Page 38 of Call It Love (Sterling Mill #5)

Chase

The barn had never looked better.

Soft golden lights strung in loose drapes from the rafters gave the whole place a warm, welcoming glow.

Mason jars filled with wildflowers—larkspur, black-eyed Susans, and purple salvia—lined the tables.

Sprays of goldenrod, white daisies, and sprigs of lavender were woven along the support beams. Anna had handpicked some of them from the surrounding meadows, but I’d donated extras from the greenhouses.

Seeing them tucked into every corner, spilling out of wooden crates and old watering cans, made it feel like the barn itself had bloomed for the occasion.

I shifted my weight, taking it all in. She’d pulled it off. Every detail, every sparkle of light, every scent of the flowers and fresh-cut hay being used for extra seating carried her fingerprint. Pride swelled in my chest so full it almost hurt.

And then there was Anna herself.

She moved through the space with a quiet authority, her pretty blue sundress swirling around her legs and cowboy boots as she crossed the floor to check that the tables were ready for the potluck, and to tweak a few of the silent auction items. A few loose strands of hair had fallen from the simple knot at the back of her neck, framing her face in a way that stopped me cold.

Beautiful didn’t even cover it. She was radiant. Alive. She’d finally stepped into the life she deserved, and somehow, I got to be the lucky one watching her do it.

The sound of gravel crunching under tires stirred me from my thoughts. I turned as the first car pulled up, nearly an hour early.

Beverly Seymour. Of course.

She climbed out of her spotless sedan, already frowning as she adjusted her dress and took a wary glance around.

“Beverly, nice to see you,” I greeted.

“Thank you. I thought it would be best if I stopped by to check that everything is in order.”

“I’m sure you’ll see that it is.”

Her sharp gaze swept over the barn, the decorations, the volunteers putting final touches on the tables, and Slim warming up with some incredible banjo playing. Beverly frowned, as if she hated that there was nothing to criticize.

I caught Anna’s eye inside the barn and wrinkled my nose at her, causing a quick flash of amusement before she darted into motion, crossing the space and welcoming Beverly with a polite but breezy hello.

“I’m so glad you got here early,” Anna said brightly. “I need someone dependable to stand here and collect the tickets. You’ll be the perfect person.”

Beverly’s mouth gaped. “Well, I don’t?—”

But Anna was already pressing a small basket into Beverly’s hands. “You can use this. I’ve got to go make sure Slim has everything he needs. Thank you so much for stepping in. ”

She turned and scurried away, leaving Beverly to stand there like a fish on land, mouth opening and closing, before snapping shut.

I had to bite the inside of my cheek at how the tables had been turned. Beverly liked to run things, not necessarily do them. I excused myself and hurried away to make sure she didn’t try to pawn her assignment onto me.

I spotted Bristol and Reid turning on electric candles on the bar tables, the plastic wicks imitating an actual flame but with none of the danger.

Zach and Em were setting up luminaries along a pathway that we’d created from the parking area.

Mac and Trey were discussing the best way to coordinate parking.

Jordan carried a couple of gallons of lemonade that Anna poured into a drink dispenser.

Cheyenne Fergusson had gotten a temporary permit to serve wine and beer courtesy of her family’s bar, affectionately known as Ferg’s.

Cars began to roll in. It wasn’t long before the barn buzzed with life as laughter and conversation floated through the warm summer air.

Mayor Bowen eventually took his place near the makeshift stage set up at the back of the barn. A microphone crackled to life in his hand. Perched smugly on his shoulder was Sterling, wearing a miniature red bow tie for the occasion.

“Good evening, folks,” Mayor Bowen said, holding the mic with one hand while keeping Sterling from pecking his ear with the other. “We’re here to kick off a night of food, music, dancing—and hopefully, some generous bidding at our silent auction. All proceeds go to help our community, so dig deep!”

Sterling bobbed his head. “Don’t be cheapskates! ”

Laughter rippled through the barn. Sterling could always be counted on for a wisecrack.

“On behalf of the town council,” Bowen continued, “I’d like to thank Anna Washington for her efforts to put together this event. And I think we can all agree, it looks fantastic. Come on up here, Anna, please.”

The crowd erupted in applause and a few cheers. People turned to look for her, clapping as they cleared a path.

Anna froze for half a second, caught like a deer in headlights.

“You’ve got this,” I murmured in her ear.

Then she smiled—small at first, almost bashful—but I saw it. That spark of strength under the nerves. She smoothed her dress with one hand and started forward, her back straightening a little more with each step.

Just as Anna climbed the stage, Sterling let out a sharp whistle and promptly launched himself from Mayor Bowen’s shoulder right to Anna.

She laughed in surprise as he landed gently on her shoulder and gave her a loud theatrical smooch.

“Mwah!” Sterling crowed. “Lookin’ good, sugarplum!”

The barn erupted with laughter and whooping applause.

Anna flushed, but she lifted her hand and gave Sterling a tiny pat on the head, then pointed to his bowtie. “Lookin’ good yourself, Sterling,” she said, her voice shy but playful.

“ Mayor Sterling, sweetheart,” he answered in a near-perfect Humphrey Bogart impersonation.

A few more chuckles rolled through the crowd, along with some good-natured cheers.

She turned to the crowd. “Thank you,” she said, a little breathless but clear.

“This was a group effort. A few special shoutouts, especially to Chase Allen, who donated not just this barn but also his time.” She blew me a kiss, and I responded by patting my chest over my heart.

“Thank you to Cameron Caldwell and Sterling Construction for not only building the stage but also helping us with temporary structures. To the countless people who contributed donations and volunteered their time to help pull this together, I’m eternally grateful.

” She laughed and winked at everyone. “Even if I had to bribe half of you with pie.”

That earned a few hollers and shouts of, “Worth it!”

“I’m still learning how to speak up,” she admitted, tucking a loose piece of hair behind her ear. “But tonight, this event makes me feel like maybe I’ve found a place to do that. So, thank you. For showing up. For trusting me. And for being a town that lets people begin again.”

The crowd quieted, then roared back with a round of heartfelt applause.

Sterling let out another approving whistle. “She’s a keeper!”

“Now let’s have some fun, shall we?” She waved to Slim, whose band struck up a fast, foot-stomping tune.

The feathered mayor flew from her shoulder as she made her way down from the small platform, her eyes instantly finding mine.

I held out my hand, and before she could protest, I whirled her out onto the dance floor, where we quickly fell into a rhythm with the music.

Others joined in, and soon the barn was alive with activity.

After several upbeat tunes, the music shifted, and the band struck up a slow, romantic tune.

Without a word, I pulled her to me. She came willingly as I pulled her gently against me, one hand settling at the small of her back, the other cradling her hand against my chest. She rested her cheek against my shoulder as we swayed slowly to a song about second chances.

She fit perfectly, like she’d always belonged there.

I leaned down and brushed my lips against her temple.

“You’re beautiful,” I whispered, the words slipping out as easily as breathing. “You’ve made this whole night shine, Anna. You make everything better.”

I felt her smile against my chest, and I tightened my hold, never wanting to let her go.

Her fingers tightened slightly against my shirt, and for a few stolen minutes, it was just us, swaying gently, anchored only to each other.

The song wound to an end, applause breaking out around us, and Anna gave a reluctant little laugh as she pulled back.

“I have to check on a few things,” she said apologetically, brushing her fingers along my chest. “But after that, I’m yours for the rest of the night. Promise.”

“You’d better be,” I teased, squeezing her hand before letting her go.

Before she could dart away, she was intercepted by two guests, eager to tell her the barn dance was the best idea ever.

I watched her grin and wave it off, gracious but modest, before moving toward the silent auction tables, where she chatted with even more people before moving on to the food and drinks.

Everywhere she went, someone stopped her.

And watching it happen, watching her thrive, thrilled me.

Now Beverly cornered her. She’d apparently decided her job as ticket taker was done and had appointed herself drink table overlord instead.

She’d been standing sentry at the drink table, arms crossed tightly, throwing sharp glances at Hans every time he edged near the punch bowl.

Whatever Beverly said to her, Anna just laughed and patted her on the arm, walking away unbothered while Beverly pursed her lips.

“I think good ole Beverly has met her match in that one.”

I turned to see Bristol smiling over a cup of lemonade as she watched the scene with clear amusement.

“Do my ears deceive me? Is that a compliment coming from you?” I teased.

She smacked my arm. “Don’t be an ass. It’s a full-time job keeping Beverly on her toes. It’s exhausting, you know. I’m genuinely happy to have another recruit.”

I snorted. “Not sure Anna is quite on par with you and Hans.”

“Give me time. I’ll train her.”

I rolled my eyes at her sly grin.

Without warning, Bristol wrapped her arm around my waist and laid her head on my shoulder. I looked down to see a tiny wet trail running halfway to her cheek. My stomach tightened. It wasn’t like her to be overly sentimental.

Alarmed, I wrapped my arm around her. “You okay? Should I get Reid?”

She shook her head. “No. Don’t you dare.

He’ll just fuss and try to take me home when I’m just so damn happy for you two.

I know I wasn’t Team Anna when she came back.

But watching the two of you together, it’s obvious you’re meant to be.

You’re more relaxed, and after watching Anna for the past couple of months, well, it’s like she’s one of your plants. She’s bloomed since she’s been here.”

“What are you saying? That I’m like manure?”

My teasing worked. Bristol choked on a laugh and lifted her head. “No, you big dummy. You know what I mean. She needed you. You’re like her…sunlight, I think. Like she’s been locked away behind the clouds.”

“You’re closer to the truth than you maybe know.”

“Take care of her, Chase. She deserves it. And let her take care of you.”

“I don’t need to be taken care of, but I’m definitely happier with her.” I hugged her. “Love you, brat.”

“Love you, too, big brother. Now. I’m off to find my sexy husband and see if he wants to find a private corner somewhere.”

I shuddered. “Please. No details.”

She shot me a wicked grin, then left. I chuckled under my breath and leaned back against a post, scanning the crowd, but I didn’t see Anna anywhere.

My eyes swept the room again, slower this time.

No blue dress. No flash of her blonde hair.

I pushed away from the post and weaved through the crowd, checking the corners, the back entrance, and near the drinks.

Still nothing. I stepped outside, the cooler night air cooler feeling good on my skin.

From where I stood, I could see the edge of the parking area and the side yard where some of the overflow tables had been set. Still no sign of her.

I turned my head and spotted Jordan near the fence line, where he was talking to a group of other teens.

I couldn’t help but notice one girl in particular seemed to hold his attention, and she also seemed to have eyes only for him.

It might be time Jordan and I had a conversation I wasn’t ready for.

I headed toward him and nodded to the group. “Hey,” I said, pulling him slightly aside. I tried to keep my tone easy. “Have you seen Anna?”

He frowned. “Not since earlier. I’ve been out here for a while, though. ”

“Huh. Okay. Just thought I’d ask.”

Jordan straightened. His eyes sharpened in that way I’d come to recognize—the way he noticed more than people gave him credit for. “Want me to help look?”

I shook my head. “Nah. You hang out with your friends.”

“Is that what she did when you couldn’t find me?”

He had me there. “Of course not,” I answered.

He turned to his friends. “I’ll be back in a minute.” Then he faced me again. “You check around the side sheds,” he offered. “I’ll circle around by the greenhouse path. She probably just needed a quiet moment.”

“Good plan. You’re probably right.”

He turned, but I stopped him with a word. “Jordan.”

He looked back.

“Thanks.”

He gave me a short, solid nod. “We’ll find her.”

And then he disappeared into the dark.

But the knot in my chest still wouldn’t loosen.