Page 84 of Choosing You

“Then let me,” she said softly. “One more week.”

He sighed. “One more week.”

“And don’t eat too much candy at the festival.”

He let out a small laugh. “I’ll try. The shop is going to be open tomorrow until noon and then we’re closing for the weekend. I’m not going to go over to the festival until tomorrow night. Maybe. Maybe not.”

“Isn’t that when they’re doing the hayrides and the pumpkin patch?”

“Yup. No one to hold onto for the hayride so…I’ll hang out around town and check out the games and see where I can help. I hadn’t volunteered for anything, so…”

“I know. I know. Believe me, I’d give anything to be there with you rather than here…like this.”

“I know that too,” he said, his voice soft like silk. “Go rest and I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

“Mmm…sounds good. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

ChapterFourteen

It was a little after six on Friday and Will waved to the good people of Sweetbriar Ridge as he made his way across the elementary school parking lot. Everyone was out and decked out in costumes and seemed to be having a good time already. The atmosphere was extremely festive and, as usual, the organizers outdid themselves with the theming.

He wished Sloane were here to see it all with him.

While there were some things set up and going on already, most people would soon be heading to the field for the hayrides to the pumpkin patch. Maybe he’d go on over and see if they needed a hand with anything, like driving the tractors or something like that. It would be an excellent distraction.

“Hey, Will!” MacKenzie yelled out as she and Devin walked over. They were dressed as a race car driver and a sexy race car driver. They looked cute and from the way Devin was smiling at his wife, he figured his friend would rather be home and out of their costumes than wandering around town in them.

“Hey, Mac! Hey, Dev,” he said, shaking his hand. “You guys look great.”

Devin nodded. “Sort of living out my NASCAR dream right now.”

“Okay, I get that, but…” He motioned to MacKenzie’s checkered flag mini dress.

“It was the only matching option,” she said. “It’s called a first-place racer costume. It seemed cute, so I went with it.” She was smiling broadly and then shivered a little. “Although it’s a little cold to be walking around in a miniskirt and no jacket.”

“I promise to keep you warm,” Devin said, wrapping his arms around her. He looked over at Will. “So, what are you up to? Going for a hayride?”

He shrugged. “Not exactly. I figured I’d ask around and see if they need some extra hands to drive the tractors.”

“I’m sure whoever’s in charge will appreciate it.” Devin paused. “But I have a favor to ask first.”

“Sure.”

“I was supposed to bring some extra coolers with me and I left them at the shop. Ashlynn asked me to bring them—apparently she’s in charge of one of the beverage booths—and…well…now that we’re here and I can see all the stuff set up…”

“You guys want to walk around a bit first,” Will finished for him.

“Exactly. So…do you mind?”

“Not at all. I’m just killing time, so it will give me something to do. Are they in your office?”

Devin nodded. “There are four of them. And if you can get them over to Ash’s booth for me, I’d really appreciate it.”

“No worries. You guys go and have fun. I’m sure I’ll see you around later.”

“Thanks, Will,” Devin said as he led MacKenzie away.

---