Page 49 of The One Who Changed Everything

I forced a smile, but it felt brittle. “It does.” And maybe that was true. Maybe it counted for a lot. But it didn’t change the fear curling in my stomach, the fear that if it weren’t for Sophia, he wouldn’t be standing here at all.

I took a small step back, needing space, needing air. “I should go.”

For a second, he looked like he might say something else, might push a little further. But then he nodded. “Yeah. Drive safe.”

I slid into my car, shutting the door between us before my resolve could waver. As I pulled away, I caught one last glimpse of him in my rearview mirror—hands on his hips, head tilted slightly, like he was still trying to figure me out.

I wished him luck. I wasn’t sure I even knew the answer myself.

CHAPTER 19

Samantha

The crisp autumn air carried the scent of cinnamon, caramel, and the faint smokiness of roasted nuts as I shifted in my seat at the library’s fundraising booth. Around me, the Minden Fall Festival was in full swing—children darted past in costumes, their laughter blending with the cheerful twang of a bluegrass band playing near the main stage. Leaves crunched underfoot as families meandered between vendor stalls, admiring handmade crafts and sampling seasonal treats.

I, however, couldn’t quite enjoy the festivities. My gaze kept drifting toward the sparse donations in the collection box.

I sighed and forced a smile as an elderly woman approached, dropping a few crumpled bills into the slot. "Thank you, Mrs. Calloway. We appreciate your support."

The woman patted my hand with a warm smile. "You always do such a wonderful job at the library, dear. I hope you reach your goal."

I hoped so too. The children’s area renovations weren’t cheap, and while we'd made progress, we were still far from what we needed. And Mr. Henley hadn’t let me forget it.

I glanced across the festival, spotting Evan near the fire department’s display. He was talking to Chief Daniel Bergman,his broad shoulders relaxed, his strong hands gesturing as he spoke. Even in a casual sweater and jeans, he had a quiet command about him.

As if sensing my gaze, Evan turned. His eyes immediately swept over me, his brow furrowing slightly before he murmured something to Danny and strode in my direction.

"How’s the fundraiser going?" he asked, resting a hand on the back of my chair.

I let out a breath. "Not great. We’ve had some donations, but nowhere near enough."

His lips pressed into a thoughtful line. "Want me to make a scene? Maybe start an impromptu auction? I think I could convince some of the guys at the department to bid on—"

"Evan," I interrupted, laughing despite my frustration.

He grinned but leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Seriously, Sam. If you need more funding, just tell me."

I stiffened, shaking my head. "No, I’m not taking money from you."

His jaw ticked, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he exhaled and gave my shoulder a quick squeeze before stepping back. "Alright. But I’ll be keeping an eye on this."

Before I could protest again, Sophia bounded up to the booth, her friend Lola in tow. "Mom, can I go to the haybale maze with Lola? Her parents are here."

I hesitated, but Evan nodded. "Go ahead, kiddo. Just check in before the bonfire, alright?"

Sophia grinned. "Thanks, Dad!"

The word still sent a jolt through me every time I heard it, but it had become as natural to her as breathing. I met Evan’s eyes, and something warm passed between us.

"She's fast," Evan remarked, his voice threaded with amusement as his gaze followed Sophia’s retreating figure.

"Always is when there's fun to be had," I replied, chuckling. It was one of the rare moments I didn’t mind letting her run off—it was hard to begrudge her joy, even if her condition often kept my protective instincts heightened.

Evan turned his full attention back to me, a warmth in his eyes that I hadn't quite expected. “Do you want to go after her? I don’t mind hanging around while she enjoys herself.”

“Oh, I can grab her if you’d rather not wait,” I offered, though the idea of staying with Evan held its own appeal.

He shook his head, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “I’ve got nowhere to be, and truth be told, it’d be nice to have some time—just us. Are you about done here?” he asked.

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