Page 66 of Better Together

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Alexis stood next to Zeke backstage at the high school, their hands clasped together, her engagement ring sparkling in the lights. A calm settled over her. The camera no longer made her nervous. When Ryan had surrendered the Whitmore remodel, she’d rested easier, but it was more than that, that made her calm. The fact that she could continue doing what she loved to do, and with the love of her life next to her, made all the difference in the world.

“Hey, it’s going to be fine,” Zeke said.

“I know. I’m not scared anymore.”

“You’re not? There’s a big crowd out there.”

“Well, I was okay . . .” she said and giggled as he pulled her into his arms.

“Hey, sorry I’m late.” Maggie came bounding up behind them. “Chloe and James are filming the crowd. We have a full house. I even heard some people say they drove from Michigan to witness the win.” Alexis glanced around for Ryan. She spotted him making his way through the stage door. She squeezed Zeke’s hand.

“I didn’t think you were going to make it,” she said as Ryan approached.

“I had to take care of something.”

“Where’s Raven?” Maggie asked.

“She’s not coming. I asked her not to join me onstage after hearing about what she pulled.” Ryan extended a hand to Zeke. “Sorry about Raven’s behavior.”

“No worries. She didn’t ruin anything.” Zeke raised their clasped hands to show Ryan the ring.

“I guess congratulations are in order.”

Alexis wasn’t sure how to respond so she simply said, “Thank you.”

A voice rang out over the sound system. “Testing one two three . . . testing. Good evening. Thank you for coming. My name is Susan Henning, director of Shaping Our Future non-profit. My husband James and I started Shaping Our Future to give back to the community where we’ve decided to live out our retirement.”

Okay, maybe Alexis’s nerves weren’t as steady as she thought. The four of them focused on Susan.

“We’ve lived in five countries and dozens of cities, but never have we felt so welcomed as we have since we chose to purchase our home in Deer Creek Falls. Community means something different to all of us, and we belong to many communities that nurture us in different ways. Your community may be your yoga class, a book group, a coffee club, or game night with friends. Each welcoming and supportive. Belonging and working toward a common goal, encouraging one another and challenging each other, is what matters most. We created a challenge as you all have read about on our small town’s website, some of which will be published in the Remodelers Platform online magazine.

“Tonight, we come together to celebrate two builders whose renovations will make life easier for veterans recuperating from injuries sustained while serving our country. Thanks to these brave individuals, we can feel safe in our communities.”

Alexis wiped her sweaty palms along her sweater dress and smiled at Zeke. He kissed her temple and drew her in close. She wondered when Susan would wrap up her speech and get on with the announcement.

“We’ve received more response than we ever imagined from our little contest.” Susan glanced at the index card in her hand. “In total, 103,017 people voted for the winning house, but before I announce the winner—and both teams are winners in my book—let’s meet them. Please welcome Ryan Anderson of Harmony Construction.”

Ryan walked onto the stage with a hand raised to the crowd. There were cheers and a few whistles. Images of the house he remodeled appeared behind him on a large screen, the slideshow looping through the rooms.

Susan continued, “Now, please welcome Deer Creek’s very own Alexis Welby of Do-Over Renovations and her designer, Maggie Jacobs.”

Maggie grabbed Alexis’s hand and raised it high as they joined Ryan onstage. The crowd cheered, hooted, and hollered, and Ryan clapped for them too.

Alexis and Maggie shifted slightly to look at the slideshow behind them.

“As you all know, the contest was created to allow my husband and I to choose between our favorite contractors to remodel our new home. Although that is still the case, these individuals”—Susan gestured to the three of them onstage—“created beautiful accommodations for our veterans, and we couldn’t be prouder of their abilities and their visions for these homes. So, without further ado, the online survey results are . . .”

Susan tore into the white envelope. Her eyebrows rose and she smiled. “This is very close.”

Everyone looked around, waiting for the results. Alexis squeezed Maggie’s hand.

“Congratulations, Alexis Welby of Do-Over Renovations, winning by a close margin of 713 votes!”

Alexis hugged Maggie, and she could hear Pete yelling from the crowd, of course using her nickname. The Reynolds family made their way toward the front of the crowd, and Zeke ran out from backstage. Ryan offered his congratulations and said goodbye to James and Susan.

Even though Alexis had already known she’d be the contractor on the Whitmore Estate, winning the contest justified her hard work and long hours. Zeke lifted her off her feet and swung her around. When he set her down, her mom, Pete, and the Reynolds family surrounded her in a large group hug.