Call it fate, p.29
Call it Fate, page 29
From the stage, I watched as Zach was handed the list of best hats winners to announce. To my delight, Iain and Callie won for prettiest hat.
“Let’s hear it for the winners,” he said after he passed out the last award. He was a natural up there, not at all fazed by speaking in front of the crowd. “I’d like to take a minute to thank the town council for this honor of being part of your Derby Day celebration. And I think we all owe a huge round of thanks to Emalee Dawson for all of her effort in making this day a great success. Come on up here, sunshine!”
There was nothing I could do about the blush that crept across my cheeks as I made my way toward the stage among the loud applause and some whistles from Chase and Megan. Zach handed me the microphone, and I gave a quick, impromptu speech acknowledging the rest of the committee and thanked everyone for coming and encouraged them to fill up on the delicious food available.
The rest of the party went on with the pie contests, but the biggest part was over for me. Someone else was in charge of overseeing the pie contests and another for cleanup. Most of my job was done.
Zach escorted me down the platform but didn’t let go of my hand. He pulled me to a less crowded area of the park, then turned to face me.
“You did a great job, sweetheart.”
“Thank you. I’m glad you were able to make it after all, but I’m surprised you didn’t at least let Iain know.” Or me. But then, I hadn’t been very encouraging during our past few phone calls.
“There’s something I need to talk to you about,” he said, growing serious.
My stomach rolled and released that butterfly feeling. Nothing good usually ever started with those words.
“I want us to be together.”
My frustration grew. “I want that, too, Zach, but we’ve been over this. Now’s not the time to make too many changes. I don’t want to argue about this again.”
“I don’t want to argue, either. And I heard you when you said you weren’t ready to make those changes. But I am.”
I started to protest, but he rested his finger against my lips.
“I realized something when I was in Charlotte.” He took a deep breath. “Being a surgeon isn’t my dream after all. But being here with you and Iain and living in this crazy town that dresses up animals in hats and elects a bird for mayor? Turns out, that’s my dream.”
I held my breath as his words started to sink in. “But what about your internship? What about a job?”
His hands slid around my waist. “Let’s just say, Doctor Anders is currently searching for another intern.”
I gasped. “Zach. You can’t do that. You’ve worked too hard for it. I can’t ask that of you.”
“Good thing you aren’t asking then, huh? But you were right to ask once why it was so important to me.”
I felt ashamed I’d even asked it. “It doesn’t matter why as long as it’s what you want.”
“But that’s just it. I was chasing it for the wrong reason. I thought it would finally make my father proud of me. But with a little help from Chase’s fist and a fine closing argument from Clay, they helped me realize what I already knew.”
“Chase hit you?”
“It was deserved.”
I laughed. “Well, probably, but still…”
“Can we get back to the point, Sunshine?”
I grinned, sensing a lightheartedness in him I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen, not even when we were younger.
“Nothing would have been good enough. First it would have been the added specialty, then it would have been something else. I was searching for something unattainable. That is, until I found you again. It’s been you the whole time. Well, now it’s you and Iain. That’s all I need to be happy. You, who loves me whether I’m a vet or a Derby Day judge or a frustrated field trip chaperone.”
I shook my head, still not able to grasp this new twist. “You’re right about that. I love you. But you’re an excellent vet, and I truly believe that’s your calling. What are you going to do? That’s too much to give up.”
“I’m going to own half a clinic, that’s what.”
“What?”
“Sweetheart, I’ve been in the biggest negotiation of my life this past week. But as of yesterday, I’m part owner of the Sterling Mill Animal Clinic. Doc Claypool is nowhere near ready to retire, but the clinic has become too much for just him. It was hard for him to admit it, but I think he had a little guidance from his wife on that point. Then he wanted to only consider me as an employee, but I think I have Doctor Anders to thank for that change of mind. Thanks to my grandfather, I have the money to buy into his business. We reached an agreement a few days ago, and we both signed the paperwork yesterday.”
His happiness was contagious. “You’re serious?”
“As a heart attack.”
“I…I’m not sure what to say.”
“Say you forgive me for being such an idiot. I swear to you, I will always take the time to listen to you.”
“Of course, I forgive you. I told you that already.”
“So, we’re good?”
“Oh, honey. We’re more than good. I love you.”
“God, sunshine. I love you so much.”
We moved at the same time, our mouths seeking and finding each other’s. Zach’s arms tightened around my waist as my hands slid to hold his head to mine as I sank into him. After a minute, he picked me up and whirled me around, making me laugh. When he set me down, he leaned his forehead against mine. “Fuck, Em, I want you so much,” he groaned. “Please say you’ll come home with me tonight. You, Iain, me, and the pets.”
“We’ll be there,” I promised.
He caught my hand up in his and we headed back to the crowd. My friends were gathered with my mom, who had a huge grin on her face. They were all watching us.
“You knew what he was up to, didn’t you?” I asked my mom.
She nodded.
I was about to question her more, but I was interrupted by a loud squawk. Sterling flew in a circle over our heads before he landed on Zach’s shoulder. “Doc Zach’s bringing sexy back.”
Our group of friends and family roared with laughter. But Milo, seeing the bird, jumped and barked. Sterling took off, flying low across the park with Milo on the chase with his leash dragging after him. It caught the attention of the other dogs nearby, many of whom fled from their surprised owners to join in the chase.
Within seconds, there were shrieks and shouts as one of the dogs knocked into someone carrying one of the pie entries. The pie went flying through the air right into the face of Mayor Bowen, who stood stunned as cherry filling dripped down his face.
The chase continued as Sterling seemed to intentionally zig zag across the park, the dogs blindly giving chase causing people to either move or be bowled over until Sterling swooped down low over the banquet table.
My hand slapped over my mouth as I watched wide-eyed as two of the dogs leaped up on the table. They slid across, knocking over leftover casseroles and Jell-O salads. The rest of the pack happily came to a stop to eat the unexpected treats. By the time Sterling settled on a tree limb to look over the destruction below, chairs had been upset, small tables had been knocked over, plates of food and other trash had been scattered, and people were picking themselves up from the ground. The dogs were happily filling their bellies.
“Oh, my god,” I whispered, taking in the second year of destruction. Even from across the park, I could see the redness of Beverly Seymour’s face as she stood gaping at the disaster around her. I worried she was having a heart attack as she collapsed into a chair that hadn’t been turned over as her hand clasped her chest.
From his perch in the tree, Sterling squawked again. “Winner,” he announced.
From behind me, I felt Zach’s body vibrate. I turned to see what was wrong and found him laughing. “Only in this crazy town,” he said, almost choking on his mirth.
Reid began to laugh with him, and pretty soon, our entire group had tears streaming down our faces. I fell against Zach’s chest, gasping for air. “Well, one good thing will come of this,” I gasped.
“What’s that?” he said, enfolding me in his arms.
“I won’t have to do Derby Day next year.”
We started laughing all over again.
Epilogue
Emalee - One month later
* * *
“Surprise!”
I stopped in my tracks at the entrance to the living room of The Dogtrot. Not only were my family and friends there, but so were most of the business owners in the downtown area and several members of the town council. I even saw the Crawleys, my guests from early last spring.
“What’s going on?”
Mama came forward as did Mayor Bowen, who seemed to be trying to be the first to reach me. “Oh, honey, it’s so exciting.”
“You won,” the mayor interrupted.
“Won what?” I asked, looking between him and my mom.
Mama gave the mayor a stern look, then stepped in front of him. “The Dogtrot was named the recipient of The Best of the Tennessee Mountains Award for inns and getaways. I’m so proud of you, sweetheart. It’s all because of you.”
“We won?” I reached out to grab her arm.
She and everyone around nodded, calling out their congratulations.
“I got the letter yesterday,” she said, the pride in her voice clear. “You don’t know how hard it was not to tell you right away. Richard wanted to wait until the next council meeting,” she paused and gave him a reproachful look, “but that was too far away.”
“Oh, Mama! Our little bed-and-breakfast…we won! I can’t believe it.”
I whirled around toward Zach. “We won!”
He swept me into his arms and spun me around. “As if there were any doubt. Congratulations.”
“You believed in me the entire time,” I whispered. “Thank you. I’m not sure I could have done it without you.”
“Sure, you could have, but it was a pleasure to watch.” He pressed a kiss to my lips that I would have loved to let linger, but I’d have to wait until later for that.
Mayor Bowen cleared his throat. “Now, to make it official.” He held up a framed certificate and handed it to me.
“Congratulations, Mama.” Iain hugged my waist.
I swept him up into my arms. “Thanks, baby. You were a huge help.”
All of my friends and family took their turn congratulating me before the crowd spread itself out into the dining room where the party feast had been laid out.
Mr. and Mrs. Crawley came forward. “I told you that you had a wonderful little place here.”
“You’re the ones who nominated me, aren’t you?”
“No, but if you remember from your letter, it said there were some secret judges.” Mrs. Crawley winked.
My mouth dropped open. “Wow. I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you have two rooms available this summer. We want to bring our son Charley here. Did I tell you about him?”
I laughed and linked my arm through hers. “Yes, you did, and yes, let’s go book those rooms now. I can’t wait to meet him.”
As the crowd thinned out, Mama pulled me to the little alcove under the stairs. “I have a gift for you.”
I beamed at her. “You shouldn’t have done anything.”
She said nothing, just handed me a large manila envelope. “Open it.”
I pulled out some papers, trying to make sense of the words. “These are the papers for The Dogtrot.” Nothing like stating the obvious.
“Yes, but with one change. Your name is now on the deed.”
My mouth dropped open as I stared at her. “You’re giving me The Dogtrot?”
She smiled. “It’s been yours for a long time, darling girl. I’m just making it official.”
“But…”
Her hand grasped my arm. “I’ve been the so-called owner for years, but I never could have turned this into what you have. I love this place, but you had a vision that I would have never had, nor do I think I would have had the drive to see it through. You are so much like your grandmother. She would have been so proud to see what you did with this house and the business. You’ve been sweet to include me in every decision, but really, I would have never said no to any of your ideas. This is all you, all your hard work. You’ve built upon the legacy, and now, it rightfully should be yours.”
Tears filled both of our eyes at her words. “Oh, Mama. I don’t know what to say.”
“It was always going to be yours, sugarplum. I just moved up the timing. I want you to take it and run with it. No need to get my approval.”
The tears in her eyes matched my own. “Thank you. But I’ll always value your opinion.”
“You’re welcome.”
I hugged her tightly, then turned to Zach. “I own a bed-and-breakfast.”
He smiled. “An award-winning one at that.” He tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. “I’m so proud of you, sunshine. Let’s go celebrate with your friends.”
Zach
* * *
I leaned against the wall of the dining room, watching with pride as Emalee circulated around the room. Her face was bright with happiness.
Reid joined me, tipping his glass of champagne toward her. “I’m happy for her.”
“It’s a big day for her.”
“Not just about her award. I mean that she found you. I’ve never seen her so happy as I have these past months. You’re good for each other.”
I looked closely at him. I’d gotten to know him better since I’d officially moved here. I knew his joy for Emalee was sincere, but there was something a little melancholy about him as well. “If it can happen for us, it can happen for you.”
“Nah. I had it once. Lightning never strikes in the same place twice, you know?”
I didn’t agree, but there was something I needed to do. I slapped Reid on the back. “If there were ever a town for miracles, I’d say this is it.”
When Emalee had a break from greeting people, I slid next to her. “Can I steal you for a few minutes?”
“Of course.”
I caught her hand and led her through the back door along a path that was grown over with weeds and grass.
“Where are we going?”
I laughed at her need to know. Surprises really weren’t her thing, but I was certain she’d make an exception for this one. I continued to guide her until we reached a rundown house at the back of her property.
“This is the old caretaker’s home. What are we doing here?”
“Come inside.”
“Is it open? No one has lived here since I was a little girl.”
I pulled her up the front steps, careful to point out a rotten piece of wood on the porch. The door easily opened, and we stepped inside.
“Take a look around, Sunshine.” Taped to the walls of every room were sketches and blueprints.
“Oh, my gosh,” she exclaimed, whirling to face me, her eyes wide with questions. “Did you do this?”
I chuckled. “Well, technically, Cameron did it, but it was my idea. And I have your mom’s full support.”
“I don’t understand.”
“This is your new home if you want it to be. You can change whatever you want, and if you want somewhere else, we can make that happen. But I thought this would give us a place to raise our family but allow you to be close to The Dogtrot. You can get there quickly from here, but we’ll build in some privacy bushes and add our own driveway so guests won’t bother us.”
Her mouth dropped as she moved from room to room, running her hands over Cam’s vision for the place. “I…I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes, sweetheart.”
“It’s a wonderful idea. I love it.” She whirled to face me, the smile fading from her face as she saw me on one knee, holding a diamond ring toward her. Her hands slid over her mouth as she moved slowly toward me.
“Say yes, sweetheart,” I repeated. “Say you’ll build a life with me as we build this house. Help me fill it with children and wonderful memories to create an even bigger legacy to pass down, this time from both of us.”
Tears streamed down her face as she nodded. “Yes. Yes, of course, I will.”
She slid to her knees in front of me, and after I slid the ring against her knuckle, I drew her to me for a kiss. In no time, we were swept away. When we finally pulled back, I kissed the diamond on her finger.
“Thank you,” I said.
She tilted her head, a smile gracing her beautiful face.
“For what?”
“For showing me what’s really important. For giving me more than I could have ever imagined.”
“You’re welcome. And you know what’s even better?”
“What’s that?”
“It’s just the beginning.”
I hope you enjoyed Emalee and Zach’s story. Want to see a little more of them? Get a special bonus scene delivered right to your inbox by tapping HERE.
* * *
Did you like the scene with Grace and Jax? You can find their story in Against the Rules
The Sterling Mill Series
Call it Unexpected (A Sterling Mill Prequel) FREE on all retailers
Call it Fate (A Sterling Mill Novel)
Call it Reckless (A Sterling Mill Novel) – Coming Soon
* * *
For more information about M.E. Montgomery’s Sterling Mill Series, please click here:
https://www.ladybosspress.com/sterling-mill
Acknowledgments
Thank you for reading Call It Fate! I hope you enjoyed Emalee, Reid, and Iain’s story. I love the quirky little town of Sterling Mill and can’t wait to bring you more stories from there.
After taking some time off, I’m excited to be back to writing and kicking it off with this series. Stay tuned, there’s lots more to come!
