When Stars Align

Chapter 20

"Wait for me to call you before you come over! I don't want you to come over early and ruin the surprise!" Emily shouts as she's pulling on her shoes.

Jamie planned my celebration party the weekend after we found out the good news. She invited the whole town and even put together a party committee to help get things done. Besides Jamie, Emily has definitely been the most involved in the event.

Emily pulls on her coat to shield herself from the fast approaching winter outside and I can't help but to smile at her. I can't believe everyone is going through so much effort just for me. I always knew the people here cared about me, but I didn't know everyone would be willing to go out in the cold and celebrate my accomplishments.

"I won't, I promise!" I respond, "And Em?" I wait for her to look at me before continuing "thank you so much... for everything" I smile at her

"Haley, you deserve to be celebrated! This is huge and we are all so so proud." Emily says while walking over to give me a quick hug.

"So wait here and I'll call you when you can leave, okay?" Emily says while walking back to the front door.

"Yes Em, I got it don't worry" I say which a chuckle.

Emily has always taken party throwing very seriously. I wouldn't dare step out of line and ruin any kind of surprise that has been planned. Not only would I never want to have her anger directed towards me, but I really just hate seeing her disappointed when an event doesn't go as planned. I wouldn't do that to her.

I want her walk out the door and I sigh as I look around the house to find something to do before I can leave.

I know basically nothing about this party. All I know is who's planning it (Jamie, Emily and Alex), who's attending (the whole town minus the children), and where it's going to be held (the farm). Other than that, I know nothing. The anticipation is absolutely killing me and I'm so excited to see it for myself.

Also, the party planning has been eating up so much of Jamie's time. So between the planning and also with winter around the corner, she's trying to get her farm in order and her animals set up, we haven't been able to spend much time together and I could crawl out of my own skin from how badly I want to see her.

I try to kill time by re-reading the email sent to me with the offer for the millionth time. I still have yet to accept. I've decided to wait until Monday so I could have time to just feel all of the exciting emotions. I already know I'm going to accept, I have no doubt about that.

An hour and a half goes by and I find myself researching some new equipment when my phone starts ringing. I look down to see Emily's name and I smile as I answer the call.

"Am I allowed out now?" I say with a laugh.

"Yes!" Emily practically yells with excitement.

I silently chuckle at her and shake my head.

"See you soon" I say as I hang up the phone.

I excitedly close my laptop and quickly check how I look. After begging Emily to at least tell me a dress code for the evening I threw together a cute outfit. My hair is left down and curled, I have on minimal makeup and I'm wearing a green knit sweater tucked into nicely fitted dark blue jeans and warm little boots. I throw on my brown pea coat and head over towards the door. I grab my tote bag that has a few over night essentials and I open the door to step outside.

My eyes go wide as I register what I'm seeing.

Jamie is standing outside bundled up in a warm coat and beanie while holding a rose. Her cheeks and nose are a cute red colour from the cold outside. There are lights strung around the walk way lighting up the path and I swear my heart stops.