Page 40 of Beneath Southern Stars

I smile at Ms. Linda and accept her compliment graciously. “Ms. Linda, you undersold how much work the Jubilee is each year.”

“Well, if I were honest, would you have taken it on? Besides, you did an amazing job. Your mama and gran would be so proud of you, sweetheart.”

One would think with as much as I’ve cried this week there would be no tears left. Somehow, they manage to appear, and I quickly wipe them away. Sympathy crosses Ms. Linda’s face and she squeezes my hand in comfort.

“I miss your gran terribly. This time of year must be so difficult for you and your uncle. I’m sure she’s looking down on us now, smiling at how wonderful this event turned out. And the entertainment is top-notch.”

“Ms. Linda, it’s the same band you’ve booked the last five years.”

Another pat on my hand and she says, “Of course it is, dear. I’m going to find a seat for the show. You should freshen up your lipstick.”

I trace my lips with my finger. Shrugging of her suggestion, I move through the crowd, thanking people for coming and supporting the library. There are only a few minutes remaining before we close out the silent auction. The tally is a pleasant surprise, and I’m filled with pride at the success of the entire evening. I wish the Miller duo had been around for the end of the Jubilee. Pepper would have had a blast with the boat parade and meeting Santa. Steve spent a lot of time at the fence between the properties, his sadness expressed through whines. Which has caused Uncle Freddy to hit the wine. It’s been a bit of an adjustment having him back. Thoughts of whether I want to continue having my uncle as a roommate bounced around in my head a lot today.

“Laney!”

I spin to find Lucy rushing toward me, a huge smile on her gorgeous face. Of course, Lucy has found the right balance of casual and dressed for a holiday event. She’s chosen a burgundy sweater dress that fits her like a glove, with her hair pinned back in a simple messy bun. My smile widens as I see her husband, Beau, trudging along behind her, apologizing for her blazing through the crowd.

“Hi, Lucy. Beau.” My friend wraps me in a hug, my arms stuck to my side while her husband nods in greeting.

“You look so pretty tonight. Did I already tell you that? But aren’t you dying in this coat? Here, let me help you take this off. Oh, look at your outfit. Perfection. Do you have any gloss? Let me...”

I swat her hand away as she starts to fuss with my hair. “What are you doing? Stop.”

“Laney, you need to get up on the stage in”—she looks at her watch—“ninety seconds. Let me gather the clipboards from the auction, and I’ll meet you up there. Go on now, hustle. Beau, will you hold this?” she asks, thrusting my coat at her much-too-patient husband.

I’m about two steps into my rush to the stage because apparently we have some sort of schedule I’m unaware of when she shouts for me to stop. Turning, I try to school my frustration but fear I’m unsuccessful.

“Take a mint,” she says, slipping a round peppermint candy between my lips.

Maybe we need to have an intervention for Lucy to discuss her stress level. She wasn’t like this during the summer wedding season. Pushing aside that thought, I realize as I’m ascending the steps how many people are in the crowd. Come to think of it, when did I agree to this? The dance fell on Lucy and her sub-committee. This is her job. I’m standing in front of the microphone when I realize she set me up. Almost the entire townstands before me. Silent. There are hundreds of people standing together and you could hear a pin drop. What is wrong with everyone?

I blink my eyes, the huge concert style lights blinding me. My gaze scans the crowd searching for a familiar face to ground me. When I spot Honey and JD smiling up at me, I release a breath.

“Good evening, everyone.” I pause and allow the crowd to return the greeting. “Thank you all for coming to the closing event of the Holly Jolly Jubilee. It’s been an honor to serve as the chairperson for this event. The committee has gone above and beyond my expectations. Please help me in thanking them with a round of applause.”

I look at the steps for Lucy. How am I to announce the auction winners without the information? Behind the curtain closing off backstage I hear the strum of a guitar and a few whispered voices.

“My intention coming up here was to announce the winners of the silent auction but?—”

I’m cut off when the lights dim and a few switch from glaring white to red and green. The colored beams dance around the stage at my feet and I move around, looking out to the crowd. A gasp falls among those in the first few rows.

Holy crap. Crossing the stage to where I’m standing is Savannah Carter. Savannah was a huge country artist back when my parents were in high school. My mama loved her music and fully supported her transition to television star. We spent every Tuesday night as a family in front of the television watchingSavannah’s House.

The superstar steps next to me and I am forever grateful for that mint Lucy force fed me. Wait...

“Good evening, Magnolia Grove.”

Of course everyone goes crazy when Savannah Carter greets them. I’m going a little crazy myself. Goodness, she smells good. What is that? Gardenias? I should know this.

“Laney, thank you so much for letting me and my friends crash your event. As you know, tonight we’re streamingCountry Christmas Live. When we heard about Magnolia Grove and the Jubilee, we knew it was the perfect place for us to close out the night.”

I’m dumbfounded as I stare at her, mouth agape. Live. Oh shit. My eyes scan the crowd again and this time, with the lights dimmed I see the cameras and a large console with people standing behind it.

“Oh. Uhm, thank you for being here?” It’s a question becausewhat is happening?

“Darlin’ we’re honored. And to the good folks at home, I must tell you how wonderful this town is. I’ll definitely be coming back.”

My friends and family hoot and holler as Savannah praises our town. Do we want a huge influx of tourists? Not really, but we also aren’t going to turn away an opportunity to boost the local economy.

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