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Zoe laughed. “I’m happy you liked it. I made plenty so you have leftovers for tomorrow. I’ll clean up the kitchen. When your stomachs make some room, you can have cobbler and ice cream.”
They helped her clean up, moving a little slowly and snagging bites of things as they helped her put away the food.
She had no clue where they put it all.
After the dishes were done, Nate took her hand and led her out on the front porch. “Let’s sit a bit and watch the sky.”
“I’d like that.”
Mandy stretched out on the porch swing on one end of the porch. Nate and Zoe chose two chairs side by side.
Their day together was peaceful, simple. Made up of common chores and errands and cooking comfort food. Everything Zoe had believed would never be possible for her.
It filled her heart with emotion and as Nate took her hand and rested it on his thigh, his other over it, she let herself dream.
That this life, Nate and Mandy’s life, could be her life, too.
Chapter Eleven
April - May 2011
Since the main work was done, Zoe asked every member of the library staff to come in an hour early for coffee and pastries so she could give them a tour. In her text, she explained why excitedly.
I want you to see it before the city and I’ll bring treats!
As all seven of her employees and volunteers exited the elevator on the third floor with smiles on their faces, Zoe folded her hands in front of her and gave them a welcoming smile.
“Good morning, ladies.”
“Zoe? Oh, my goodness!” Beth covered her mouth as tears filled her eyes. Then she walked rapidly to her and hugged Zoe tight.
One of the older ladies who gave generously of her time in the research section nodded and told her, “‘Bout time, sweet girl. Knew you’d get around to it eventually. What a pretty voice.”
Then everyone was clustered around her and she spoke to each of them individually. There were more tears and it was cathartic.
Wiping her cheeks, she said, “I want you to see the changes. You all remember how destroyed this floor was. It wasn’t used and had become a dumping ground for all sorts of things over the last two decades. I’m excited to show you.”
A few days later, when the office furniture and equipment were in place, Zoe catered a small reception for the town leaders, their staff, and her own. She also invited Nate and his crew as well as Mandy.
Closing the library two hours early, she welcomed the local politicians with smiles and verbal greetings. Each of the city council members tried to hide their surprise when the librarian they’d known for three yearsspoketo answer their questions.
She’d only ever communicated with them through email or notes. It would make their meetings far more productive in the future.
Taking them on a tour, she was pleased at their reactions to the renovation. They’d only seen her initial drawings before work began so the final result was both a surprise and impressive. Zoe mentioned Nate’s company repeatedly during their walk-through.
After they’d seen everything, the mayor took her hand in the center of the room and announced, “Miss Green. Well done on the design, the fund-raising, and choosing the right contractor for the job. You’re a gift to our town and we’re grateful to have you.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
“I grew up here. When I was a girl, my friends and I snuck up here because there was a rumor of a ghost on the third floor. Imagine my disappointment to discover no such thing. It was filthy, cluttered, and dark.” She gestured at the bright, modern space around them. “Night and day from what you’ve brought to life.”
“That makes me happy.”
“The revenue this space generates will offset all the costs the town incurs to offer such a place for our residents and leave you excess for additional projects in the future. You’ve done great things for the library and removed a budgetary concern for Cedarton in one fell swoop. I look forward to seeing what else you do, Miss Green.”
Arching her brow, Zoe replied, “I’ll give it some thought and have some ideas to you by the end of the month.”
Laughing, the mayor gave a nod. “I’d expect nothing less.”
