Chapter 6
MELANIE
My heart was racing as I stood in a long row of vendors near the entrance to the corn maze. I was surrounded by women who’d become my friends this week. Vendors who sold gourmet popcorn and fresh produce and spices and jewelry and s’mores kits.
Determination and great ideas weren’t the only things we had in common. We were all falling for a local. That meant if everything went well, we’d be living here in this town together.
I smiled to myself as I imagined girls’ nights and play dates when we had kids. Not to mention group dates with our hot-as-heck mountain men.
The future was looking bright.
“It’s definitely been an…interesting week,” Bobbi said.
She stood in front of all of us, mountain men on either side. With our two perfectly straight lines, a casual observer would swear we were about to launch into a game of Red Rover.
“I know our locals have enjoyed having all of you here,” she continued. “A few of you are going to stick around, which couldn’t make me happier.”
She was looking at me. She was definitely looking at me, probably remembering catching Luca and me in the shed on his property.
Oh, God. How mortifying. Had she told others?
I could feel the crowd’s eyes on us as they stood where our vendor tables had been yesterday at this time. The guys had broken all that down and moved it onto a truck, where it was promptly hauled away. Now only the awards tent remained, with its table holding the Best in Harvest plaque.
“Before we announce our winners,” Bobbi said, picking up a gift basket, “I want to thank everyone for making this such a memorable festival. But let’s be honest—some of you made it more memorable than others.”
Her eyes found mine again. My cheeks burned.
“Our third-place winner is Cecelia, whose gourmet popcorn booth proved that there’s no such thing as too much butter.” Bobbi handed over a basket to a tall blonde who beamed. “Seriously, I think half the festival-goers lived on your harvest mix this week.”
Cecelia laughed, accepting her prize graciously.
“Our second-place winner is Calliope, who single-handedly provided the soundtrack for our entire spooky season with her jewelry booth playlist.” Bobbi grinned as she handed over another basket. “I’ve never seen people shop for earrings while doing the Monster Mash, but you made it work.”
Calliope curtsied dramatically, making everyone laugh.
“And our Best in Harvest winner—” Bobbi paused for effect, lifting the beautiful wooden plaque.
“Marissa, whose pumpkin spice lattes kept us all caffeinated and in the autumn spirit. I’m pretty sure she’s personally responsible for at least three marriage proposals this week, because nothing says romance like the perfect PSL on a crisp fall morning. ”
The crowd erupted in applause as Marissa stepped forward, tears in her eyes.
“This comes with automatic booth space at our Christmas festival,” Bobbi announced, “so get ready for some holiday magic, everyone.”
I clapped enthusiastically, genuinely happy for Marissa. But I couldn’t shake my self-consciousness about Bobbi having caught us together.
“Congratulations to all our winners,” Bobbi called out. “And thank you to everyone who made this festival amazing. Don’t be strangers.”
As the crowd began to disperse, Luca's arm slid around my waist. “You okay? You look disappointed.”
“I’m not disappointed about the award,” I said quickly. “Marissa totally deserved it.”
“Then what’s wrong?”
I glanced around, making sure no one could hear us. “It’s just…Bobbi keeps looking at me weirdly. I think she’s judging me about last night.”
Luca followed my gaze to where Bobbi was chatting with some departing vendors. “Melanie, she’s not judging you. Trust me.”
“How can you be so sure?”
He was quiet for a moment, then sighed. “Because Bobbi’s been playing matchmaker for months.”
“What do you mean?”
“Remember the mail-order bride program I mentioned? That was Bobbi's idea. She’s the one who signed up six guys here in town, saying they needed to ‘expand their dating pool.’” He chuckled.
“She’s thrilled that six more matches have been made this week, even if she didn’t directly cause them.
Heck, she’s probably taking credit for them anyway, since we all met at her event. ”
My eyes widened. “Seriously?”
“Seriously. She’s—”
“Melanie,” Bobbi’s voice interrupted as she approached with a gift bag. “I almost forgot—I put together a little welcome-to-the-family bag for you.”
She thrust the beautifully decorated bag into my hands, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
“Welcome to the family?” I repeated.
“Well, you’re sticking around, aren’t you? Luca told me about your partnership.” She winked. “And when you two are ready to tie the knot, my inn has a beautiful event space. Perfect for wedding receptions.”
My mouth fell open, and Luca laughed. “See?” he murmured in my ear. “Definitely not judging you.”
Bobbi patted my arm. “You kids have fun planning your future. I’ve got more couples to check on.”
As she walked away, I stared after her, mouth slightly open. “I think you’re right,” I said. “She’s actually taking credit for all of us meeting.”
“Yep. And if I know Bobbi, she’s already planning the next batch.” Luca pulled me closer. “So, are you ready to be part of her success story?”
I looked up at him—this incredible man who’d been buying my pottery for months, who’d fallen for me through a screen before we ever met, who’d offered me a partnership and a future I’d never dared to dream of.
“Absolutely,” I said, standing on my tiptoes to kiss him. “Bring on the future, Lumberjack47.”
Around us, the festival grounds were emptying, but the magic lingered. And somewhere in the distance, I could swear I heard Bobbi humming the wedding march.