Page 67 of Forever Inn Love

The following morning, we get to the inn and park, and the fall festival is already well underway. The familiar and nostalgic smell of caramel corn and apple cider mixes with the campfire smell from the firepit, where people gathered around to get warm on this unusually cool fall morning. Holding my hand, we walk to the entrance and take in everything. It’s been so long since I’ve been to anything like this. Being back feels like I’m coming home.

Fall is my favorite time of the year. I have on a long hunter-green dress with an empire waist. I feel pretty in this and have my hair down in long waves. It feels good to be dressed up and spending time with friends.

Pumpkins with elaborate carvings are set up everywhere, and autumn harvest displays are works of art. I missed the fall festival traditions that Freedom Valley has every year. It always brings everyone together and makes things feel like I’m at home. People are laughing and having a good time. The comfort and familiarity of the inn are a welcome break from all my long hospital shifts. Goldie was right. I needed to make time for this.

We walk in under orange pumpkins strung above us at the entrance back into the field by the barn. Straw bales are set up, and a giant pumpkin and bat display greets the visitors. I can see a mixture of old and new traditions and new things to see and do. I see Beth and Evan buzzing around, working to set things up. The inn at the fall festival is the place to be.

A wooden stage set up off to the side has a pergola with twinkle lights strung over the top. Sam and members of the local band are playing Luke Combs's “Forever After All,” and a few couples are dancing, while others are sitting around enjoying the music.

A line of smokers and grills are set up, and the smell of barbecue makes my mouth water. Food trucks and vendor tables are scattered throughout the field, and I can’t wait to walk through and try everything.

SJ looks at me under the brim of his Eagles hat. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” He threads his fingers through mine and squeezes my hand.

I smile. “Thanks. Want to go make out?” The way he looks at me makes my heart dip and race.

“Absolutely,” he says, his eyes lingering on my mouth as he leans over to plant one on me. He wraps his arms around me protectively. This. This is what I missed. This is the best mixture of the younger version and grown-up SJ. And he’s mine again.

SJ looks at a woman walking across the field with Harley and a German shepherd and says, “Do you remember Axel’s sister, Ophelia?”

“Yes. But I haven’t seen her since we’ve been back.”

“She’s helping me with Harley, and she’s coming over. I want to make sure everyone meets her and knows that she’s cool. She’s had a hard time with people in town, so I want to make sure she feels welcome. Want to help me?”

“Of course,” I say softly. She was always nice, and I don’t like to hear that she’s had a rough time. “Let me text the ladies for help.”

SJ smiles at me. He’s always been protective of his friends and family, so he’s the perfect coach. He’s a good role model for his players, and he’ll make sure they don’t go through what he did growing up here.

Hey, Ophelia is here, and she’s been having a rough time with the town assholes. Have you all met her? I want us to all welcome her into the group if that’s okay.

Beth

Yes! We love Opi! Is she here?

Allie

Where is everyone? I’m helping Logan at the baked goods table. But we can meet up by the stage and firepit.

Paige

Preston and I’ve got Benny and Eden over by the candy drop.

Mellie

Ty and I are supervising the candy drop.

SJ and I are at the firepit.

Beth

Let me get my babies, and I’ll head that way.

Paige

We’re coming too!

“Okay, everyone is meeting up here,” I say, sliding my phone into my pocket.

SJ squeezes my hand and smiles gratefully. “There she is,” he says, standing and heading toward her. Harley sees SJ and instantly wags her tail and goes to him. This melts my heart.

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