Epilogue

February 2010

Chad had never been more nervous in his life. He watched in agony as that “thing” the Gordon Falls Merchants Association claimed was a key made its way up the block. No one could ever remember how the Gordon Falls business opening tradition had gotten its start, but for years now a large decorated key would be passed up the street from merchant to merchant until it reached the new business owner to signify its official opening. This week, the week before Valentine’s Day, all of Gordon Falls was anticipating the reopening of Sweet Treats. Especially him. He’d thanked God every day that Jeannie and Nick had come through the holidays better, stronger and healing. Nick was doing well after the JFIP program, his grades back up and the boy’s brighter nature returned. They’d moved into their new home two weeks ago, and the world was falling peacefully into place.

Except for today. Today, Chad was on the verge of panic. Only Abby and Nick knew why.

Chad groaned as the “key” came closer. Abby’s taste for excess had run its course; the key was a shocking bubble-gum pink hue and coated with rhinestones. Even worse, a too-big polka-dotted yellow bow fluttered in the chilly February breeze like garish kite tails. He felt in his pocket for the addition he would make to that key, tried to stay calm and keep his breathing easy. This was a delicate operation, a crucial moment. Don’t blow it. Stay calm. Chad gulped as Principal Hunnington plunked the heavy key into his hand.

Abby, according to their plan, threw up a handful of yellow confetti to make a diversionary fuss. Chad twisted out of eyesight and fiddled with the key for the ten seconds Abby’s distraction provided. He doubled the knot in the bow, took a deep breath and passed the key on to Pastor Allen. The minister grinned when he saw the addition, but said nothing as he passed it to Nick. With a sheepish thumbs-up to Chad, Nick passed the key to his mother.

A cheer went up as Jeannie took the key, did a silly little jig and flipped the sign on Sweet Treats’s front door to OPEN. For a heart-stopping moment, Chad couldn’t see her through the crowd now pressing up against the entrance. Then, as a highly female sound pierced the air, Abby managed to part the crowd between them so that he had a clear view of Jeannie. She held up the ribbon tied to the end of the key, dangling the diamond ring he’d tied to the polka-dotted fabric.

Jeannie came at him like the ball of sunshine she was, hitting him at full speed with an embrace that took his breath away. It was as if all the joy in the world exploded right in front of him, as if the length of his life lined up to this moment. He could barely make out her “Yes!” from the flurry of kisses she planted everywhere. Laughing and catching her up in a spin of bliss that felt too good to be true, Chad let himself be carried away by a wave of cheers as those around him caught on to what had just happened. Even Plug howled in approval.

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