Caroline

Epilogue

The party for the opening of the new rec center was a huge success.  With the crush of tourists as depleted as the fall foliage, some businesses shut down for a time, allowing their employees a chance to join in the fun.  Covered dishes and slow cookers crowded the kitchen area counters, while folding chairs and tables took up temporary residence in the largest room.

Tours of the new facility were conducted to show off its amenities.  The highlight for many was the "game room", which was an interactive learning center, disguised as entertainment.  A few popular games were included, but most kids had access to those at home or at friends' houses.  Instead, they gravitated toward Michael's more novel offerings, and so visitors were treated to their children's discussions of Civil War battles, marine exploration, and literary classics, among other topics, all as components of game strategy.

An esteemed lawyer from Charlotte spoke at the ribbon cutting, revealing the existence of a foundation that had been anonymously funded for the benefit of the new center.  It would be used to pay utilities and purchase new equipment as needed.  But more importantly, it would be used to hire additional, much needed staff, as the center was to be used for community events as well as after-school development.

A garden area adjacent to the property would be a continuous work in progress.  A sign had already been erected there, proclaiming it the "Mark Davidson Memorial Garden".  Only a few people, though, fully understood the meaning of the phrase printed below the name:  "He sowed the seeds."

Carla and Janice stood by a window that looked out to the garden, each holding a disposable plate and finishing off bites of banana pudding and coconut cake.  Their conversation wandered from topic to topic until they both caught sight of Caroline opening the gate to the garden and stepping inside.

"Anonymous donor, my foot," Janice said.  "She thinks we don't know who's gonna be payin' for all this?"

"Hush," Carla replied.  "If it makes her feel better to think we don't know, let her.  I'd rather that than some big show-off who just wants to see his name up somewhere."

Janice nodded while chewing, then asked, "Do you think they'll make a go of it?"

Before Carla could speak, Michael appeared through the window  walking toward Caroline in the garden.  She looked up as she saw him approach and smiled.  As soon as he reached her, he lifted her up in his arms and twirled her around, her laughing delight unheard, but unmistakable.  As they came to a stop, their faces and bodies came together, pressing as if they couldn't get close enough.  Just before they separated, Michael said something into Caroline's ear.  Her resulting blush was obvious to anyone who happened to be looking out that same window, but so was her radiant smile.  Hand-in-hand, Caroline and Michael strolled from the garden and toward the parking area, apparently intent on leaving the party early.

As Janice let out a long sigh, Carla smiled to herself.

"I do believe so,"  she said.  "I do believe so."