Page 96 of Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore

We packed up four containers’ worth of cookies for the Darlings. I’m pretty sure they get plenty of sweets from Tally but I didn’t argue with Vovo. I never do.

“Well, I still don’t like it.” Vovo glances back over her shoulder toward the miniature cow in its new pen that Walker must have built.

To the left of the property, past the brewery, is an incredible view of the craggy mountains that seem to stretch endlessly behind the harbor. The trees atop them are a mixture of reds and yellows. Gorgeous.

Growing up, I remember the town being run over by leaf peepers from Boston and New York City. I never understood why these people—surrounded by theater and the hustle and bustle of life—would ever flock to our sleepy town. Now, I get it. Hope Harbor is magical in the fall. Hell, Hope Harbor is magical throughout the entire year.

Especially this farm.

While the farm is most famous for spring, because of the Daffodil Festival that takes place here each year, every season is just as stunning.

Back in the day, there was always a giant maze out in the fields during this time of year. And pumpkin picking and spooky storytelling—Mr. Darling always told the best stories. One day I asked him where he found them and how he managed to memorize them all. He pointed to his head with his signature warm smile. “It’s all up here. The best stories always are.”

I swear I’ve repeated those words to myself a hundred times since. Especially over the past few months when I couldn’t write a damn word.

“But why?” The whine of a child pulls my attention from the past and I narrow my eyes as I spot Walker, Fletcher, Quinn, and Henry in front of the big Victorian farmhouse.

I stop walking, ready to say hello, when Walker’s tone has me flattening my lips. “Because we don’t draw on people,” Walker tells Quinn. The boy’s got a black Sharpie in his hand and he does not look happy. Then again, neither does Walker.

“It’s fine, I’m sure I’ll be able to get it off during bath time,” Fletcher says from beside them, signing as he speaks so that Henry can follow along with the conversation.

Though Henry’s staring up at the mayor’s hands, he wears a flat expression.

“It’s not fine.” Walker sounds pained. “We left them for five minutes to go inside and he drew on Henry.”

My eyes scan over the little boys and that’s when I see the black lines all over Henry’s pale skin. I think one of the lines is supposed to be in the shape of a cow and…is that a butt?

“He liked Monty’s arms,” Quinn quips.

Oh shit.

Walker tugs off his baseball cap and squeezes it with a groan.

“I know you didn’t think you were doing a bad thing, but please, no art on your or anyone else’s body, Quinn. Understood?”

Quinn kicks at the dirt. “Fine. But when I’m older I’m getting all the art I want because Tally says it’s hot.”

I hear a squeak from the porch and I spin to find Penny standing beside her sister, a hand slapped over her mouth to stop her laughter.

Quinn swings his head toward them and then points at Penny. “I don’t know why you’re laughing. You’re the reason Tally said it last week at the bakery. Because you wouldn’t stop staring. And Rosie said a man with ink makes her panties—”

“Okay!” Tally says loudly with a clap of her hands. “That’s enough sharing for now, Quinny.”

Walker’s so red in the face I think he might combust and the mayor has stopped signing, which makes me think he doesn’t want Henry to understand this part.

I can’t help the grin that finds my lips when I meet Penny’s eyes. “Hi, Xuxuzinho.”

She is that brilliant shade of red that I love so much. “What are you guys doing here?” she asks, taking the steps quickly and changing the subject. She gives Vovo a hug and then hesitates when she looks at me. I chuckle. This is the time when we should be the most obvious about our fake dating. We’re in front of people and this is supposed to be for show. And yet, my pretty Penny doesn’t know how to act around me. It’s adorable. And I love every second of it.

“Vovo wanted to make a few purchases.” I grab Penny’s hand and tug her into my chest, then with the softest touch I tip her chin up so I can brush my lips against hers. “Looks like it’s my lucky day. I found a Penny. Should I pick her up?”

Penny sighs against my mouth and gives me the gentlest smile. Then she glances at Vovo. “My mother was going to have Walker drop off your flower order. You didn’t have to come all this way.”

Vovo shrugs. “Oh, I forgot.”

I chuckle. The woman never forgets anything. Clearly, she’s still playing matchmaker. “What are you doing here?” I ask Penny. I assumed she’d be at the store. Also, she’s supposed to be working on that list I’m desperate to see.

“The boys don’t have school today and Billie’s at the brewery so I told my mom I’d come and keep an eye on them—I thought we could do some pumpkin carving. But I guess they got into my supplies while I was chatting with Tally.”