Page 101 of One Southern Summer

The crowd shifted nervously. “What I’ve learned through all of this is that love is a powerful force and can drive us to do amazing things in this world.”

“That’s right, child.” An older woman wearing a purple knit cap and vivid pink parka, standing on the sidewalk, jabbed the air with her finger.

Avery smiled then continued. “When I met the women who lived at Imari’s Place, I was heartbroken to hear of the suffering they’d endured. In partnership with the foundation, I was moved to act. The expanded residence along with this new facility is proof that when we stand together, we can make our community better. Hopefully, we’ll see the end of human trafficking in our lifetimes. For now, our immediate goal is to create jobs and opportunities for the women who live at Imari’s Place. So I am thrilled to not only cut this ribbon today but also proclaim that at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, production will begin. The first batch of candles, soaps and lotions will go on sale online, in local stores here in Camellia and at select retailers across the Eastern United States. Thank you to my family for supporting me, for the generous donors whose financial contributions made this happen and especially Cole Whitaker, who helped me see that a project like this was possible with hard work, dedication and a little faith.”

Applause echoed off the buildings and cheers punctuated the crisp air as Avery posed with the mayor for photographs then sliced through the ribbon.

Mayor Caldwell faced the journalists and camera operators. “Any questions?”

“I have one.”

Avery’s pulse sped at the rich sound of Cole’s voice.

“Excuse me, please. Pardon me.”

People standing closest to her moved aside, forming two groups, like the parting of the Red Sea. Cole halted his steps at a respectful distance from her and the mayor. Phones slid out of coat pockets and the camera operator accompanying the local newscaster angled his lens their way.

Avery’s whole body trembled, both from the chill in the air and the sheer relief that he’d shown up.

“Miss Crawford, what would you say if I told you the foundation had secured funding for an additional residential facility and operating expenses for the next fiscal year?”

Her heart swelled. “I’d say that’s fantastic news, Mr. Whitaker.”

“I have another question to ask, if I may.” Cole’s expression remained unreadable. He wore a long black peacoat over gray slacks and black dress shoes. Stubble clung to his jaw and dark circles rimmed his lower lashes. She didn’t care. His arrival held her captive.

“Please.” She gestured with her gloved hand. “The floor is yours.”

“Excellent. Thank you. Miss Crawford, what would you say if I told you the foundation would like to offer you a full-time position as the executive director for special projects?”

Her mouth ran dry. A smattering of applause broke out.

“I—I don’t even know what that means,” she said, half tempted to steal a glance at her sisters to confirm they’d heard his words. To be honest, she couldn’t look away. Cole’s kind eyes held hers.

“Sorry to hog the Q and A, folks, but I just have one more thing I need to ask.”

Avery literally leaned forward, gripping the microphone with both hands. Her heart fluttered in her throat and she was certain the whole town could see it.

“Perhaps we could meet after and discuss the details of the offer?”

She couldn’t stop a smile. “Yes, I’d like that very much.”

Avery stepped away from the microphone and moved toward her family. Applause swelled as Mama embraced her.

“We’re so proud of you, sweetheart. Well done.”

“Thank you,” Avery murmured into Mama’s shoulder, her head still spinning with Cole’s unexpected job offer. She’d need more information, but directing special projects for the foundation sounded like a role created with her strengths and passions in mind. How ironic that moving back to Camellia had once felt like defeat. Today had proven that she couldn’t have been more wrong.

Cole had never been so thrilled about a snowstorm in his life.

The Huntingtons had invited him and a few other folks back to their house to celebrate after the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Snow had started falling in thick white flakes a few minutes ago. Greer had rolled out a propane heater, and Avery had asked him to join her on the porch. The informal party continued inside. Hayes had fallen asleep in his swing and Addison was occupied decorating a sugar cookie with Harper. This was the first time they’d been alone since their miserable interaction on the dock four months ago.

Avery shivered then reached for a plaid blanket and spread it across her lap. Was she nervous too? He couldn’t tell.

He swiped his clammy palms across his pant legs. It might be twenty-eight degrees outside, but his anxious feelings over seeing Avery again had him in a cold sweat. “Your family sure knows how to throw a party.”

“Want to go in and say hello to anyone?”

“Nope.” If she was going to give him her undivided attention, then he wasn’t about to squander it.

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