by J. C. Kenney
“Will you promise to make crime fighting a thing of the past? I mean, the Kickboxing Crusader moniker is cool, and you’re two for two when it comes to cases you’ve solved. Why not retire while you’re on top?”
The request warmed my heart. Brent cared about me and wanted me to be safe. I wanted that, too. I also wanted my town to be safe. I didn’t have any interest in prowling the streets of Rushing Creek, Indiana, at night searching for miscreants and scoundrels, but if my town needed me, I’d be there.
No doubt about it
“I’ll promise you this. As long as no more murders are committed in Rushing Creek, I will stick to my life as mild-mannered Allie Cobb, literary agent.”
“Fair enough” He looked toward the park.
A crowd the size of half the town was gathering. It was going to be the perfect kickoff to the annual Rushing Creek Fall Festival.
“Ready to cut that ribbon?”
“You bet.”
As we wound our way through the crowd and joined my family, Sloane, and the planning committee members at the park’s main entrance, it was like my father was residing on my left shoulder and Thornwell was on my right shoulder. Their presence gave me confidence to address the crowd and reminded me that, no matter what, I had friends and family by my side.
The acting mayor opened the ceremony by saying a few words and presenting Sloane a key to the city as a token of gratitude for her generous donation. With tears in her eyes, but a smile on her face, she thanked the mayor and said she hoped the park would provide generations of Rushing Creek residents hours and hours of enjoyment.
When it came time for me to speak, I ignored the statement I’d prepared. This was a moment to speak from the heart. So, I did.
“My father, Walter Cobb, and his best friend and client, Thornwell Winchester, were lovers of words. They also loved the community of Rushing Creek, Indiana. I think, as we stand here today, under this cloudless sky, they’d agree words aren’t adequate to describe the beauty of this park. That the best thing would be to experience it, so it is my honor and pleasure to declare Winchester-Cobb Memorial Park open for your enjoyment.”
I took the scissors and sliced through a red ribbon being held at one end by my nephew, Tristan, and the other by my niece, Theresa. A raucous round of applause erupted. A tear trickled down my cheek as I exchanged hugs with my family while the crowd streamed through the entrance and toward the gazebo, where refreshments were being served.
As I stood between Sloane and Brent, cuddling Ursi in my arms and welcoming old friends and new to the park, I was complete. The last year had been full of change and challenges, but I’d survived.
Not only had I survived, I’d thrived. I had everything I’d ever wanted and couldn’t wait to see what new adventures were in store for me. There was no doubt in my mind that they’d be moments to remember.