Page 44 of Falling Again For My Best Friend's Brother

As I slipped it on, the silky fabric hugging my curves, I felt a flicker of the confidence Trevor always seemed to inspire in me—the same confidence I had on that day that I had let slip away. I clasped the delicate silver bracelet he'd given me around my wrist. A tear escaped, rolling down my cheek, and I brushed it away with a shaky breath.

"Pull it together, Amelia," I whispered to my reflection. "The town needs you to be strong."

With one last look in the mirror, I headed to the shop to load the flowers into my car. The drive to the community center was a blur. I tried to mentally review the last-minute details for the talent show, but my mind kept drifting to Trevor.

As I pulled into the parking lot, a lump formed in my throat at the sight of the hand-painted banner stretched across the entrance: "Rivermint Cove's Got Talent—Supporting Our Heroes." Our little town's love and support were overwhelming, and I had to blink back tears as I carried in the flowers.

"Amelia, honey!" Linda Phillips engulfed me in a warm hug the moment I stepped inside, her familiar floral perfume like a comforting blanket. "How are you holding up?"

I leaned into her embrace, drawing strength from the woman who had become like a second mother to me. "I'm hanging in there. Just trying to stay busy, you know?"

She pulled back, her hands resting on my shoulders as she looked me over with a knowing smile. "He's going to be okay, sweetheart. I can feel it in my bones."

"I hope you're right." My voice cracked slightly, and she squeezed my shoulders before releasing me.

"Amelia!" Emily's excited voice rang across the room, and I turned to see her and Susan hurrying towards me, their arms laden with last-minute decorations. "We came to help!"

I couldn't help but laugh as they engulfed me in a group hug, the three of us nearly toppling over in a tangle of flowers and streamers. "You guys are the best."

"That's what friends are for," Susan grinned, untangling herself and arranging the decorations. "Now, let's make this place shine."

As we worked together, hanging the floral arrangements and adding the finishing touches, the knot in my chest began to loosen. I was reminded that no matter what, I wasn't alone.

Finally, we collapsed into chairs at one of the tables, ready for the show to start. The community center had been transformed into a whimsical mix of twinkling lights, colorful flowers, and hand-drawn posters from the local kids.

The room fell silent as Mayor Fletcher pranced onto the stage. With a grand gesture, he snatched up the microphone, ready to entertain the audience.

"Ahem," he cleared his throat loudly into the microphone. "Welcome to Rivermint Cove's Got Talent!” The crowd erupted into cheers and applause.

"We're here today to support our courageous firefighters and their loved ones. But before we get started with the main event, I thought I'd warm us up with a little ditty that always gets my toes tapping."

He nodded to someone offstage, and the opening chords of "Don't Stop Believin'" blasted through the speakers. I couldn't help but laugh as Mayor Fletcher launched into the song, his enthusiasm more than making up for his slightly off-key vocals.

As he belted out the chorus, complete with exaggerated air guitar solos, I felt a surge of affection for our eccentric mayor. He might be over the top, but his heart was always in the right place.

I glanced over at Susan, who was shaking her head in amusement. "Never a dull moment with Mayor Fletcher," she whispered, leaning in close.

"He certainly keeps things interesting," I agreed, my smile widening as the mayor attempted a particularly ambitious high note.

As the song came to a close, the audience erupted into applause. He took a sweeping bow, his face flushed with excitement.

"Thank you, thank you!" he called out, waving to the crowd. "And now, for our first official act of the night, please welcome the lovely Addy Carter and her faithful companion, Lady Oreo!"

My heart swelled with pride as my niece took the stage, her face set in a determined expression. Lady Oreo trotted beside her, the Boston terrier's tail wagging in anticipation.

Addy began to twirl as the music started, her hair flying out as she spun a hula hoop around her waist.

"Let's go, Lady Oreo!" Addy called out with a confident smirk.

Lady Oreo barked in response, bounding around Addy in rhythm with the music. Their synchronized dance had the audience laughing and cheering. From the corner of my eye, I could see Emily beaming with pride.

Addy finished her performance with Lady Oreo jumping through the hula hoop to loud applause.

I felt a pang in my chest as I watched them, wishing Trevor could be here to see this moment more than anything. He adored Addy, and I knew he would have been front and center, cheering her on with his warm, encouraging smile.

The applause faded, giving way to Kevin's confident stride onto the stage. He adjusted the microphone to accommodate his tall stature.

"Evening, folks." His Southern drawl seemed more pronounced than ever. "Thought I'd share some things I've learned about life in Rivermint Cove."

---