.”

Time slows as I wait for her to respond. Each ticking second takes longer and longer, and I swear the clock might actually stop at one point, the torture of waiting worse than anything I’ve ever experienced.

That is, until she speaks.

“I…I…” she chokes out. Tears form in her eyes, those gorgeous blue irises turning a muddled shade, hidden by the glassy fog. Choking back a sob, she pulls away. “I have to go.”

She…what?!

“Do you not like it?” I ask, confused by her reaction.

Did I say something wrong? Did I do the wrong thing? I’ve been so sure that she was going to love this. She’s commented for years that the playground needed an update, so it seemed like the obvious choice. And Peter Pan—that’s our thing. Or so I thought.

Apparently I was wrong.

“I can’t do this. I…I can’t.”

Can’t do what?!

“Dolly, what can’t you do?”