Page 137 of Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore

Tally: Ha, you wish!

Fletcher: Come down to town hall tomorrow to fill out the paperwork, Eli. You’ve got a new business name. Congrats. Happy Halloween Everyone!

Epilogue

Penny

November

Somehow October came and went, topped off by the best weekend of this year to date.

Monty and I spent Halloween handing out candy and watching Walker try—unsuccessfully—to keep Daisy from eating the sweets in every child’s bag who stopped by their bakery. Eventually he just gave up and turned off the lights so the kids stopped coming.

The whole evening was a success, and despite Rosie’s complaints, she managed to make it to the bakery, mugs in tow, so we could all end the night with some not coffee and the most sinfully delicious candy pie made by Tally.

Somehow, my sister managed to convince Walker to dress up with her as Woody and Jessie from Toy Story and Daisy was his horse, Bullseye. They won best costume in the town chat, even though my personal favorite was mine and Monty’s offering. Everyone thought we were characters from The Great Gatsby but we were actually the couple from his novel, which he officially turned in to his publisher the day before.

He’s been spiraling since then, thinking they wouldn’t like it, but his mother called earlier today to tell us she’s expecting an offer any day now. The entire team loved it and there’s even some interest from a production company in the film rights. I might be completely biased, but I truly believe it’s one of the best romantic suspense novels I’ve ever read. And I, for one, can’t wait to see it on the big screen.

Tonight is the Fall Ball, and for the past two weeks, Monty and I have been attending dance lessons at the senior center with some of the high school students. Vovo attended every class along with us, and the way she lit up that dance floor, a huge grin permanently on her face, meant everything to me.

Monty’s parents have also made a few appearances at the dance classes. It seems that they’re taking things slow, but Rebecca has yet to return to New York and she’s mentioned quite a few times how remote-friendly her career is. The cottages on the farm don’t have heat, so she’s moved back into the Montgomery home, but she’s staying in Monty’s room for the time being since he’s taken up residence in my apartment. I wouldn’t be surprised if she chooses to stay and commute when necessary. God, I hope it works out for them. I know Monty doesn’t need to see them back together to trust in our love, but I also see the way he looks at them when they are together. It’s pure joy, and nothing makes me happier than seeing him so content.

We’ve had dinner a few times together and it’s clear they’re working toward healing their family.

“You told me everyone was going to be dressed up,” I hear Walker growl as he and Tally step inside the event tent.

I almost snort when I see his outfit—the yellow tuxedo he wore to the Spring Fling.

The Fall Ball is a little less formal than the Spring Fling. Some of the high school girls are wearing dresses—looking for any excuse to dress up, I’m sure—but most people sport various versions of flannel. I’m in a brown corduroy skirt and a burgundy sweater, coupled with my favorite brown leather thigh-high boots that Monty keeps eyeing with desire. My boyfriend, just like the rest of the men from Hope Harbor, is wearing a flannel shirt tucked into indigo Wranglers. Though I think Monty has an edge thanks to the slutty glasses and tattooed arms.

“I’ll swap shirts,” Eli offers, already starting to unbutton his flannel.

Billie’s mouth drops open and Rosie screams, “Yeah, Eli! Take. It. Off!”

Walker glares at him. “Put your shirt back on.” His look is thunderous as he takes off his own jacket, tosses it onto one of the bales of hay that are set up strategically around the white tent to create a rustic autumn vibe, and rolls up his sleeves.

If he had a backward baseball cap on, he’d almost look like himself again.

“This place looks amazing,” Tally says to me.

“Thanks! It was all me,” I reply with a huge smile.

Monty spits out his cider and Rosie cackles.

I grab a napkin and hand it to my boyfriend. “I’m kidding. Monty was very good at looking pretty while the Liberty Ladies and I decorated.”

He swipes the cider from his lips and shakes his head at me before grabbing my neck and tilting my ear up so that it’s level with his mouth. “Xuxuzinho, you’re going to pay for that later.”

My thighs clench. I’m counting on it.

“Where’s Daisy?” Billie asks, glancing around the open space. The Oakley family was kind enough to allow us to use their property and not even my amazing fall decorations can compete with the show we’re currently watching as the sun sets over the apple orchard, turning the sky the most brilliant crimson.

“She’s got her head in a barrel of fallen apples thanks to Rowan,” Tally explains.

The girls and I follow Tally’s pointed finger and are treated to the delicious sight of all three Oakley brothers kneeling by the cow, laughing as Daisy eats apple after apple from their hands.

“She’s gonna throw up,” Walker grunts. “I’m going to see if I can find a pair of pants that aren’t bright yellow.”