Page 35 of A Cowboy's Halloween

At the zombie transformation station, Heather prepared for the first visitors who would be transformed into spooky zombies. Her makeup skills were in high demand as people lined up, eager to become part of the haunted experience.

Heather’s first guests at the zombie transformation station were a group of excited friends who were eager to embrace the Halloween spirit. They approached the station with a mix of anticipation and enthusiasm, ready to undergo their spooky makeover.

“Welcome, brave souls! Are you ready to become the living dead?” Heather asked.

“Absolutely! We’ve been looking forward to this all night,” the first guest said.

Heather got to work, applying her makeup artistry with precision and creativity. She turned their once-normal faces into pale, decaying zombies with sunken eyes and ghastly wounds. The friends watched in amazement as their appearances transformed before their eyes.

The second guest looked amazed. “Wow, this is incredible! I look terrifying!”

The third guest laughed. “I never thought I’d say this, but I make a pretty convincing zombie!”

Heather’s guests were thrilled with the results, and they left the station with a newfound sense of excitement, ready to join the other spooky characters in the haunted orchard. As they ventured into the night, they were a testament to Heather’s talent and the immersive experience that the Haunted Harvest offered to all who attended.

As the evening continued, Heather’s parents arrived at the Haunted Harvest, their presence filling her with a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

Heather gasped. “Mom, Dad, I didn’t expect to see you here!”

Her mom smiled. “We wanted to surprise you, sweetheart. We heard about the amazing makeup work you’re doing, and we couldn’t miss it.”

Her dad puffed up his chest. “Plus, it’s been a while since we had a family Halloween outing.”

Her mom nodded firmly. “That’s right. We wanted to come and support you and experience the Halloween festivities together.”

Heather’s heart swelled with gratitude as she realized how much her parents cared about her and her passions. She hugged them both warmly before gesturing to the zombie transformation station.

“Well, if you’re up for it, I can turn you both into spooky zombies. It’s the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit!”

“Oh, I don’t know. Do I really want to see what I’d look like as a zombie?” her mom asked, turning toward her husband.

Heather’s dad grinned. “Come on, dear. It’s all in good fun.”

With a shared chuckle, they agreed to Heather’s proposal.

As Heather began applying makeup to her parents’ faces, she felt a sense of joy and unity. Together, they embraced the Halloween festivities, making memories they would cherish for years to come.

CHAPTER17

Jack didn’t want to bid farewell to Heather, even though it was only temporary, but he was thrilled for all of their hard work to pay off. The Haunted Harvest was going to be four days in total—this night, Friday night, Saturday, Sunday, and then Wednesday night, which was Halloween night.

As the Haunted Harvest’s first night got underway, the orchard began to fill with eager visitors looking for a spine-tingling experience. Jack, in his cowboy zombie costume, played his part as the welcoming host, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement. If he did say so himself, he was dressed as a convincing cowboy zombie, and he certainly took on his role as the welcoming host of the Haunted Harvest with gusto. His eerie appearance and charismatic personality added to the event’s immersive atmosphere, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement among the visitors.

“Howdy, folks!” he called with great energy. “Welcome to the Haunted Harvest at Hidden Creek Orchard! I reckon you’re in for a spooktacular time tonight!”

The visitors were greeted by Jack’s enthusiastic and slightly menacing demeanor, setting the tone for the thrilling Halloween experience that awaited them. Jack made sure to give each guest a hearty welcome, ensuring that their anticipation continued to build.

“Watch out for them zombie cowboys wanderin’ these parts,” he said playfully. “Y’all might just run into one when you least expect it!”

With a devilish grin and a twinkle in his “undead” eyes, Jack encouraged the visitors to dive headfirst into the haunted festivities. His captivating presence added an extra layer of excitement to the Haunted Harvest, making it an unforgettable evening for all who attended.

As Jack continued to welcome guests to the Haunted Harvest, a couple approached him, catching his attention. The woman bore a striking resemblance to Heather, the talented makeup artist who had been working tirelessly at the event.

And the woman who was never too far from his thoughts to boot.

“Howdy there!” he said as friendly as could be. “Welcome to the Haunted Harvest. Are y’all ready for a frightful night?”

The man he thought might be Heather’s dad smiled. “We sure are, lad. We’ve heard great things about this place.”

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