Page 61 of Back in the Country
I was so proud of him my heart was threatenin’ to burst.
The event at the Brew, Q ’n Boogiewent pretty much the same way even though he’d doubled his stock in preparation. He’d been wildly successful, and the feedback and chatter online was incredible. We’d talked about expanding his business into something permanent, but he was still a little gun-shy with his degree not yet complete. I promised not to push, but the business was there and it would be steady.
Waylon and I spend the day checking and rechecking that we have everything ready for tonight. Sorren has helped with the preparation of all three events but hasn’t attended. His absence hurts.
Everything hurts.
I push my feelings aside and focus on my boyfriend. I can feel the nerves radiating off Way. The event has been set up to basically run itself, but it is the final one before he has to submit all the work he’s done. It is a big deal, and I keep my smile in place while we finish setting up.
We’ve had each participant sign up and pay in advance so that once they are here we can just jump into it. While we did account for some last-minute additions, we didn’t want that to be the focus. Once the basics of the event were established, Waylon had taken off at a sprint with all the ideas he had. His wide eyes mixed with a childlike smile still makes me chuckle when I remember his excitement.
I am so insanely proud of this gorgeous, kindhearted man. He looks up from reorganizing the stencils in front of him and gives me a flirty wink. I’ve known Way almost my entire life, and despite his bravado, he isn’t looking forward to being the center of attention.
He will have toteachthis one, and while I know he’ll be amazing, he still needs the reassurance. Wrapping my arms around his waist, I pop up on my toes and plant a hot kiss on his lips.
“Baby Girl, we donothave time for you to rile me up like that.” He growls the words but there is no heat behind them—well, aside from the sexual kind.
I blush. “You’re going to do great, Waylon.”
“Good evening. I hope it’s all right that I stopped by tonight.”
Waylon’s face gives nothing away except for the small tic of his jaw. He smiles kindly at the man and woman in front of him before holding out his hand.
“Professor Chambers. It’s great to have you.”
The dark-haired man smiles in return and shakes Waylon’s hand before turning to the woman beside him. “This is my wife, Helen, and it’s just Dave tonight.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Waylon shakes her hand before turning to me. “This is my girlfriend, Marlee. Marlee, Dave is the head of the program I’m in.”
“It’s so wonderful to meet you both.” I smile widely. “Can I get you set up for the class tonight?”
“Oh no, that’s not necessary. We’re only here to observe,” Dave says with a sheepish smile.
“Nonsense!” I take Helen by the elbow and steer her toward the supplies we had laid out before whispering, “The least you can do is take something home with you!”
She smiles warmly, with the kindness of a mother. “You’re very sweet.”
“We’re so excited to have you! Tonight is going to be alotof fun.”
We chat as I get her set up in a space and mentally run through the list of people attending. I’d be sure to put her between Mama and Mrs. Nelson, the town librarian, who makes the most delicious margaritas you’ve ever tasted. She is a big hit at parties.
I excuse myself to greet the newcomers as everyone trickles into the barn. Waylon has set Dave up on a barstool off to the side and is checking off eachcustomeras they pick up their supplies and find a place at one of the several folding tables we’ve set up.
Each table has been wrapped in a tarp and then covered with a sheet of brown butcher paper. We figure it is the best way to protect the tables and still not have a ton to clean up afterward.
“All right everyone, let’s get started.” Cheers erupt from around the barn, and Waylon chuckles. “Each of you should have two different-sized boards in front of you, and along the center of each table are cans of stain.”
Side conversations break out between neighbors and friends, and my heart warms. The vendor events had been great, but this—Waylon is bringing a community together.
“You’re going to start with your stain first, and then we have premade stencil designs and also premarked letter stencils if you’d like to write your names or spell something out. You’ll see where each stencil should line up to be taped together so they’re even on your signs.”
More excited chatter breaks out, and I can’t help but smile. Mama has unshed tears in her eyes that she is trying hard to bat away. I catch her gaze and wink, and she smiles and places a hand over her heart. We love this man fiercely.
“Marlee and I made some samples in the front if you need a reference. We’ll also be walking around, so if you have any questions or need some help, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
Waylon blows out a breath as he walks over and plants a kiss on my forehead. He already seems more relaxed now that he isn’t standing in the front of the room.
“Thank you for helping,” he murmurs as he holds me for another second.
