Page 50 of Small Town Sash

"Goodness," the woman exclaimed, removing her glasses and polishing them on her blouse as though trying to clear her vision of the situation. "That changes things."

"Indeed," Bow Tie concurred. "We can't have someone falsely accused because of...pettiness."

"Exactly." Braden nodded. "Hadley deserves to compete. Fair and square."

"Agreed," Bow Tie and Glasses said in unison.

"Then you'll reinstate her?" Braden pressed, eager to deliver the good news to Hadley himself.

"First thing tomorrow," the woman confirmed, already scribbling notes onto a sticky pad. "Just in time for the opening ceremony this weekend."

"Thank you," Braden's voice carried relief. He turned to leave, a smile tugging at his lips.

"And as far as I go, if you need me to step down from the judging panel because of the previous allegations, I can do that."

Braden's words hung in the air like a challenge, daring the organizers to question his integrity.

Bow Tie and Glasses exchanged a look, then turned back to Braden with solemn expressions.

"Look," Bow Tie started, smoothing down his namesake accessory, "we respect the whole honor code thing you've got going. Soldier's integrity and all that jazz."

"Appreciate it, but?—"

"Let me finish, son." Bow Tie held up a hand. "We respect you, yes. But stepping down? Unnecessary. We trust your judgment, Sergeant Harding. Not only are you a respected soldier, but you're also a part of the Hero Search and Rescue Academy. Mr. Bowman wouldn't have granted you admittance if you weren't above board."

"And you're certain?" Braden echoed, skepticism lacing his tone.

"Absolutely," Bow Tie confirmed with a firm nod. "You're not biased. You're the guy who sniffed out foul play, for fairness' sake."

"Fair point," Braden conceded, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Besides," Bow Tie added with a conspiratorial lean, "you think any of these ladies wouldn't want a dashing soldier judging them? Good for morale."

"Morale, huh?" Braden chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Guess I can stick around then."

"Good man," Bow Tie nodded his approval.

Braden nodded gratefully. "Thank you again."

With that, he turned and strode out of the meeting room, feeling like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He couldn't wait to see Hadley's reaction when he told her the good news.

Braden foundHadley inside the dress shop, the late afternoon sunlight casting a warm glow on her peach-colored skin through the window. She was sketching at the dress shop, her black hair tied up in a loose bun, strands framing her focused face.

"Hey," he said, approaching with a cautious smile.

Hadley looked up, her vibrant blue eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Braden? What are you doing here?"

"Can't I guy check in on his friend when he wants," he teased with a wide grin. "Besides, I got some big news." He leaned against the table, hands in pockets. "The Miss Hero Pageant—you're back in."

"Am I?" She set down her pencil, her brows furrowing together with surprise.

"Yeah, I cleared things up for you by going to the pageant organizers. Mrs. Shomacker's out, you're in," Braden explained, watching for her reaction.

"Thanks, but..." Hadley sighed, picking at the edge of her sketchpad. "I'm done with that scene."

"Done?" His eyebrows shot up.

"Pageants aren't...they're not me anymore." She gestured to her drawings. "This is me. Designing. Creating. I wantsomething different for my life now. It took me losing my place to finally admit that to myself, but there it is."

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