Hannah glanced past Agnes to see the wide-eyed stare on Nikki’s face. She didn’t want a scene to ruin this day for her niece. “It’s okay. I don’t mind sitting out.”

“You signed up,” Josie said, “you should get to participate. After all, if it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t be having this wonderful day. That everyone gets to enjoy…even you, Ms. Dewey.”

Agnes pressed her hands to her hips as she glowered at them. “This is not right. What if she wins?”

“What if she does?” Josie asked.

Just then Hannah noticed Ethan heading in her direction with sure and determined steps. Oh no! This was not good. Not good at all. People liked Ethan and slowly he was becoming a genuine part of the community. She didn’t want him in the middle of this little skirmish.

When his gaze met hers, she gave him a little shake of her head. His steps slowed. Then she mouthed the thank you. He didn’t look happy but he was willing to do this her way.

“What’s the problem here?” Mayor Tony Banks strode up to them.

It was then Hannah glanced around and realized the entire community center was silent as all eyes were on them. Heat swirled in her chest. She wanted to sink into the floor and disappear. But most of all it was the worry reflected in Nikki’s eyes that tore at her heart.

Hannah swallowed hard. “It’s nothing. Can we please let everyone get on with the contest?”

“Oh, it’s something,” Agnes persisted. “Hannah thinks she can plan the festival and also participate in the events. It’s not fair to everyone else.”

Lily moved to Hannah’s side. She was now flanked by her best friends. “How do you get that?”

“It…it’s just not done.” Agnes’s face flushed. She turned to the mayor. “Tell them.”

“I don’t know what to tell them,” the mayor said. “I don’t think anything like this has ever happened with Spring Fling.”

“I can back out,” Hannah said. “There’s no need to make a big deal of it.” She turned to walk away.

“Not so fast,” the mayor said. “Now that it’s been brought to my attention, I think we need a decision.”

Hannah stifled a groan as she turned around. “It’s not necessary.”

The mayor ignored her as he stepped up to the podium. “Excuse me, everyone. But it seems we have come upon an unprecedented predicament.” As he continued to explain the situation in far too much detail for Hannah’s liking, she struggled not to groan. “So I think what we need to do is vote on it. Can the festival organizer participate in the contests? Those who are in agreement raise your hand.”

There was an overwhelming sea of hands that went up. Agnes frowned while Hannah struggled not to smile. It took what felt like forever to count the yay votes. Then it was time for the nay votes. That didn’t take nearly as long. There was one vote—Agnes.