Page 113 of The Sasquatch and the Hairdresser

People around me titter, and I get a lot of warm looks.

Skylar nods. “In the short time I’ve been in Mystic Hollow, I’ve met countless people, and all of them have had a story to tell when it comes to Hal, stories about how Hal’s helped out someone in need or done something they’re deeply grateful for. I know he’s done the same for me.” Skylar’s lips twitch into a little smirk. “It’s part of what made me fall in love with him.”

There’s a chorus of awwws from the crowd, and I clasp my hands together over my heart, moved beyond measure by this surprise.

“But I’m not here to give you a detailed account of our love story, even though, not gonna lie, it is pretty spectacular,” Skylar says with a cheeky grin.

Disappointed noises come from the folks around me.

“Tell us more, honey!” I hear Max call out. “Don’t leave us hangin’!”

More laughter starts up.

Meanwhile, I can’t look away from the man I love, whose eyes once more find mine in the crowd.

His gaze is unwavering as he continues. “I don’t think anyone here would disagree when I say Hal Atwood is the heart and soul of Mystic Hollow. He’s a huge part of what makes this town a home and this community one big family.” His voice catches slightly on the last word, and he clears his throat. “Therefore, it is my supreme honor to name Hal Atwood the first recipient of the Mystic Hollow Civic Service Award. Please join me on the stage, Hal.”

The crowd goes wild, and I stumble forward on shaky legs, dazed. Somehow, I manage to climb on stage, never breaking eye contact with Skylar, my lodestar at this moment.

Baxter hands him a plaque that Skylar holds out to me with one of the most beautiful smiles I’ve ever seen on his face.

“You did this for me?” I ask wonderingly.

“Well, I had a little help, but everyone agreed that this was well deserved and long overdue.”

“Go, Hal!” someone yells.

There’s more cheering and whistling as I take hold of the plaque. Seeing my name engraved there, I run my fingers over it in amazement.

“I’m overwhelmed and don’t know what to say.”

Skylar hands me the mic and smiles. “Just speak from the heart, babe.”

I swallow thickly and turn to face an audience full of faces that are all dear to me, and I realize there isn’t anyone here that I don’t know.

“I-I’m truly honored to receive this award. Mystic Hollow is the home I spent a long time trying to find, and once I did, I knew I wanted to give back to it every day. I’m so grateful that I get to live in this special place among so many wonderful folks.” I swallow thickly. “This town is a Sanctuary Haven unlike any other out there. Each of them is special, of course, but I like to think ours has something precious—we’ve built a community here that looks out for each other and fosters connection, compassion, and mutual aid. There will always be challenges in life, and we can’t know for sure what lies ahead for us, but so long as we continue to work together for the collective good, we’ll be able to overcome any difficulty that might come our way. United, we can continue to preserve the special healing powers of this place that has offered salvation to many a weary heart and soul. Mystic Hollow has given so many of us a new lease on life and sparked inner joy and hope for the future. Let’s continue to make Mystic Hollow the most welcoming Sanctuary Haven in this realm!”

The thunder of applause and enthusiastic cheers is deafening as I give a self-conscious wave to everyone and step back from the mic. When I turn to face Skylar again, I gasp and nearly drop the plaque in my hands.

He’s going down on one knee and holds up a handmade stuffed penguin toward me.

Time slows, and my heart feels so full I worry it might burst.

“Halcyon Maple Atwood, I love you more than anyone or anything. You once told me that I’m your penguin and you’re mine. Tonight, I want to ask you if we can continue to be each other’s penguin for the rest of our lives. You’re it for me, and I’m all in, babe.”

What did I do to deserve this brave, beautiful man?

With a trembling hand, I lift him to his feet and pull him into my arms.

“A thousand times, yes,” I say, unable to hold back a sniffle, my eyes filling with tears.

“I love you so fucking much, babe,” he whispers fiercely.

“By the Light, I love you too, Skylar. More than life itself.” The words come from me with the reverence of an oath.

Then I pull him into an embrace and kiss him like there’s no tomorrow. Like he’s the oxygen I need to breathe. Like he’s my one true mate.

And I am his.