Page 86 of After Tonight

She was in the heart of the town she’d been so determined to leave, surrounded by people who had made this town a community, and more. A family. Sapphire Falls was like a big extended family. And this path was for…everyone. Victims of sex trafficking, of course, but really anyone who needed a reminder that there would always be a path home. A path to a place that was good and welcoming, where people did the right thing and made everyone who came here part of the community and, given half the chance, part of the family.

She soaked in Derek’s smile, knowing that, somehow, he knew what she was thinking. And that he was feeling pretty proud of himself too. But she smiled. She wanted to be a part of this. She wanted to look across the Come Again, this town square, their backyard, and the dinner table at him for the rest of her life.

Yes, he was right. Again.

She cleared her throat, about to take the first step to truly being a part of this community.

“Thank you for coming,” she started again, sounding and feeling stronger. This was just the first of many times she hoped to be standing in front of this town, talking about something awesome they’d just done. “This project is unlike anything I’ve ever done before. And I wouldn’t have done it without Scott and Peyton and Lucy and Derek,” she said. She didn’t need to use last names here. “And my family,” she added, making eye contact with her mom. “Without them believing in it, and me, it never would have happened. And I think it means something even more to me because I took a different path than this one represents. This path is about coming here. Finding shelter and support. My path took me away from Sapphire Falls. But…” She paused and took a deep breath. “Thankfully, I found my way back. And now I’m here encouraging others to walk a path that leads right to the heart of Sapphire Falls. Because this truly is a place where people can find…what they need. Maybe things they didn’t even know they were looking for.”

She scanned the crowd and saw Hope Bennett look up at her husband with a soft smile. Riley saw Levi Spencer put his arm around Kate and pull her close, kissing the top of her head. She watched as Tucker Bennett said something into his wife’s ear that made her loop her arms around his neck and hug him hard. Riley saw Kyle and Hannah link hands. And then she looked at Derek again.

“So thank you,” she said. To him and to them all. “Not just for showing up and donating, but…for being a place people can come for love, support, friendship, and family. Even if they’re actually coming back.”

Everyone clapped enthusiastically as she finished, but Riley was only interested in one reaction. And the big, hot bartender known as the Sex God actually wiped his eye.

“Peyton, do you have anything?” Riley asked, hoping to hurry it all along.

“The rocks you’re holding will help complete the path,” Peyton said. “But even more importantly, they are symbolic of the fact that all of us are a part of the path that leads to Sapphire Falls, for those from here, and those who find us later on.” She grinned at their town. “So toss your rocks!”

Everyone cheered again as they stepped forward to line the path on either side and all tossed their blue stones onto the white and silver ones already in place. The blue filled in any gaps, and with the number of people supporting the effort, almost completely covered the white and silver.

Riley felt her eyes stinging and her heart turning over. Of course she wanted to be a part of this community. How could she not?

The crowd began dispersing, heading toward the tables for educational materials and refreshments that would lead them to Lucy’s bookshop.

Riley started down the steps, needing to get to Derek.

“Riley!” Scott pulled her up short.

“Hey, can we talk la—”

“Heard you applied to the academy,” he said.

“Oh, yeah.”

“I’m really glad.”

She smiled. “Me too.”

“And I need you tonight. We have a lead on something.”

Her heart thudded. She had to go with Scott, of course, but she wanted to see Derek. “Okay. I just—” She glanced around but didn’t see him.

“He’s on his way to the bookstore,” Scott said. “I’ll see you in twenty.”

“Thank you!” She turned, preparing to run to the bookstore, but she spotted Lucy coming toward her.

Riley met her friend halfway across the space. “It was Michael Kade who made you late this morning by kissing you?” she said without preamble, pulling Lucy into a hug.

Lucy laughed. “Shhh! But yes.” She was blushing prettily when she pulled back.

“That’s…perfect,” Riley said.

“It is.” Lucy shrugged. “It all just fell into place. It was all so…”

“Easy,” Riley filled in.

Lucy nodded. “Yeah.”

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