Page 100 of Skating and Fake Dating
Before her sister can respond, I step in. “Sweet Memories already has pre-orders through March. She’ll be tapping trees while you’re still shoveling snow out of your driveway.”
“I live in a penthouse in Chicago, I don’t shovel snow.”
I fight against rolling my eyes.
Bailey’s hand finds mine, squeezing once in silent thanks, but she doesn’t need my defense.
Voice steady, she says, “Actually, we just signed a distribution deal with three specialty stores and will be featured on HLTV.”
Odette’s eyebrows rise slightly with genuine surprise, maybe even respect. Taffy commandeers their help while Phil pulls me outside to assist with transferring the smoked turkey onto a platter—all while asking me for insider info about the NHL. Apparently, he’s taken a keen interest now that Maple Falls has a local team, not that I’d give away any secrets.
Later, everyone gathers around the table with several squeezed in on folding chairs.
Phil gets to his feet and lifts his glass. “Family, friends, Taffy and I have a lot to be thankful for.”
Bailey’s mom beams. “Starting with all of you.”
“But if it weren’t for some hockey chum handcuffing himself to my kid?—”
“Dad, it was the magician,” Bailey says.
He tips his head as if still needing convincing, “As I was saying, if that hadn’t happened, this may have been the last time we’d gathered around this table.”
Taffy licks her finger and then unfolds a copy of the Maple Falls Gazette and clears her throat. “In case anyone missed it, today’s headline reads, ‘Mystery Heir’s Heart Melts for Maple Falls’”
A murmur ripples through the room.
Taffy continues, sharing the rest of the article. “‘Residents of Maple Falls are breathing a collective sigh of relief as Alexander MacDonald, the mystery heir whose plans had thrown Maple Falls into a tizzy, has had a change of heart that would rival any plot twist in the romance novels at Falling for Books.
“In a letter delivered to his lawyer yesterday, the billionaire announced he cannot proceed with his modernization plans, choosing instead to return the sprawling lands to the town. Sources close to MacDonald reveal his decision stems from discovering his family’s deep-rooted connection to our community.
“I didn’t know what this town meant to everyone, including my ancestors,” MacDonald wrote in his letter, which Mayor Thompkins read aloud at an impromptu gathering on the town square, causing Mary-Ellen McCluskey to drop her maple latte in shock.
“The resources acquired through grassroots fundraising efforts, which had residents checking piggy banks and couch cushions, will now be allocated to the town along with local charitable organizations, including our beloved Happy Horizons.
“Councilwoman Burke, who was bound and determined to save Maple Falls, whatever the cost, was spotted dabbing her eyes.
“Amidst tears of joy and hoots of happiness, we heard an echo from the past that was discovered among the contents ofthe time capsule, and we hope never to have to rally and hear it again, as our town is officially safe and sound.
“Long Live Maple Falls!”
Half of the people in the room shoot out of their seats, cheering, hugging, and proclaiming, “Long Live Maple Falls!”
When the excitement and clamor die down, Mr. and Mrs. Porter remain standing. They exchange a look.
Phil says, “If that hockey player?—”
Taffy elbows him and scolds, “Phillip.”
“If Carson hadn’t brought our Bailey back?—”
“She may not have been able to help save Maple Falls and where would that leave us?” Tears stream down Taffy’s face as she hugs Bailey. Into her daughter’s hair, she says, “I hope you never want to leaf.”
At least, I think that’s what she says.
“I certainly didn’t do it alone. It was a community effort. Took a team. That’s what makes this town special.” She twines her hand around mine. “And I’d do it all over again if I had to. Handcuffs and all.”
When we finally return to the meal, my mother chats with Gertie and Tiny sprawls across three sets of feet. Bailey’s cousins pepper me with more hockey questions and a sense of rightness and gratitude washes over me.
