Page 29 of Librarian for the Jock

Chapter Twenty-Nine

PAIGE

I felt like I had stepped into a dream. The soft glow of the lights guided me toward the big oak tree in the center of the town square, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. It was all so unexpected, so beautiful… and so unlike anything I had ever experienced.

When I first saw the lights twinkling from a distance, I thought maybe it was some kind of event in town. But when I got closer, I realized it was for me. For us.

Seated, I really took a look around, taking in the scene and all the little details—the table set for two under the old oak tree, the string lights draped like stars, my favorite happy flowers on the table—and my heart swelled. It was more than I ever imagined. It was thoughtful and sweet, and it was so Chet. “Thank you,” I whispered, feeling my voice get slightly steadier than before. “For all of this. I love it.”

He grinned. “I’m so glad. I was so worried you would think I was too over the top.”

Feeling a smile spread across my face, I finally noticed them—Jenny and Brandon, peeking out from behind a nearby bush, dressed up in their church clothes, big grins on their faces. April and my kids had gotten me good! The idea of a family photo shoot, attached to my photo shoot, was brilliant. It made sense since April claimed she needed pics of me, which was a great reason for the kids to get dressed up too without me getting overly suspicious.

They stepped out, looking like miniature waiters with makeshift aprons tied around their waists. They looked stiff and formal, totally playing their role well. I loved it! My kids looked so charming, the best-looking kids I’d ever seen, but of course, I was biased.

“Good evening, madam and sir!” Jenny said in an exaggerated, formal voice. “Welcome to our Hawthorn Hideaway Five Star Restaurant. I’ll be your server tonight.”

Brandon bowed dramatically. “And I’m your assistant server. Can I offer you some water or sparkling cider to start?”

I couldn’t help but burst into laughter, my hand flying to my mouth. “Oh, my goodness, you two… you’re adorable.”

Chet chuckled, playing along. “Well, I think I’ll have the sparkling cider, please, Assistant Server.”

Jenny nodded, grinning ear to ear. “Excellent choice, sir. And for you, madam?”

I smiled, shaking my head at their antics. “I’ll have the same, thank you.”

They rushed off to a small table nearby, where I saw they had set up a little station with the food and drinks. I turned back to Chet, my heart swelling with affection for my kids and this man who put all of this together.

“How did you manage to rope them into this?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

He leaned in closer, his voice low and playful. “Oh, they volunteered. Insisted, actually. This was all their idea. They wanted to make sure everything was perfect for you.”

I felt a lump in my throat, a mix of gratitude and love that made my heart ache in the best way. “Well, they’re doing an amazing job,” I said softly, my voice a little choked. “And so are you.”

He reached across the table, taking my hand in his again. “I just wanted you to have a night where you felt special. Because you are, Paige. You’re so very special. I don’t think you hear that enough.”

Before I could respond, Mr. Thompson started playing a soft melody on his violin, and I felt the emotion catch in my throat again. The music was gentle and sweet, wrapping around us like a warm hug. I looked at Chet, feeling a tear threaten to spill over, and he gave my hand a reassuring squeeze.

The kids came back, carrying glasses of sparkling cider with exaggerated seriousness, and set them down in front of us with a little flourish. “Enjoy your drinks, madam and sir!” Brandon said, and then they scurried off to prepare the first course.

I took a sip of the cider, feeling the bubbles tickle my nose, and I couldn’t help but smile. “This is… amazing, Chet,” I whispered. “No one has ever done something like this for me before.”

He looked at me with that warm, sincere expression that made my heart flutter. “I’m just glad you’re here, Paige. I wanted you to feel appreciated and to know how much you mean to all of us… especially me.”

My breath caught at his words, and I felt my cheeks warm again. I glanced down, trying to collect myself, but when I looked up, he was still watching me, his eyes filled with something deep and genuine.

Just then, Jenny came with two small salad plates. Proudly, she explained, “Our special salad for tonight is our deluxe Caesar salad.” She added in a whisper to me, “Brandon and I made this! Mrs. Jenkins taught us so we can make it at home too!”

“Oh, Jenny, that’s wonderful! It looks delicious.” We both thanked her and started on our salad.

“Did I ever tell you how I attempted to impress my high school coach by faking a British accent?”

“A British accent?” I asked, incredulous. “Why in the world would you do that?”

He grinned, leaning in as if he was about to share a deep secret. “I thought it’d make me sound sophisticated, like I’d been traveling or something. Figured it would give me an edge over the other guys.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “And did it?”

He shook his head, laughing too. “Nope. The coach thought I’d lost my mind. He benched me for a week. Told me to ‘drop the Sherlock Holmes act.’”

I burst into laughter, the image of a teenage Chet wandering around the football field saying “jolly good pass, mate” too hilarious to handle. “Oh my goodness, that’s priceless!”

He chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “Yeah, I haven’t tried a British accent since. I think I scarred myself for life.”

I laughed so hard my sides started to hurt, and I realized how much I needed this—just to laugh, to let go of everything weighing on me, even if just for a moment. I felt like I was reconnecting with a part of myself I’d forgotten.

Before Chet started on another story, Jenny came over with two plates of lasagna, carefully balancing them with a big grin. “Your main course, fresh from Mrs. Jenkins’s kitchen!” she announced proudly.

Brandon followed with a basket of garlic bread, holding it up like it was a prized treasure. “And the finest garlic bread in all of Hawthorn Hideaway!”

Chet and I both laughed, thanking them for their service, and they scampered off, whispering excitedly to each other. Chet moved on to another story, this time about a charity dunk tank gone horribly wrong. I could see the amusement dancing in his eyes as he set the scene. “So there I was, thinking I was going to be the hero of the day, sitting up there on the platform, waving like a king… and then, bam! Some kid barely tapped the target, and the platform gave way.”

I was already giggling, picturing him flailing around. “Oh no, did you fall in?”

He nodded, his grin widening. “Fell in like a sack of potatoes. I came up sputtering, and then—bam again! The platform swung back and hit me right in the head. The whole crowd lost it.”

I gasped, laughing, imagining the whole ridiculous scene. “Oh, Chet! That sounds painful yet like something out of a cartoon!”

He laughed too. “Tell me about it. And the worst part? The local newspaper photographer caught the exact moment I went down, mid-flail. The picture ended up on the front page.”

I was clutching my stomach now, laughing so hard I could barely breathe. “Oh, that’s fantastic. I would have loved to see that picture!”

He winked at me. “Maybe I’ll show you one day. But I warn you—it’s not my most flattering angle.”

I couldn’t stop giggling. “Captain Splash… I think I’m going to start calling you that from now on.”

His grin widened. “Hey, if it makes you smile, I’ll take it.”

He kept going, telling me story after story, each one more ridiculous than the last. There was the time he tried to impress a girl by juggling pineapples at a market (“Turns out, pineapples are heavier than they look. I dropped one on my foot and spent the rest of the day limping.”), and the time he accidentally wore two different shoes to a big event (“I was so nervous, I didn’t even notice until someone pointed it out during a speech.”).

Every story had me laughing harder, tears streaming down my face. I could feel the tension in my shoulders easing, my heart feeling lighter with every joke, every shared memory.

I hadn’t realized how much I missed this—just having fun, being silly, letting myself be in the moment. Chet’s stories were ridiculous, but they were also endearing, showing a side of him that was genuine and playful, a side that I found myself drawn to.

I leaned forward, still smiling, my heart feeling fuller than it had in a long time. “You’ve got quite the collection of embarrassing stories, Chet.”

He shrugged, still grinning. “I’ve lived a colorful life. But you know, I wouldn’t change any of it. Every mistake, every ridiculous moment… they’ve all led me here, to this night, with you.”

My heart skipped a beat at his words, and I felt a warmth spread through my chest. “Well,” I said softly, “I’m glad they did. Because I haven’t laughed this much in… I don’t even know how long.”

He smiled, and there was something softer, more serious in his eyes now. “That’s all I wanted,” he said, his voice low and sincere. “To make you laugh, to see you smile like this.”

I felt a blush creeping up my neck, but I couldn’t look away. I had been guarded for so long, but with Chet, it felt… easy. Natural. Like maybe, just maybe, I didn’t have to hold back.

I shook my head, still grinning. “Well, mission accomplished, Captain Splash.”

I felt like I had laughed myself into a happy daze. The air was warm, the lights were glowing, and my cheeks ached from smiling so much. I hadn’t felt this carefree in years, and I didn’t want this feeling to end.

But just as I thought that, Jenny and Brandon appeared again, this time with two small plates, each holding a perfectly arranged dessert. They walked over with all the seriousness of professional waiters, holding the plates up high like they were carrying precious treasures.

Jenny set a plate in front of me with a little flourish. “For you, madam,” she said, trying to keep a straight face.

Brandon did the same for Chet, bowing a little as he placed the plate down. “And for you, sir. Tonight’s dessert special is… chocolate mousse with a twist! A super special from Mrs. Lawson’s kitchen.”

Chet and I exchanged amused glances, and I looked down at the dessert. It was a delicate chocolate mousse, topped with whipped cream and a few fresh raspberries. But there was a little surprise on the side: a small piece of what looked like homemade caramel candy, wrapped in a tiny bow.

“What’s the twist?” I asked, grinning up at them.

Jenny giggled. “The twist is… the secret ingredient in the mousse! It’s Mrs. Lawson’s famous dark chocolate with a hint of chili powder!”

Chet raised an eyebrow, looking impressed. “Chili powder? Fancy! I like it.”

Brandon nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah, we thought you might! It’s supposed to be spicy and sweet. And we added the caramel because… well, who doesn’t love caramel?”

I couldn’t help but laugh, my heart swelling with love for my kids and their creativity. “You two did all this?”

Jenny nodded proudly. “We helped Mrs. Lawson with the mousse, and she let us make the caramel. It’s a special recipe.”

I smiled, touched by their effort. “Well, I can’t wait to try it.”

Chet picked up his spoon, looking at me with a playful glint in his eye. “Shall we?”

I nodded, scooping up a bit of the mousse, noticing the rich, dark chocolate glistening in the light. I took a small bite, and the flavor exploded in my mouth—a perfect blend of smooth chocolate with a surprising hint of warmth from the chili. The sweetness was just right, and there was a subtle kick at the end that made me grin.

“Mmm,” I murmured, savoring the taste. “This is… delicious. The chili is such a nice surprise!”

Chet nodded, taking a bite of his own. “Wow,” he said, a little surprised. “That’s amazing. Sweet, with just the right amount of spice. You two did an awesome job.”

Jenny and Brandon beamed with pride, and I felt a swell of gratitude for this moment, for the effort everyone had put into making tonight so special.

“And the caramel?” Chet asked, picking up the little piece wrapped in the tiny bow. “Shall we try it?”

I nodded, unwrapping my piece and taking a small bite. The caramel was buttery and rich, with a hint of sea salt that made it melt in my mouth. It was simple, but it was perfect—exactly what I didn’t know I needed to end the meal.

“Oh, that’s heavenly,” I said, closing my eyes for a moment to enjoy it. “I didn’t know you two were such talented chefs.”

Brandon laughed. “We had a good teacher!”

Jenny nodded. “And it was fun. We wanted you to have the best dessert ever.”

I smiled at them, my heart full. “Well, you succeeded. This is perfect.”

Chet leaned over, a grin on his face. “You know, Paige, I think we’ve got a couple of future dessert moguls on our hands here.”

I laughed, feeling warm and content. “I think you’re right. Maybe we’ll start a family bakery.”

The kids laughed, and I felt a warmth in my chest, like everything had fallen perfectly into place.

“Mom, we are going to clean up then head home. I will make sure Jenny gets ready for bed. Please enjoy your special night with Chet. I love you.”

“I love you too, Mommy! It’s ok if you and Chet kiss after we are gone. I love seeing you two together.”

Brandon swatted at Jenny as they scurried away. “You aren’t supposed to say stuff like that to adults!”

Chet and I cracked up laughing at my silly kids. My heart felt so full. I could never find enough words to express how much I loved my kids. They really were the best, and I was so blessed.

As we finished the dessert, Chet stood and offered me his hand, a playful look in his eyes. “Now, how about that dance?”

I took his hand, feeling a spark of excitement in my chest. “I’d love to. Dancing with you has become one of my favorite things to do,” I said softly. He smiled back at me with that gentle look in his eyes.

We moved under the lights, with the taste of chocolate and caramel lingering on my lips, I knew I was exactly where I wanted to be—dancing, laughing, and living in that beautiful moment with Chet. More than that, he was looking at me like I was the only person there, like the night was as special for him as it was for me. It had been so long since I felt like that—so seen, so cared for.

As Chet pulled me close, the melody from Mr. Thompson’s violin filled the air, and I suddenly recognized the tune.

It was *La Vie en Rose*.

The notes drifted softly through the night air, delicate and sweet, and instantly, a wave of emotion washed over me. My breath caught in my throat, and I felt a tightness in my chest. I knew this song. I knew it so well that every note felt like a thread pulling on my heart, unraveling memories I had kept tucked away for so long.

It was my parents' song.

I was immediately back to when I was a little girl, watching my parents dance in our living room. My dad would put this song on the old record player, scratchy and warm, and he’d pull my mom close, swaying with her as if they were the only two people in the world. I remembered the way they would look at each other—like nothing else mattered, like they had all the time in the world. A love I had always wanted for myself.

My mom would hum along, her head resting on his shoulder, her eyes closed, a soft smile on her lips. They would dance slowly, moving in perfect sync, and I would watch from the corner, hiding behind a chair, giggling as I saw them lost in their own little world. It was their special thing, a moment just for them, where they found peace in each other’s arms, even when life was hard.

I hadn’t heard this song in years. Not since my dad passed. I never let myself play it, afraid it would hurt me or my mom too much, afraid it would bring back memories I wasn’t ready to face.

But now, there it was, floating through the night air like a whisper, wrapping around me with all its bittersweet beauty. I could feel tears prickling at the corners of my eyes, my throat tightening with the weight of it all.

Chet noticed immediately, his hand tightening around mine. “Hey,” he whispered, concern in his eyes. “Are you okay?”

I nodded, but I couldn’t speak just yet. I was afraid that if I opened my mouth, the tears would spill over. I looked up at him, trying to steady my breath, and he waited, patient and kind, giving me a moment to find my voice.

“It’s just… this song,” I finally managed, my voice barely a whisper. “It’s… it’s my parents’ song. They used to dance to it all the time. They were so in love. I haven’t heard it in so long… since my dad’s passing.”

His expression softened, and he stepped closer, his eyes filled with understanding. “I’m sorry, Paige. I didn’t know…”

I shook my head quickly, trying to smile through the tears. “No, it’s okay. It’s… it’s a beautiful memory. I just… I wasn’t expecting it.”

He nodded, his thumb brushing gently over the back of my hand, grounding me. “Do you want to sit down, take a break?”

I shook my head again, feeling a tear escape down my cheek. “No,” I whispered. “I want to dance.”

He smiled, pulling me closer, his arms wrapping around me gently, yet firmly. “Then let’s dance,” he said softly.

I leaned into him, resting my head against his chest, letting the melody wash over me. The tears came, soft and slow, but they didn’t feel painful this time. They felt like a release, like I was letting go of something I had been holding onto for too long.

As we swayed to the music, I felt Chet’s hand on my back, steady and warm, and I closed my eyes, letting myself sink into the moment. I felt safe, comforted… and for the first time in a long time, I felt a sense of peace.

The song played on, and I imagined my parents dancing in their living room, smiling and happy, wrapped in each other’s arms. I could almost hear my mom’s soft hum, see the twinkle in my dad’s eye. And I realized, with a bittersweet ache, that they would have loved this… loved that I was there, feeling this way, letting someone in again.

As the final notes of the song faded into the night, I could feel his breath on my cheek, his hand firm but gentle on my back, his thumb tracing small circles that sent a shiver down my spine. My head rested against his chest, and I could hear the steady beat of his heart, matching the rhythm of my own. I felt safe there, in his arms, like nothing in the world could touch us. I pulled back slightly, looking up at Chet. His eyes were gentle, his expression full of understanding, and I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “For this. For everything.”

He smiled, brushing a tear from my cheek. “You don’t have to thank me, Paige,” he murmured. “I’m just glad you’re here.”

I realized just then that our magical night would have to end eventually. I started to feel a bit of panic settling in.

Chet seemed to feel it too. He pulled back just slightly, enough to look down into my eyes. There was something serious in his gaze, something that made my heart race a little faster.

“Paige,” he said softly, his voice low and sincere, “I know we’ve joked a lot tonight, and I’ve told you more embarrassing stories than I probably should have… but there’s something I need to say. Something real.”

I felt a flutter of nervousness in my stomach, but I nodded, my eyes never leaving his. “Okay,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “I’m listening.”

He took a deep breath, his hand still resting on my waist, keeping me close. “I’ve been thinking a lot, about you, about us, about everything. And I realized tonight… that I don’t want to keep pretending like this is just casual or that it doesn’t mean anything. Because it does, Paige. It means a lot. You mean a lot.”

I felt my heart swell in my chest, my breath catching in my throat. “Chet, I…”

He shook his head gently, his smile soft. “Let me finish, okay?”

I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Okay.”

He took another breath, his eyes never leaving mine. “I’ve spent a long time trying to figure out what I want, what makes me happy. And tonight… tonight, I realized that what makes me happy is being here, with you. I don’t want anyone else, Paige. I don’t want to be anywhere else. I want you. Just you.”

I felt tears prickling at the corners of my eyes, a mix of joy and relief flooding through me. “Chet… are you saying…?”

He nodded, his hand moving up to cup my cheek, his thumb brushing away a tear that I hadn’t even realized had fallen. “Yeah,” he said softly. “I’m saying I want to be with you. Just you. I want to be your one and only, if you’ll let me.”

I felt my heart skip a beat, a rush of emotion so strong it almost knocked me off my feet. I had been so guarded, so afraid to let anyone in, but with Chet, it felt different. It felt… right.

I took a deep breath, my hand reaching up to cover his on my cheek. “Chet,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion, “I’ve been scared. Scared of letting someone in, scared of what that might mean… but with you, I don’t feel scared anymore. I feel… safe. And happy. And alive in a way I haven’t felt in so long.”

His eyes softened, and he leaned in just a bit closer. “So, what are you saying, Paige?”

I smiled, feeling the tears finally spill over, but they were happy tears. “I’m saying… I want that too. I want you to be my one and only. I want to be with you, Chet. No one else.”

A huge grin spread across his face, and he let out a breath like he had been holding it in for days. “You mean it?”

I nodded, laughing softly through the tears. “I mean it.”

He pulled me closer, wrapping me in a tight hug, and I felt like I could melt right there in his arms. “You’ve just made me the happiest man in the world, Paige,” he murmured into my hair, his voice thick with emotion.

I pulled back slightly, just enough to look up at him, my heart full to bursting. “You’ve made me pretty happy too,” I said softly, and before I could overthink it, I leaned up and pressed my lips to his.

The kiss was soft at first, tentative, but then he deepened it, his hand moving to the back of my neck, pulling me closer. I could feel everything in that kiss—every laugh, every joke, every shared moment—and it was like everything fell into place.

When we finally pulled back, we were both smiling, breathless, and I felt a lightness in my chest, a weight I didn’t even realize I was carrying lifting off me.

“So,” he said, his forehead resting against mine, “what now?”

I laughed, a bright, free sound that filled the night air. “Now, we see where this takes us,” I whispered. “Together.”

He nodded, his smile soft and full of promise. “Together.”

And as we stood there, under the twinkling lights, with the night sky stretching above us, I knew that whatever came next, we would face it hand in hand. Together. For the first time in a long time, I felt complete.