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Emma yawns, stretching her arms over her head. “I should head up.”
I nod, watching as she gathers her papers. She hesitates for a second, then offers a small, genuine smile. “Thanks, Bryan. Really.”
I clear my throat, forcing a smirk. “Don’t get used to it.”
She rolls her eyes, but I catch the way her lips tug slightly at the corners. Then she’s gone, footsteps fading upstairs.
I lean back in my chair, rubbing a hand over my jaw. Buddy lifts his head, ears twitching.
“What am I doing?” I mutter to him. He just yawns and drops his head again, completely unbothered.
I wish I could say the same.
Chapter thirteen
Emma
The Ocean Bay Community Center is alive with chatter, laughter, and the occasional bark from the portable pet wash station outside. The scent of freshly baked goods mingles with the salty breeze drifting through the open doors. Every table is brimming with donations, cookies, cupcakes, raffle items all the results of four weeks of planning.
And somehow… it worked. I blink at the turnout, a strange mix of awe and disbelief twisting in my chest. I did this. Or at least, I helped make it happen.
“You okay?” Stella nudges me, balancing a tray of lemonade cups. “You’re just standing there looking like you saw a ghost.”
I exhale, shaking my head. “I just… I didn’t expect this many people.”
She grins. “Well, believe it. Because it’s happening.”
And she’s right. Everywhere I look, there are people, locals, volunteers, even some unfamiliar faces all here to support the clinic. Some are browsing the bake sale, others are standing bythe raffle table, reading the prize list. Kids chase Buddy near the pet wash, giggling as he happily dodges the water sprays.
Claire, Pearl and Stella have been immense help. And above all Bryan has been surprisingly supportive over the past four weeks. Our interactions aren't as strained as before.
And then as if on cue… I see him. He’s near the entrance, arms folded, posture easy, eyes scanning the crowd like he’s taking it all in. He hasn’t left since he arrived early this morning, unloading crates of water and supplies. But now, he’s watching me.
Something flickers in my chest, something I try to ignore as I force myself to look away before I do something stupid. Like walk over to him. Like care that he’s here.
Before I can dwell on it, a familiar voice calls out loud, teasing. “Alright, alright, where’s the woman of the hour?”
I turn to see Nate and Liam heading toward me, both smirking.
"Hi guys. I’m so happy you made it,"
"Bryan would have our heads if we didn't come, and we came to support you and to give you this,” Liam says as Nate holds out an envelope.
Oh no.I gape at them. “Well, thank you. Thank you both so much.”
"You're welcome, and it's a little token to support you and the amazing goal you’re working toward.”
I accept it and gape when I see the amounts on the two checks. "Oh, my goodness, this is a lot, too much. I don't think I can accept this." I stretch the envelope back toward them, but Nate waves his finger. “Sorry, no refunds.”
Liam chuckles. “He’s right. Once the checks are written, it’s out of our hands.”
I stare at them, my stomach twisting. “This is too much.”
“It’s exactly what you need,” Nate corrects, then smirks. “Consider it payment for helping mess with Bryan.”
This brings a laugh from all of us. Liam nods. “Yeah, think of it as a thank you for coming back to town.”
I open my mouth to argue, but Bryan steps up beside me, arching a brow. “Just take it, Em.”