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In the days that followed, the island of Martha’s Vineyard slowly recovered from the densest blizzard it had seen in fifty years. School was canceled for several days, which resulted in a small population of snowmen cropping up across the communities of Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and West Tisbury. With Max on a little sleigh, Mia in Christine’s little pouch, and the rest of the Sisters and their daughters all bundled up, the Sheridan women walked through town, admiring the snowy scenery, grabbing baked goods from local cafés, and enjoying the magic of a slowed-laden island. The island would look like a completely different place in just five months, chaotic with summer vacationers and bright with hot sun.
On Wednesday morning, Lola received a phone call from one of the city-wide event organizers, Amelia, who asked if she might want to gather her theater troupe for “one last try” for the musical, Annie. After that, Lola called each and every crew member to ask about their schedule. Each agreed to meet at three that afternoon for a final rehearsal before what would almost assuredly be a “rugged, yet lovable” take on Annie that evening.
By seven, the auditorium was nearly filled with Vineyard residents, all hungry for local talent. At seven-thirty, the curtains parted to immense applause. And by nine, Cora had already brought down the house with her miraculous musical numbers, so much so that the applause went on far too long and lingered into the next scene.
After Lola, Audrey, Amanda, Cora, Hank, and the rest of the crew stood out on stage and bowed low, Lola thanked the audience for honoring their community on the Vineyard and showing up when times got tough.
“We’ve been through quite a lot together,” Lola said softly, her eyes glazing over as she looked out across three hundred Vineyard residents. “But we’ve proven that we’re better together. I am so proud to be a part of this community and to call Martha’s Vineyard my home. Thank you for welcoming us on stage tonight. Remember the words Annie says, which are words to live by. ‘I don’t need sunshine now to turn my skies to blue. I don’t need anything but you.’”
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Coming Next in the Vineyard Sunset Series
You can now pre-order The Vineyard Bride
