16. Summer Carnival
16
SUMMER CARNIVAL
B randon had never looked forward to the Sugar Creek summer carnival as much as he had this year. Sure, he’d always appreciated it. At least when he was younger, but this year, he knew he’d get to enjoy every minute of it with Summer.
Over the last week since the camping trip, they had exchanged texts and phone calls almost every night, but they’d been too busy to meet. He laughed at himself for missing her so much in such a short time. Truth was, he was half afraid she’d regret kissing him and letting him in. He planned to do everything possible to show her she could trust him to stay by her side.
Today, Summer would meet him at CBB so they could ride to the fairgrounds together. The thought of working the Sugar Mamas’ booth with her kept a perpetual smile on his face, but it also made the day drag by. He looked up from an invoice when Clarissa knocked on his door.
“I’m heading out. Do you want me to lock up, or will you move to the front?” she asked.
“I’ll move to the front.” He grabbed his laptop and the paperwork he needed to finish. “Are you and Jonah taking the kids to the carnival? ”
“Not tonight. I have a babysitter so we can enjoy it. Then we’ll spend all day tomorrow with the kids there.” Her smile made her glow. It was good to see her happy after so many years of heartache.
“Good for you.”
“How about you?” she asked as they walked the short hall to the front.
“Summer and I will take a shift at the Sugar Mamas' booth tonight and then enjoy the fair for ourselves.”
“We’ll have to stop by and say hi.”
“You do that,” Brandon laughed at how silly the conversation felt. Clarissa wasn’t much older than him but was always so formal. She rarely delved into his or any of his family’s personal lives, even though his siblings were strangely invested in her love life. “Have fun tonight.”
“Thanks.” She waved and headed out the door.
Thirty long minutes later, Summer walked through the same door. She wore cut-off jean shorts and a pink camouflage t-shirt. Her bangs had been pulled back in a clip, and her tentative smile lit up the entire shop.
“Hey, I’m a little early,” she said.
Brandon hit save on the document, closed the laptop, and slid it under the counter. “Perfect, I’m about to go stir-crazy. Should I change my shirt?”
Summer looked him over from head to toe. He wondered what she would say about his navy shorts and olive green collared shirt with the Cabins By The Bay logo on the left pocket. “No. The color brings out the green in your eyes and will be free advertising for CBB. Plus, these shirts do wonders for your shoulders.”
He laughed at her appreciation. “Sweet and business savvy. How did I get so lucky? Let’s get out of here.”
Summer giggled and nodded. “Is it silly that I’m so excited about this afternoon?”
Brandon reached for her hand. “No. I’ve been waiting all day to see your beautiful face.”
“Stop.” She blushed and waved him away but didn’t let go of his hand. “My freckles do not make me a fashion model. ”
“Summer,” Brandon breathed her name as he pulled her closer with one arm while tracing over her nose and cheek with his free hand. “I’ve always loved every one of these freckles. Did you know that I used to try and count them?”
“Why?” She blinked up at him.
“Because I wanted to know how many there were. And because it gave me an excuse to stare at you. If you ever asked, I was prepared to tell you I was counting.”
Summer sighed and leaned her head to rest against his chest. “You are something else, Brandon Fletcher.”
He could have stood there holding her all night, but he knew a few women would come looking for him if he did. Since his mom was one of them, she’d know where to look. So, after savoring another moment, he pulled away and opened the door.
“Let’s see what the Sugar Mamas are selling at their booth this year.”
They drove south out of town, past the farmer’s market and the field where they held the snow sculpture contest every December. It was a fifteen-minute ride through neighborhoods and the gently rolling hills, but Brandon loved it. Summer sat in his passenger seat, and the weather was perfect for a carnival. Brandon parked, and they made their way to the entrance, the sun shining down on them.
At the gate, they grabbed a map of the booths and showed their volunteer pass for the day. It was only four-thirty, but the carnival already buzzed with energy and excitement. Colorful tents and booths lined the fairgrounds on one side, each brimming with homemade crafts, delicious treats, and games for all ages. The barns full of livestock were across from the entertainment area, past the Ferris wheel, carousel, and other carnival rides like the Tilt-O-Whirl and funhouse. By now, most of the animals would have been through the preliminary judging rounds for best in show and other titled ribbons. Brandon usually avoided that side of things.
“The booth should be down the second aisle,” Brandon said as he steered Summer away from the rides .
“I can’t wait to hit the food carts and see everything lit up after sundown,” she said.
“Are you up for a ride or two later?”
“Of course.” She smiled at him and reached for his hand. “I didn’t think I’d ever feel like this again. I’m glad I came home.”
“Me too.” Brandon stopped in the middle of the road to stare at the woman beside him.
“Look.” Summer pointed. “I believe that’s where we’re heading.”
Several feet before them was a booth with a vibrant banner in sparkly purple letters that read “Sugar Mamas Fundraiser." It was a hive of activity, showcasing an array of items made or gathered by the Sugar Mamas, a local group dedicated to supporting community projects. Handmade jewelry, fragrant soaps, knitted scarves, kits for knitting projects, Ruthie’s handmade gnomes made from vintage furs, and an assortment of baked goods were spread out on the tables.
“I can’t believe how much stuff they pull together,” Summer said.
“They work on it all year. This is how they pay for their Christmas projects. You know, the toys for the kids at the hospital, shoes, coats, and gifts for others in need. That kind of thing.”
Summer blinked a few times. “I’ve missed this town and how everyone cares for everyone else.”
“Well, let’s get over there and do our part.” Brandon squeezed her hand, and they moved to relieve the two women sitting in the booth.
After handing off the money box and learning what was in the tubs under the tables, they settled in for their two-hour shift. Summer adjusted a display of candles, their sweet scents wafting through the hot air, while Brandon sold some dried lavender to an older woman.
They welcomed all the shoppers with friendly smiles and cheerful greetings. Brandon marveled at how easily Summer settled into the spotlight. She was a lot calmer in public than she had been when she returned home. He couldn’t help but think she had finally embraced the loving community that had missed her for so long.
A group of children, followed by parents, approached the table, their eyes widening at the sight of the colorful cupcakes and delicious cookies. Summer knelt to their level, her voice gentle and inviting .
"Hi there! Would you like to try some of our homemade cookies? They're made with love by the Sugar Mamas," she said, offering them a plate of samples.
The children eagerly grabbed the cookies, their faces lighting up with delight as they took a bite. Brandon chuckled as he watched. Then he lifted a jar of honey to show one of the moms.
"This local honey is pure, delicious, and great for helping with allergies,” he explained, his tone friendly and informative.
This process continued throughout the evening as the booth stayed busy with activity. Friends and neighbors stopped by to chat, purchase items, and show their support. Brandon and Summer worked seamlessly together. It felt as if they’d never spent time apart. Their chemistry and connection were evident in how they moved and communicated without words.
As the sun sank low in the sky and their shift neared its end, Brandon took a moment to appreciate the scene before him. Summer was helping a young girl pick out a bracelet, her eyes sparkling. He knew she still had demons hiding under the surface, but she wasn’t letting that hold her back from the joy all around her. That’s why he’d fallen in love with her so long ago—her ability to collect happiness.
Summer glanced up and caught Brandon’s eye, a smile spreading across her face. She walked over to him, her expression filled with gratitude.
"This has been an incredible afternoon, Brandon. Everything is always better when you’re around,” she said, her voice sincere.
Brandon smiled, reaching out to take her hand. “Do you mean that? I know we haven’t had a chance to talk about us—where we want things to go from here—but I haven’t changed my mind.”
“I know.” Summer stepped closer until her side was smooshed against his. “Let’s find somewhere to talk later tonight. I need to tell you something, and if that doesn’t send you running for the hills, I’m ready to be all in.”
“Really?” Brandon’s chest filled with warmth.
“Really. ”
Brandon wanted to pull her into his arms to celebrate, but two guys he knew were on the high school football team interrupted them.
“Hey, we’re supposed to operate the booth for the next two hours. Any tips?” one of them asked.
Brandon spent the next five minutes doing a quick handoff. When the two boys felt comfortable, he nudged Summer out of the booth and into the fairway crowds.
Had the moment passed? Could he bring up the topic again, or should he just enjoy being with her?
Summer’s heart pounded uncomfortably. Did she tell Brandon she was ready to go all in? It was as if spending time with him made her forget how quickly things could change after their conversation.
She thought the moment had passed, but as soon as they walked away from the booth, Brandon rubbed a hand over his beard and asked, “Did you mean it?”
She met his gaze and determined not to chicken out this time. “Yeah, I’m ready to give us a chance, but can we enjoy the evening first? Then talk.”
“Anything you want, Summer,” Brandon said as he took her hand. “What do you want to do first?”
She studied the area around them. The summer carnival was a riot of color and sound, and the air was thick with the scent of fried food and the excited chatter of people.
Summer grinned. "How about we start with something classic? Like footlong corndogs and cotton candy?" she suggested, pointing towards a brightly lit stand adorned with fluffy pink and blue clouds of spun sugar.
"Sounds perfect," he replied, and she heard his stomach rumble.
Summer laughed. “Looks like we waited too long for food. Are corndogs okay, or do you want to find something more substantial? I know there’s a barbecue and a noodle stand as well.”
“No, corndogs is what we would have gotten ten years ago. Let’s go back in time for a few hours.”
If only it were that easy , she thought.
“Maybe it is,” Griff followed along behind the couple.
Summer jumped. She hadn’t seen Griff since the therapy session three days ago.
Where have you been ? She asked.
“Waiting until you needed me. I’ll disappear until the serious conversation.” He winked at her before fading from view.
Knowing Griff would help her tell Brandon about that summer long ago comforted and annoyed her. It was a clear sign her emotions were still a tangled mess.
“Hey, I lost you for a minute,” Brandon squeezed her hand while they stood in line. “You okay?”
“Yeah, sure. Sorry, I got lost in my thoughts.” She glanced up at the sign with the menu. “Looks like they have fried Twinkies too. We should get one.”
“Ug. Frying them doesn’t improve them, but I’ll get one for you.”
He paid for the corndogs and fried Twinkie. They munched on the food while standing in line at the cotton candy stand. They watched with fascination as the vendor twirled the sugary strands into fluffy cones.
“It boggles the mind,” Brandon said.
“What?”
“How spinning sugar with a little heat turns it into that fluffy goodness.”
Summer laughed. “Maybe we should think of life that way. All the bad stuff is simply heat and a spin to turn us into big softies.”
“I like that.” Brandon handed over a few dollars, accepting the cone of cotton candy. He held it out to Summer with a grin. “Will you be my softie?”
She couldn’t speak over the hope clogging her throat. Instead, she nodded and took a bite of the sugary confection, closing her eyes in bliss as the sweetness melted on her tongue. "Mmm, so good," she murmured, offering Brandon a taste. “Are you going to be my softie?”
He took a bite, his expression mirroring hers. “I already am. Always have been,” he answered. “Perhaps I should tell you why I stayed away from Sugar Creek so long. It might help you understand how much I—” he paused and pulled off another strand of the candy. “How much I care for you.”
“Only care?” She raised a brow.
“I’m afraid you’ll run if I admit too much at once.”
Summer nodded. “Probably right. One moment, I’m telling you I’m all in, and then I’m terrified of what that means. I’m sorry about that.”
“Don’t be.” He held out the Twinkie. “I think it’s cool enough to eat.”
She took it, and he carried the cotton candy as they continued their stroll through the carnival, pausing to admire the colorful booths and flashing lights. Summer's eyes lit up when she spotted a Ferris wheel towering over the skyline, its brightly lit buckets rotating slowly against the night sky.
"Want to take a ride on the Ferris wheel?" Brandon asked with a playful twinkle in his eyes.
"Absolutely,” she exclaimed, taking his hand as they approached the towering attraction. “You can tell me your story while we ride.”
They finished their food while waiting in line. After tossing their trash, they climbed into one of the Ferris wheel cabins. Brandon wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close as they moved enough to load the next cart.
“When you left…it made it hard to come home.” Brandon started. “Memories of you were everywhere I turned. I couldn’t walk down the square without someone asking me where you were or how you were doing. And I didn’t know. So, I stopped coming home except for Christmas.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for my choice to drive you away, too.” Summer studied his face and was grateful she didn’t see hurt in his eyes. “But you came back. ”
“Yes. Two years ago, I realized that staying away from my family wasn’t helping me heal. I missed you. I would always miss you, but I didn’t need to miss them.”
They moved up, and then the cabin wobbled as they jerked to a stop. Summer’s hand flew to Brandon’s knee, and she held on for dear life. He laughed, and she relaxed.
“Sorry.” She pointed to his leg. “For everything.”
“I won’t lie. I struggled for a long time because I didn’t know what I did to scare you away. I thought I wasn’t enough. Because of that, I didn’t date.”
“Brandon, why?”
“One, I only wanted you. Two, what if no one else ever wanted me? Those two thoughts spun in my head for a long time. Eventually, I had to love myself again. Five years ago, I tried dating. For three years, I dated lots, but none of them could replace you. So, when I moved home, I decided to wait for you. No more dating.”
Summer’s heart was breaking and reforming with everything Brandon shared.
“Wait, I saw you on a date last fall.”
“Yes. My mom begged me to give it a try. But after that one, I always said no. Having you show up felt like a sign that I shouldn’t give up on you, and I haven’t since then.”
Summer got lost in his eyes. She couldn’t look away if she wanted to, which she didn’t. This man had waited for her. She reached up and cupped his cheek.
“I hope I’ll be worth the wait,” she whispered.
Brandon leaned forward, his breath fanned across her lips as he said, “You were always worth it.”
When his lips touched hers, she felt like they were flying. The view of the town, the lake, and all the sparkling lights hovered behind her closed eyelids. Her stomach swooped with each movement, and she wished she could be closer. She shifted, and the bucket rocked.
Summer giggled and rested her head on his shoulder. She took comfort as he tucked her into his side. It was time to tell him everything .
“Brandon, I left because I loved you so much that I thought it was the right thing to do.”
“I don’t understand. What happened?” he asked.
She needed to tell him. Now was the time, but she didn’t want to start this conversation at the fair. There were too many people who knew them, and they would see when she fell apart. What if her secret did change things for him? She wanted to be somewhere quiet and safe when he left her.
“After the ride. Let’s go home, and I’ll tell you.”
Brandon moved his other arm around her, encircling her completely. He didn’t speak, but he held her in a way that made her feel precious and protected.
They rose higher and higher into the night sky. Summer gazed at the breathtaking view. The carnival lights twinkled like stars against the darkness, and since they faced Lake Champlain, she could see tiny dots from boats floating on the surface.
"It's beautiful up here," Summer whispered. “I wish we could stay in this moment forever.”
Brandon kissed the top of her head. “Me too, but this view isn’t as beautiful as you.”
Summer blushed at his compliment and blinked back the tears that filled her eyes. She was going to ruin this. Hatred for the man that hurt her rose like bile. He was the one who destroyed everything she ever wanted. It was his fault.
“That’s the truth,” Griff growled, but she didn’t see him. “That’s what you needed to accept.”
As the Ferris wheel slowly descended back to the ground, Summer knew that this night at the summer carnival would be a memory she would cherish forever. What she didn’t know was if it would be the last happy memory she created with Brandon.