Chapter 19

Ethan watched parents thanking Melissa as they corralled their children at the end of the activity day event. As Melissa meandered to the counter where Ethan stood alone, she was stopped multiple times. The children hugged her, and Ms. Bee couldn’t stop singing her praises as parents complimented the librarian on the new activity.

Melissa had been in Berryhill less than two weeks. Yet she was being welcomed by the residents of the town.

Ethan had lived in Berryhill his entire life. Yet he was a stranger.

Finally, she made it to the counter.

Ethan gathered his courage and took the plunge.

“You’re popular today,” he said to Melissa in a low voice.

Melissa let the rough timbre of his voice wash over her. She smiled, “Oh, so you can talk.”

Ethan blushed. He cleared his throat. “Occasionally.”

Melissa laughed. One word was apparently all she was going to get out of this beautiful giant of a man.

“Let me grab my bag from behind the counter. I’ve started outlining some ideas for the exhibit.” Melissa reached over the counter and lifted a magnificent floral hand knit messenger bag. The giant blue and gold flowers were woven art.

Melissa caught Ethan looking at the bag. “My Grandma Lily made it for me,” she said proudly.

Ethan nodded in appreciation, “She’s very talented.”

The man may not talk, Melissa thought, but he knows quality. And he knows to compliment a girl’s grandma. One point for Ethan.

Ethan...