Page 45 of The Magical Bed & Breakfast

Kate shifted. Her voice came out hoarse, cracking a little. “Would you?”

Rory drew in a deep breath and let out a long sigh. Kate could see indecision flow over his face. “I’ll think about it,” he told her, and turned toward the front window. “Hey, I saw all the pumpkins on the walk. So I’m guessing you plan to hand out candy on Halloween.”

When he glanced back, Kate nodded.

“Do you have a costume?”

Kate tilted her head, wondering where he was going with this. “I’m only handing out candy. I hadn’t planned to dress up.”

“Ah, where’s the fun in that?”

Taken aback, Kate said, “Really, do you think I should be dressed up as something? Well, besides an innkeeper.”

“Hmm. That’s an idea, but what if you take it just a tiny bit further?”

“What are you thinking?”

Rory hopped up. “Let’s go to Community Projects.”

*

Not one forthrift stores, once she stepped inside Kate could not believe she hadn’t bothered to check out Community Projects before. It was…

“Overwhelming, isn’t it?”

Words having left her, Kate nodded at Rory and gazed awestruck at the sheer volume of product. Copper pots and pans hung from hooks along the walls. Shelf upon shelf sported beautiful crystal glassware arranged haphazardly, interspersed with all kinds of china plates, cups, and saucers, alongside Franciscan Vintage Apple dinnerware and one-of-a-kind hand-formed pottery.

Various items of furniture were arranged in groupings to entice would-be shoppers. Sofas and coffee tables with floor lamps in every conceivable shape and design were all brought together with oriental rugs and embroidered throw pillows. There were stacks of old records and antique books. The thrift shop stocked antiques as much as it carried thrift items.

Racks of clothes sorted by type and color abounded. Green dresses, black pants, and white shirts probably were a year-round display…but the costumes. Kate knew her jaw dropped at the array. Sure, there were the usual kids’ costumes of superheroes and plastic masks, but it was the full-size adult costumes that had Kate amazed. Every conceivable costume overflowed from racks and shelves. Some hung from the ceiling. And the quality of them was breathtaking.

“Fun, isn’t it?”

Kate ducked under a rack and peered around to find Marjorie Hopewell tucked behind a display of lace doilies arranged on top of a glass case with an antique register. Inside the display case were every conceivable type of gloves in every possible size, material, and style, from hand-knit mittens to leather gauntlets to fingerless lace gloves.

“We are in need of Halloween costumes,” said Rory with a grin.

Marjorie beamed. “You, young sir, are in the proper place. Tell me what you’re thinking.”

Rory tilted his head at Kate and appeared to ponder. Uncomfortable with his perusal, she shifted and was about to suggest a simple black witch’s hat for her and maybe a pirate hat for him, when he said, “Definitely colonial garb, something suitable for the inn.”

Kate blinked at the idea. That had not even occurred to her, and it was so much better for marketing the inn. Besides, she didn’t relish embracing the scary side of Halloween. That wasn’t her style. She didn’t enjoy creepy or frightening. She preferred safe and calm.

“Oh, I love it!” said Marjorie. “What a wonderful idea. I know just the thing. Follow me.” Marjorie took off winding through the store between rows and racks. Rory grabbed Kate’s hand to tug her along behind.

“So I’m guessing from all of these costumes that Hazard really goes all out for Halloween,” Kate said.

Rory barked a laugh. “Hazard goes all out for every holiday. Didn’t you notice on Independence Day?”

Kate shook her head. “I missed that one. I was painting the bedrooms and just caught the end of the fireworks, which I admit were quite impressive.”

Rory gave her a reproachful frown. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but next year you need to go to the craft fair on the green. You’ll love it. The craftsmanship is exceptional. But since you missed out on that, at least this year you’ll be ready for Halloween.”

“Here.” Marjorie halted a bit breathlessly when they neared the back wall of the store next to a door leading into a storage room. Kate wondered if there was even anything left back there or if it was all displayed for customers to purchase. It took a moment before Kate focused on what Marjorie was holding up. When she did, she blinked at the two stunning gowns that appeared to be in Kate’s size.

“How did you…those are perfect!”

Marjorie smiled her gentle smile as Kate reached out to stroke the blue-and-white-striped skirt and fingered the lace dripping from the sleeves. It was so reminiscent of the gown worn by Prudence Worthy.

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