Page 34 of A Cowboy's Halloween

“I might just spend some of it with my parents this year, though, outside of all of this. How about you?”

He turned more reflective. “Halloween is my favorite holiday, so I always try to do something fun. Maybe a costume party or a horror movie night with my brothers. We already had one earlier this month.”

“Couldn’t wait, huh?”

“Nope.”

They laughed.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with shared laughter and anecdotes about past Halloween experiences. Jack’s friendly and easygoing demeanor hopefully helped put Heather at ease, allowing her to enjoy their time together and temporarily set aside her personal concerns.

Their ability to connect on a friendly and non-intrusive level was a testament to the strength of their budding friendship, which continued to grow amid the excitement of the event that would start in just a few hours.

CHAPTER16

When Heather had left Jack’s house, she had hurried to her parents’. It hadn’t taken her long to gather her supplies, but more importantly, she had taken a moment to steady her nerves, knowing that the night ahead would require her to face her fears.

Now, as she worked, Jack would occasionally swing on by, and she knew he was trying to be helpful, and how could she not appreciate his encouraging words? As she worked on transforming volunteers into zombies, Jack occasionally offered words of encouragement. He would say things like, “You’re doing an amazing job, Heather,” or “The zombies look terrifying thanks to your talent.”

Jack periodically checked in on Heather to ensure she had everything she needed. He asked if she was comfortable or if she required any additional supplies, demonstrating his genuine concern for her well-being.

Finally, she turned to him. “Get dressed in your attire,” she instructed.

“My turn?” he asked.

“Yes.”

He hurried off in the direction of Colton’s office, and it didn’t take him long to return. Her wrist was bothering her a little, so she was glad that he had to change instead of plopping right down in her chair.

As Jack transformed into a cowboy zombie for the Haunted Harvest event, he embraced the spirit of Halloween and the role with enthusiasm. He now donned a tattered and weathered plaid flannel shirt that had seen better days. The shirt was strategically ripped and torn in various places, giving it an eerie, worn-out appearance. Stains and patches of fake blood were added to enhance the zombie effect.

He wore a pair of old, faded jeans that were also torn and muddied. Fake dirt and grime were applied to make them look as if he had been wandering through the haunted orchard for years.

On his feet, Jack wore a pair of cowboy boots that had definitely seen their fair share of wear and tear. They were scuffed, and bits of faux grass and leaves were glued to them, suggesting a long journey through the haunted terrain.

Completing the cowboy look, Jack had a battered and dusty cowboy hat perched on his head. It was decorated with cobwebs, giving it a creepy and abandoned feel.

To add a finishing touch, Jack wore a faux leather belt with an oversized, tarnished buckle and a bandana around his neck. He carried a toy shotgun that was broken and worn, a prop to complete his cowboy zombie look.

Jack’s costume was a testament to his commitment to making the Haunted Harvest a memorable and frightening experience for all who attended. As a cowboy zombie, he would certainly bring a unique and spooky character to life for the event.

Immediately, she set to work her makeup magic on Jack, giving him a deathly pale complexion with sunken eyes and fake wounds that oozed with fake blood. His face was strategically painted to give the impression of decay and zombification.

Once Heather finished Jack’s makeup, transforming him into a convincing cowboy zombie, Jack gasped. He visibly couldn’t contain his excitement. He gazed at his reflection in the mirror, his jaw dropped, and his enthusiasm was palpable.

“Wow, Heather, this is incredible! You’re so talented! This is even better than the trial run!”

As Jack praised her work, Heather blushed modestly. She was both embarrassed and secretly thrilled by Jack’s appreciation for her makeup artistry.

“Thank you, Jack. I’m glad you like it.”

The moment was a testament to their growing friendship and the mutual respect and admiration they held for each other’s skills and talents. Jack’s delight and Heather’s artistic prowess combined to make the Haunted Harvest an even more memorable and engaging experience for the visitors.

As the Haunted Harvest’s first night got underway, Jack stood. “Well, Heather, it’s time for me to go welcome our guests. You’re going to do amazing at the zombie transformation station. I can’t wait to see how many brave souls you turn into spooky zombies tonight.”

“Thanks, Jack! I’m really looking forward to it. Have a great time welcoming everyone, and I’ll see you later.”

With a friendly wave, Jack headed off to greet the guests, leaving Heather eager and excited about the prospects of the evening. She couldn’t help but wonder how many people would line up at the zombie transformation station, ready to experience her makeup artistry and become part of the Haunted Harvest’s spooky fun.

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