Page 38 of Fetch Me A Mate
"This is perfect," said Mrs. Simonson, balancing a bowl of her famous dumplings. "Just like the old days, but better."
"The paint smell's finally gone," added Tom Brewster, setting up his camera to capture the evening. "Place feels alive again."
Couches had been pulled into intimate circles around the fireplace. The long dining table groaned under covered dishes that kept arriving despite Diana's protests that she had enough food. Freya's herb bundles hung from the mantel, filling the air with sage and rosemary. Edgar Tansley had brought something that sparkled suspiciously in unmarked bottles.
"You've outdone yourself," Miriam said, appearing at Diana's elbow with a cup of mulled cider. "Look at them. When's thelast time you saw this many people genuinely happy to be in the same room?"
Diana accepted the cider, its warmth seeping through the ceramic into her palms. "They're celebrating the inn, not me."
"They're celebrating both. Whether you admit it or not." Miriam's eyes twinkled behind her spectacles. "How does it feel, being the heart of something?"
"Terrifying. Wonderful. Like I might wake up any minute."
"You won't. This is real, child. You've earned it."
Across the room, Diana caught sight of Rowan near the front windows. He'd positioned himself with his usual tactical awareness, back to the wall, eyes on the entrances. But something was different about his watchfulness tonight. Less protective surveillance, more quiet observation of her success.
"He's proud of you," Miriam said, following her gaze.
"He's making sure nobody causes trouble."
"Same thing, in wolf language." Miriam patted Diana's arm. "Go mingle, dear. Let people tell you how wonderful you are."
The next two hours passed in a blur of conversations and compliments. Diana moved through the crowd, making sure everyone had drinks, that the elderly had comfortable seats, that the children weren't getting underfoot in the kitchen.
"The renovation is beautiful," said Emmett, cornering Diana by the dessert table. "You've exceeded our expectations."
"Thank you. That means everything."
"The Council's impressed. This gathering was exactly what Hollow Oak needed to see." He lowered her voice. "Varric's talking about making your position permanent. No more trial period."
Diana's hand found the locket at her throat. "Really?"
"Really. Congratulations, innkeeper. You've found your place."
As the evening turned exceptionally late, people began to drift toward their coats and goodbyes. Diana stood by the fireplace, accepting thanks and promises to return soon.
"Best meal I've had in months," declared Rufus Tansley, shaking her hand with enthusiasm. "That stew recipe's a keeper."
"It was Twyla's contribution. I just stirred the pot."
"Modesty doesn't suit you," Freya said, embracing Diana warmly. "Own your success. This place is magical because of what you've brought to it."
"She's right," added Kieran, appearing with Diana's abandoned clipboard. "Found this in the kitchen. Your notes from tonight."
Diana glanced at the pages covered in her handwriting. Seating arrangements, food allergies, conversation topics to avoid. The careful orchestration that had made everything look effortless.
"You thought of everything," Kieran said. "That's not luck. That's skill."
One by one, the guests filtered out into the crisp night air, their voices carrying across the square as they made their way home. Diana stood in the doorway, watching the last car disappear around the corner.
"Success," declared Twyla, coming from the kitchen with an armload of serving dishes. "Unqualified, undeniable success."
"It was good, wasn't it?" Diana allowed herself a smile. "People seemed to enjoy themselves."
"People seemed to remember why they love this place. And why they're going to love having you run it." Twyla handed over the dishes. "I'll help you clean up tomorrow. Tonight, you should celebrate."
"I should clean up tonight while I have energy."
