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Meg looked at the dance floor, then back at him. “Won’t that start rumors?”
He shrugged. “I say let ’em talk. And hey, it’s just a dance, right?”
She laughed and shook her head. “With you? Never.” She turned her attention to the woman working in the booth with her. “I’m going to take a break, Maureen. I won’t be too long.” She untied her apron, pulled it over her head, and tossed it aside.
She took Chet’s hand and he led her to the dance floor. Her smile lit up the night as they twirled around.
“Nice cat costume.”
“I like yours, too. I should call you Mr. March. Although I think I like Chester better.”
They both laughed.
Whether people noticed them or not, Chet had no idea, nor did he care. The only person that existed was the woman in his arms.
Chapter Twenty
Meg looked intoChet’s eyes as they danced.
It was official. There was no place in the world she’d rather be than wrapped up close to him. The fact that he was a great dancer was a bonus, as well as a great excuse to be in his arms without too many questions from anyone.
Drew and Baylee were dancing, too, and as they floated by, Baylee grinned at her.
Okay. Maybe not too many questions from everyone else, but Baylee would definitely grill her later.
And Meg didn’t care. What had Chet said? He’d buy a billboard and let the world know how he felt about her. She was ready to agree. The part of her that loved those she’d lost would always love them. But being with Chet shed light on a whole new part of her heart. She was beginning to see how much she wanted to bring that part of her back to life.
The song ended and Hannah’s voice boomed into the night. Everyone stopped dancing and looked up at the stage. Meg noticed that Hannah—without a clipboard this time—was dressed as a Rockford Peach from the movieA League of Their Own, complete with pink dress, long red socks, and red ball cap. With her long auburn hair, she could have been a twin to Geena Davis’s character.
“Hey, everyone!” Hannah called. “I hope you’re having a fantastic time!”
The crowd cheered. Hannah’s husband, Paul, whistled from up front near the stage. She winked at him and blew a kiss.
Was the entire town coupled off and in love? Meg looked at Chet who’d kept his arm around her waist, even once they’d stopped dancing. She looked back toward Hannah and rested her head on his shoulder. He tugged her closer. Maybe it was time for love in her life.
“I think,” Hannah continued, “that this year’s festival is our best so far!”
Drew and Baylee joined Chet and Meg.
“I think,” Baylee said, clapping, “that she says that every year.”
“I think you might be right,” Chet said.
“One of the wonderful things we added this year is the Miles for Mental Health Run. Here to announce our winners is Rachel Anderson, the brain child behind it all. Everyone, give a warm welcome to Rachel.”
The crowd clapped as Rachel made her way to the stage. She was inches shorter than Hannah and dressed as Mary Poppins, adorable with her flower-adorned hat and umbrella.
Rachel stepped in front of the microphone and tilted it down to her level.
“Thank you, everyone.” The applause died down. “I truly can’t say thank you enough for everyone who ran in the Miles for Mental Health Run this year. I had high hopes for the outcome, and because of all of you, the results by far exceeded any expectations.”
More applause erupted from the crowd.
“We have a prize for the pair of runners who clocked the most miles.” She held up an envelope. “Garrett’s Saloon has kindly donated a dinner for the winners, and Baylee’s Bakery will provide dessert.”
Baylee waved and Garrett, dressed as a cowboy, tipped his hat to the crowd.
“We raised,” Rachel said, drawing out the suspense, “over three thousand dollars for new programs at the Community Center!”
