The square was already bustling when we arrived—tables set up on the grass, the scent of grilling meat in the air, children chasing each other between clusters of adults. Strands of fairy lights had been strung between the trees, ready to illuminate the space once the sun set.
I found a parking spot and came around to open Lark's door, offering my hand to help her down from the truck. Her fingers were cool against mine, her grip firm but delicate.
"Welcome to summer in Wintervale," I said as we approached the gathering. "Ready to make our debut?"
She took a deep breath, straightening her shoulders. "As ready as I'll ever be."
We hadn't taken more than a few steps into the square when Tyler spotted us and waved us over. My best friend stood by one of the grills, spatula in hand, a knowing smirk on his face.
"So the rumors are true," he said as we approached, his eyes flicking between Lark and me with obvious curiosity. "Wade Foster finally met his match."
"Tyler," I said with a warning look, "this is Lark Hayes. Lark, this is Tyler Jenkins, my oldest friend and occasional pain in my ass."
"Charmed," Tyler said, extending his hand to Lark. "Don't believe anything he tells you about me."
"I'll keep that in mind," Lark replied with a polite smile, shaking his hand.
Tyler flipped a burger, then leaned closer to me. "Dude, when you said you were bringing someone, I thought you were messing with me."
"Why would I joke about that?" I asked, keeping my voice low.
"Because you haven't dated anyone since—" He cut himself off, glancing at Lark. "Well, you know. It's been a while."
I felt a flash of irritation. "Things change."
Tyler raised his eyebrows but said nothing more on the subject. "Burgers will be ready in about ten minutes. There's drinks in the coolers by the gazebo."
I guided Lark away, my hand lightly touching the small of her back. "Sorry about that," I murmured. "Tyler lacks certain social graces."
"It's fine," she said. "He seems protective of you."
"We've known each other since kindergarten. He's like the annoying brother I never had."
As we made our way through the crowd, I introduced Lark to various townspeople—Jacob and Bailey Wilder, the town's lawyer couple; Rory and Cass, who she'd already met at the inn; Logan and my aunt and uncle Diana and Mike. My mother Ellenstood chatting with Diana, the family resemblance between the twin sisters unmistakable. I noticed Logan's shy smile as he hovered near his mother; he'd always been a miracle child for them after Diana's many miscarriages, and as her only child, he'd grown up looking to me like an older brother.
Mayor Snowcroft and Edna were circulating through the gathering, stopping to chat with different groups. When they spotted us, the mayor's face lit up with obvious approval.
"Wade! Lark!" he called, making his way over with Edna on his arm. "So glad you could join us tonight."
"Wouldn't miss it," I replied, shaking his hand.
"How wonderful to see you again, dear," Edna said to Lark, her cat-ear headband replaced with a floral scarf tied around her silver hair. "Are you settling in well at the inn?"
"Very well, thank you," Lark said. "It's a beautiful property."
"From courtroom rivals to life partners!" the mayor said with a chuckle, squeezing Edna's hand. "Who would have thought our thirty-year property dispute would end in marriage? Isn't life glorious?" He leaned over and kissed Edna on the cheek, causing her to blush and giggle like a schoolgirl.
Lark raised her eyebrows at me, and I leaned close to her ear. "I'll fill you in on their backstory later," I promised quietly.
"I hope we'll see you both at more festival events," the mayor continued. "The artisan market opens tomorrow, and of course, there's the regatta on Saturday, right before our wedding." He beamed at Edna. "We're having it at the inn—quite poetic since we once fought over that very property!"
"The universe has a sense of humor," Edna added, gazing adoringly at Theodore. "Thirty years arguing over a building,and now we're getting married there. I do hope you’ll both attend—the whole town’s invited!"
I couldn't help but smile at their obvious happiness. For all their eccentricities, their love for each other was genuine and hard-won.
"We'd be honored," Lark said smoothly, her lawyer's diplomacy on full display.
After the mayor and Edna moved on to greet other guests, I led Lark toward the food tables. "Hungry?"