The last two weeks had been a blur. Crystal had reluctantly flown back to LA after spending two blissful days in Blueville with Jamie. They’d packed enough good memories in those days to pretty much obliterate the old memories she’d held on to for far too long.

Now she was back in Ribbon Ridge, having arrived last night. This time, Jamie had insisted on meeting her at the airport, and she’d been powerless to resist.

Jamie had trudged off to work that morning, and she’d met with Darryl, with whom she’d shared Rose’s diary. He’d been thrilled to read the story, and they’d spent a couple of hours rehashing everything they’d learned. She’d asked him to serve as a special consultant on the movie script, and he’d enthusiastically accepted after professing what an honor it was.

In a little while, she’d be hosting a town meeting along with Kelsey, Brooke, and Alaina at the library. She walked inside, eager to see her friends.

Kelsey met her immediately, wrapping her in a tight hug. “It’s so good to see you!”

“You too. I know I’ve said it before, but I’m really sorry for bailing on you at the reception.”

Kelsey shook her head. “You did not bail. You were in self-preservation mode, and I would’ve been too. We had your back. We still do.”

Crystal smiled, appreciating their friendship so much.

“Hey there!” Brooke swept inside and gave Crystal another hug. “Congratulations again.”

“Thanks.” Crystal had sold the screenplay last week for seven figures, most of which she’d earn when the movie was produced and released.

“She’s talking about the screenplay, right?” Kelsey asked. “Or did I miss any new news?” Her gaze dipped to Crystal’s ring finger.

Crystal lifted her hand to display her naked finger. “Nothing to report, nor will there be. We’re still trying to figure out how this works—me in LA, him here.”

“You could just live here,” Brooke said.

Kelsey looked scandalized. “What about her fabulous house in Los Feliz?”

“She can keep that for girls’ weekends, duh.”

Crystal laughed. “Yeah, I’d be hard-pressed to give up that house no matter where I decide to live. Brooke, how are the wedding plans coming?”

“Good. I’m not into panic mode yet. I’d like to avoid that altogether, but my mom and sisters are trying to make this something bigger than I really want. They think it needs to outshine my first wedding since Cam is actually The One. I’m letting him make a lot of the decisions because he is The One, and it’s his first and only wedding.”

“I bet he likes that.” Kelsey chuckled. “Cam is such a metrosexual.”

Brooke rolled her eyes. “Seriously. He’s making all the groomsmen get suits made. He heard about some deal on this podcast he loves.”

Crystal grinned. “I know exactly what you’re talking about. Love it.” She turned to Kelsey. “And what about you, ready to plan your wedding yet?”

“Not quite, but getting closer. We’re talking about next Valentine’s Day. I know that’s almost a year away, but we’re not in a hurry.”

“Sounds perfect,” Crystal said.

Alaina breezed in the door. “Hello, ladies! Are we ready to do this?” She hugged Crystal. “Good to have you back.”

“Yep, we’re all set. I have some light refreshments over there.” Kelsey pointed to a table of drinks and snacks.

“And I have Crystal’s handouts,” Alaina said, setting a bag on the checkout counter.

Brooke fished a box out of the bag. “Ooh, what do they say?” She opened the box and pulled one out, scanning the paper.

“It highlights specifics about the movie—working title, plot synopsis—as well as our plan to film here.” She tossed Crystal a warm glance. “Crystal did a great job outlining everything.”

Crystal was glad she’d sold the movie to Alaina and Sean’s company. It was the highest profile project they’d taken on, and they were both thrilled. Plus, Crystal was able to manage things at a level she wouldn’t have with a large studio.

Kelsey shook her head, a smile teasing her lips. “I have to say, it’s a little surreal to know that Alaina is going to be Dorinda.”

“But so cool!” Brooke said. “I mean, we know that this story is going to be everything we want. And the people of Ribbon Ridge will too.”

“I hope so.” Crystal was still nervous about presenting this to the townspeople tonight. She knew that Angie Westcott was now onboard but had no idea if anyone else was. Maybe she’d feel better after she talked to Angie in person and saw her support firsthand.

“Do not worry,” Alaina said. “We’re going to win them over.”

Brooke looked around at all of them. “Well, I’m just glad we have this movie to work on, because I’m sad that the Dorinda mystery is over. I’ve loved working with all of you, and I would miss our regular ‘meetings.’”

“You mean our chatfests?” Crystal snorted. “I’m not sure how much business we actually discussed.”

“Besides, we’ll still have those,” Kelsey said. “You’re all stuck with me.”

The others chimed in with “Ditto” almost simultaneously. Laughing, they collapsed into a group hug.

A little while later, people started to filter in, including Jamie, who made his way to Crystal. He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight, pressing a kiss to her mouth. “Today was the longest day ever.”

She put her arms around his neck and kissed him back. “I know. I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Nervous?”

She nodded, taking her arms from his neck and inhaling his pine-spice scent. Strange how just being next to him made her feel better, more grounded. She supposed that was what true love felt like.

“Don’t be,” he said. “You’ve got tons of backup here.”

“Alaina’s going to do most of the talking.”

His brow furrowed. “Why? It’s your project.”

“Technically, it’s our project now. Anyway, I don’t mind. She’s always been better about managing the limelight, and I’m content to sit in the background and pull the strings.” She laughed softly. “Sort of.”

Sean arrived and joined Alaina, their heads bent together. They both looked over at her and motioned for her to come.

Crystal kissed Jamie’s cheek. “Gotta go. Wish us luck.”

“Always, but you don’t need it.” He grinned at her as she pulled away.

She practically skipped over to Alaina and Sean, feeling more confident than she had all day. “Okay, I’m ready to do this.”

Sean smiled at her. “Excellent.”

The room filled with faces Crystal recognized, and she fought to keep her anxiety at a manageable level. Some made her feel more at ease while others increased her stress. Maybe she should’ve had a shot of something before getting going. Too late now.

Alaina stood near the checkout counter and welcomed everyone. Sean and Crystal positioned themselves off to the side. While Alaina launched into an overview of the plans for the movie, Kelsey and Brooke handed out the information sheets Crystal had prepared.

Right away someone raised his hand and didn’t wait for Alaina to recognize him. He was an older gentleman with dark brows that shot up his forehead. “You’re filming it here? That’ll turn the town into a nightmare as people come from all over to check things out.”

“I really don’t think it’ll be any different than it is now,” Alaina said, demonstrating her regular amount of charm and patience. “With the addition of The Alex Hotel and the upscale Arch and Fox restaurant, we’re already seeing increased tourism. This could very well be a wonderful opportunity for economic growth in Ribbon Ridge.”

The man grumbled. “It’s already too crowded.”

George Wilson, the bartender at The Arch and Vine and Kelsey’s soon-to-be step-grandfather spoke up. “Come on, Phil, you can’t stay stuck in the sixties anymore. Time to join the twenty-first century. Besides, Ribbon Ridge will always be a small town regardless of how busy or big it gets. It’s the people and the mentality that matter.”

Several people voiced their agreement, and Ruby, Kelsey’s grandmother leaned against him and smiled up into his downturned face. Crystal couldn’t help but smile too, not just at how adorable they were, but at George’s sentiment. He was right that what mattered most was the people, and not the few bad apples like Patty Barlow back in Blueville.

Others asked questions about the production and how it might affect things here. Alaina answered everything, which seemed to put people at ease. Maybe it was just Crystal relaxing, but the tension in the room seemed to lessen.

Until it didn’t.

Angie Westcott raised her hand, and Crystal stiffened. She shot a look at Jamie who nodded encouragingly.

Alaina gestured toward her. “Yes, Angie.”

Angie cleared her throat. “I just wanted to thank all of you for organizing this meeting to explain everything. This handout is really great.” She looked directly at Crystal, whom Alaina had indicated as the author of the information. “Thank you for this.”

Crystal managed to find her voice. “You’re welcome.”

“I fully support the movie,” Angie said. “Provided I get a ticket to the premiere.”

This garnered laughter throughout the room. Sam Westcott, who was standing next to his wife, leaned over and pressed a kiss to her cheek.

“We plan to show the premiere here,” Alaina said. “Actually, probably in Mac since we don’t have a theater. Unless you think we need one?”

“Are you offering to build a movie theater?” someone asked from the back.

Alaina shrugged. “I don’t know. It might be nice to have one!”

This was greeted with a few cheers and applause.

“So does anyone have any questions?” Alaina asked, scanning the room.

Stella, the coffee shop owner, raised her hand and Alaina acknowledged her. “It’s really great to know that you and Sean will be shepherding this project since you’ve become full-fledged Ribbon Ridgers.” She looked at Crystal. “What about you? Will you be calling Ribbon Ridge home, at least for the short-term?”

The question had weighed on her mind the past two weeks, and even more so since yesterday. She looked over at Jamie and saw the love she felt for him reflected in his eyes. Home was wherever he was, and that was where she wanted to be.

She arched a brow at him, and his gaze flickered surprise and then joy. He gave a subtle nod.

Crystal turned to answer Stella’s question. “I’ll be calling Ribbon Ridge home indefinitely.”