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And I’m an absolute fucking disaster.
I’ve never been so nervous about anything in my entire life. Not even during my boxing tournaments, where I was outmatched. This event is my first statement to the town saying,I’m here to stay, and I want to do something good.
What if no one shows up? What if the whole town shows up and I make an idiot of myself?
Oh, God, this is not going to go well.
Sara comes up beside me, taking in the madness of the park. “Take a deep breath.”
“I am breathing!” I snap.
Sara quirks an eyebrow at me.
“Sorry.” I take a deep breath as suggested. It helps release some of the pressure in my chest.
“It’s okay to be nervous. But just so you’re prepared, the whole town will be here.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” I mutter.
“It’s going to be great.” Sara wraps her arms around my waist and squeezes me tight. I know she’s right. It’s going to be fine. I might throw up, but it’s all going to be okay.
Get yourself together, Benjamin. Jesus.
Clearing my throat, I straighten my spine. It’s time I grow the fuck up and get this done.
“Okay, we’re still waiting on the catering delivery, and we need to finish putting together the silent auction table and make sure the band is good to go.”
Sara grins at me. “The silent auction table is done. Your mom finished that one. I talked with Chelsea, and she’s on her way with the pastries, and Nolan is currently chatting with the band to make sure everything is good to go.” She points across the park where her brother is standing next to the lead singer of the local band. “I even called Margie at the animal shelter, and she said they’ll be here soon.”
“So, basically, everything is done.”
“Everything is done.”
“Good, that’s…good.” Without anything else to focus on, I’m not sure how I’m going to expel the rest of my nerves.
“Come on, I want to show you something.” Sara pulls on my hand, dragging me away from the center of the park. She ducks around a couple of trees where we’re out of sight of anyone milling about the park.
I frown at her, confused as to what she would need to show me here. “What are we doing?” I whisper.
“Why are you whispering?” Sara grins at me.
“I don’t know. ‘Cause you’re being secretive.”
She laughs, making her eyes light up. It’s so good to see this lightheartedness return to her. After the kidnapping, Sara started withdrawing into herself. I wasn’t sure if it was the trauma or something I was doing wrong. She barely talked to me, and it was killing me. When she told me all the things going on in her head last weekend, I wanted to punch myself with how stupid I’d been. I won’t ever keep stuff like that from her again. Especially since I know she can handle it.
Lately, she’s been a lot more open with me about when she’s struggling more than usual. She’s also started talking about her nightmares instead of holding it all in. I hate the images in her head, but I’m glad she’s opening up to me finally. I’ve been worried the event will be too much for her, even though she’s told me it won’t be. She said it’s given her something else to think about so she’s not dwelling on the negative, and being surrounded by people she loves will help keep her grounded.
Her awareness of her triggers solidified how far she’s come in dealing with her trauma. I’m incredibly proud of her.
Fisting my shirt, Sara pulls me closer, my hands landing on the tree behind her and caging her between my arms. Before I can say anything, she takes my mouth in an all-consuming kiss, rendering me completely stupid. Bending my elbows, I lean into her, twining my tongue with hers as I duel for dominance.
I slide my hand into her hair to cushion her head, while also pulling it back to gain more leverage. The little whimper from Sara has a growl rumbling through my chest.
“Benjamin Charles Crawford! You quit necking and get out here.” My mom’s screech can be heard across the entire park, effectively acting as a bucket of cold water.
I pull away from Sara, biting my lip to keep from laughing. Her wide grin and shining eyes tell me she’s having just as much trouble as I am.
“Coming, Mom!” I shout back. Running my thumbs across Sara’s cheek, I realize exactly what she did for me. My nerves have settled into excitement all because she knew I needed a distraction. “I love you, Shortcake.”
