Chapter 7
CHAPTER SEVEN
The Hollow Elm town square had transformed into a Halloween wonderland.
Strings of orange and purple lights crisscrossed overhead, casting an enchanted glow over the bustling crowd below.
Vendors lined the cobblestone streets selling everything from caramel apples to handcrafted masks, while children darted between attractions in costumes ranging from classic ghosts to elaborate superheroes.
Faith hugged her red lamb’s wool coat tighter against the October chill, grateful she’d chosen practical boots over the heels she’d initially considered.
She’d kept her outfit simple—dark jeans and a cream sweater beneath her coat—practical choices that still managed to draw an appreciative glance from Jake when he’d picked her up.
“I still can’t believe you talked me into this,” she said, accepting the steaming cup of apple cider Jake handed her. The spicy aroma of cinnamon and cloves wafted up, warming her face.
“Talked you into having fun? Such hardship,” Jake teased, his eyes crinkling at the corners in that way that made her heart skip.
He’d dressed casually as well—jeans and a blue button-down beneath a worn leather jacket that fit his broad shoulders perfectly.
“Besides, this is the social event of the season in Hollow Elm. Gran would never forgive us if we missed her big judging debut.”
As if summoned by her name, Ruth appeared through the crowd, causing several festivalgoers to stop and stare.
She was a vision in what could only be described as a flamboyant fortune teller costume.
Layers of colorful scarves draped around her shoulders, a silk turban adorned with costume jewels perched on her head, and at least a dozen jangling bracelets covered her wrists.
“There you two are!” she exclaimed, the bracelets jingling with every emphatic gesture. “I’ve been looking everywhere! The costume contest starts in thirty minutes, and I need to get to my judging station.”
“Gran, you look…” Jake seemed at a loss for words.
“Magnificent? Mystical? Haunting?” Ruth supplied helpfully.
“I was going to say flamboyant, but those work too,” Jake said, shaking his head with fond exasperation.
“I’m Madame Ruth tonight, seer of all things and knower of many secrets.” She leaned closer to Faith, lowering her voice dramatically. “I’ve also got a flask of excellent bourbon in my bag, because fortune-telling is thirsty work.”
Faith laughed, the sound genuine and unguarded. Something about Ruth’s unapologetic zest for life was infectious.
“You two are looking disgustingly attractive but painfully underdressed,” Ruth continued, eyeing their casual attire with mock disappointment. “Though I suppose not everyone can carry off a costume with my panache.”
“We’re going for the normal humans enjoying a festival look,” Jake replied. “It’s very avant-garde.”
Ruth waved away his excuse. “Boring. But you’re both pretty enough that no one will notice.” She checked an ornate pocket watch that hung from a chain around her neck. “I must get to my station. The fate of Hollow Elm’s costume contest rests in these capable hands.”
“Do you need us to escort you?” Jake asked.
“Nonsense. Edward’s waiting by the judges’ platform, probably fretting that I’ve been gone too long.” Ruth’s expression softened in a way Jake rarely saw. “That man has been worrying about me for forty years. You’d think he’d have learned by now that I’m indestructible.”
“Maybe that’s exactly why he worries,” Faith observed quietly.
Ruth’s eyes sparkled with something deeper than mischief. “Perhaps you’re right, dear. Perhaps you’re right.”
She patted Jake’s cheek affectionately. “You two go enjoy yourselves. That’s an order from Madame Ruth. And Faith, dear—” she took Faith’s hands in hers, “—don’t overthink everything tonight. Sometimes the heart knows what it wants before the head catches up.”
Before Faith could respond, Ruth was gone, her colorful ensemble disappearing into the crowd with surprising speed for a woman of her age.
“She planned that,” Jake said, shaking his head.
“Your grandmother is a force of nature,” Faith agreed, still smiling.
“Runs in the family,” he replied with a wink that sent a flutter through her stomach. “So, what first? We’ve got games, rides, the famous Hollow Elm corn maze, or the haunted courthouse that the hospital volunteers set up.”
“Dealer’s choice,” Faith said, surprised by her own willingness to relinquish control.
Jake’s eyes lit up. “Everything, then.”
And for the next two hours, they did exactly that. They wandered through the festival grounds, stopping at game booths where Jake demonstrated impressive skill at ring toss (winning her a ridiculous stuffed bat she immediately named Frederick) and absolutely abysmal aim at the baseball throw.
Faith surprised them both by hitting every target at the shooting gallery, earning a bewildered look from Jake.
“What?” she asked innocently. “A girl needs hobbies.”
“Remind me never to make you angry,” he said, watching with newfound respect as she collected her prize—a plush black cat with enormous green eyes.
They sampled festival food—caramel apples, funnel cakes dusted with powdered sugar, and roasted chestnuts that warmed their hands through paper cones.
As darkness settled completely, the festival lights created pools of golden illumination against the night sky, and a three-piece band started playing in the gazebo.
“Dance with me,” Jake said, setting their empty cups aside and extending his hand.
Faith hesitated. “I haven’t danced in years.”
“Just follow my lead,” he promised, his voice dropping to that intimate tone that made her forget all the reasons she should keep her distance.
The moment his hand settled at her waist, Faith knew she was in trouble.
Their bodies fit together perfectly as he guided her in a simple swing step.
He was a natural dancer, his movements fluid and confident.
Faith found herself following with surprising ease, as though they’d been dancing together for years.
“You’ve been holding out on me, Murphy,” Faith said with a smile as he guided her through a turn. “Where did you learn to dance like this?”
Jake’s expression flickered briefly before his easy smile returned. “Cotillion classes. My parents insisted. Said every gentleman should know how to lead a lady across the dance floor. One of those skills that help you climb the social ladder I guess.”
“They sound like they wanted their son to succeed.”
Jake tensed slightly. “In their way.”
Faith noticed the shift immediately. “Something I said?”
“No, it’s nothing.” He forced a smile, expertly changing the subject. “Tell me about your first Halloween costume. I bet you were adorable.”
She allowed the subject change, letting him spin her again before answering. “I was always a princess waiting for the prince to rescue me. My mother didn’t believe in creativity when it came to gender roles.”
“And now?”
“I traded in princess gowns for loungewear, and I’ve learned to rescue myself.”
His eyes darkened. “I’ve noticed. You’re an admirable woman.”
The music shifted to a slower melody, and without discussion, they adjusted their stance.
Faith found herself drawn closer, her cheek resting against Jake’s shoulder, his arms encircling her more completely.
They swayed together, barely moving, the world around them fading until it was just the two of them in a pool of light.
Faith closed her eyes, surrendering to the moment. His cologne mingled with the crisp autumn air, creating a scent she knew would forever remind her of this night. His steady heartbeat beneath her ear seemed to echo her own, and for once, she silenced the cautious voice in her head.
“Faith,” Jake whispered, his breath warm against her hair.
She tilted her face up to his, knowing what would happen next, wanting it with an intensity that shocked her. His hand came up to cradle her cheek, thumb brushing lightly across her lower lip.
“Still think we wouldn’t be good at this?” he asked, his voice rough with emotion.
Before she could answer, a commotion near the stage interrupted the moment. The crowd parted as Ruth appeared, megaphone in hand, calling for the costume contestants to assemble.
Jake rested his forehead against hers with a sigh. “Her timing is impeccable.”
Faith laughed softly, both relieved and disappointed. “We should probably go watch the judging. She’ll never forgive us if we miss her big moment.”
“Rain check?” Jake asked, pressing a kiss to her temple that felt like a promise.
“Rain check,” she agreed, surprising herself with how much she meant it.
They made their way through the crowd to the main stage, where Ruth had taken her position at the judges’ table with magnificent authority.
Her fellow judges—the mayor and the elementary school principal—seemed happy to defer to her expertise as she examined each contestant with exaggerated seriousness.
Faith and Jake found a spot at the edge of the crowd with a clear view of the proceedings.
Without hesitation, Jake moved to stand behind her, his chest warm against her back, arms loosely encircling her waist. The casual intimacy of the position felt both thrilling and comfortable, as though they’d stood this way a hundred times before.
“Ten bucks says she picks the least conventional costume,” Jake murmured close to her ear.
“No bet,” Faith replied. “I’ve known your grandmother a little over a month, and even I can see that coming.”
True to form, Ruth awarded first prize to a seven-year-old girl dressed as Marie Curie, complete with test tubes and a sign explaining radioactivity. The crowd cheered as the delighted child accepted her blue ribbon and gift certificate to the local toy store.
“That’s my Gran,” Jake said proudly. “Always encouraging the next generation of rule breakers.”