Page 44 of One Golden Ring
Walking across the parking lot, I take in the sounds and sights of happy villagers, enjoying the day. There are lines at the stands where people chat and sip hot cocoa or coffee, with kids scampering around in between. Other booths have balloons and games kids can play to win miniature stuffed animals.
When I reach the other side I push open the door to the library and follow the sound of voices to a big sunny room overlooking the lawn and lot.
At the entry there’s a box with a slot in the top. It has the Mountain Angels logo, and a little note.
Give What You Will
I have no intention of trying to make an ornament, but I slide a small donation into the box anyway.
Just past the entry are some displays of items that have been donated for a silent auction, also to benefit the Mountain Angels.
Past that, dozens of tables are set up across the bright space and boxes of supplies line the walls. I spot wooden beads, paints, quick-set clay, feathers, pinecones, plastic holly, miniature figures, and so many more fun things. Based on the very different boxes, I’m guessing that these items were donated too.
I scan the tables until I find J.B. and Derek bent over something sparkly.
Moving closer, I see that it’s a golden sphere hung from a nearly invisible string. There are other spheres on the table too.
“Hi, guys,” I say softly when I reach them.
“Darcy,” J.B. says. “Are you going to make a decoration?”
“No, definitely not,” I tell her. “I just wanted to see what you two were making.”
Derek smiles at me over his daughter’s head and I feel that sense ofrightnessagain, like I’m home whenever he’s near.
That’s just because I’ve worked for him for so long, I tell myself.
“It’s the solar system,” J.B. explains, sounding super enthused about it. “And it moves.”
“What?” I ask.
“Look,” she says. “Show her, Dad.”
Derek lifts the glittering golden ball by its string and J.B. picks up a wooden crescent that holds the strings for the other spheres. When she brings them close, they start to move around the little sun.
“How did you do that?” I whisper in awe.
“Magnets,” J.B. says softly.
It might really be magnets, but I can tell by her tone of voice that she’s thinking what I’m thinking.
Itfeelslike magic.
It all feels like magic to me.
14
DARCY
After watching the father-daughter team do their thing for a few more minutes, I head back outside to hang out with Michael. But as soon as I sit down, my phone starts buzzing again.
“Is it your sister?” he asks me as I pull my phone out of my pocket.
“It is,” I say, looking down at her name flashing again.
This is a lot of times for her to call without texting. I’m not exactly worried, but…
“Why don’t you talk with her?” he encourages me. “Those two will be hard at work until they get kicked out.”
