The Saving Grace

Chapter 4

Three Hours. Holly had been at this dance for three hours. She was honestly ready to go home, but she needed a ride. Norman had offered both her and Beyah a ride home. Of course she had accepted the offer, but she would have to wait for when they were ready to leave. Currently the couple was dancing out on the open floor with everyone else. She had also managed to dodge the blond soldier several times before he gave up trying to talk to her. Of course he still looked at her from time to time. She had also caught the eye of several other soldiers. One had been a colonel, a few other lieutenant and even a captain. They had all stopped to talk to her. At least they were better conversation. Of course, some of them had also been married. It's not like they were looking for anything. Just concern as she wandered through the crowd, losing her blond tail.

Now she had been joined in the corner by several other women who had tired of dancing, or getting chased by men trying to woo them. A few times she had even spotted Tallulah dancing with her soldier in that beautiful navy blue dress. She had to admire her handiwork as it hung off of the redhead's beautiful figure. It swished and swayed so beautifully with every turn she took. Holly couldn't be more proud of something she created than she was right then. Tallulah caught her staring at her and waved from the dance floor.

The band was beginning to play a new song when the mayor of Dalesburg stepped up and took the microphone from the singer. The crowd hushed as the mayor cleared his throat. "I know that those of you who do not live here may be wondering what I am talking about, but I would just like to recognize someone tonight. Earlier today, a young man had a terrible accident in the town square by the courthouse. His truck fell off the block and landed on him. He was severely injured. If it were not for a small few who took quick action, that young man could have died. That young man was my nephew. And I would like to thank the people who helped save his life. Some are not here tonight. But I do know of one who is here. I would like to thank her." Holly's blood ran cold. This was not what she expected when she had come here tonight. She didn't even know the boy was the mayor's nephew. But one thing was for certain. She did not want to get up in front of this large crowd and be put on the spot with this. "If you would please give applause to Miss Holly Kershaw." She froze as her name came out of that man's mouth. Those who knew here turned to look at her.

Suddenly she was being tugged up from her seat against the wall by both Beyah and Jess. The crowd parted as the pulled up on the stage beside the Dalesburg mayor. Applause erupted from the crowd as she looked down upon them. God, she hoped she didn't look as nervous as she felt. With a swift movement she was engulfed in a hug, which she reciprocated awkwardly. The crowd stopped their applause soon after the mayor let go of her. Holding onto her arms, he said, "I can't thank you enough. They said if it wasn't for your cool head and quick actions, that he would be dead. He is in the intensive care ward right now, but the say he will make a full recovery. Bless you." He placed a kiss on her cheek before stepping back.

Holly couldn't help but smile. A feeling of pride welled up in her chest as she looked back at the mayor. "It was my duty, Mr Mayor. After all, I think saving people runs in the family." Holly snuck a glance at Beyah, who was rolling her eyes, and then to Jess who beamed down at her with pride, puffing out his chest. Holly rolled her eyes before being let off of the stage. Her two siblings followed. "May we go home now?" Holly whispered to her sister as they weaved their way through the crowd to Norman. Beyah simply laughed as she intertwined their arms together. Norman linked his arm with the one free at Beyah's side. Finally, they were headed for the door.

Feeling as though she was being watched, Holly turned to look over her right shoulder. It was them that she caught sight of the captain from earlier, the one she had exchanged pleasantries with, staring at her with a cocky, but impressed look on his face. She scrunched her eyebrows together as she turned back around and exited the building. What was he looking at?