19. Samantha
CHAPTER 19
Samantha
T he crisp autumn air carried the scent of cinnamon, caramel, and the faint smokiness of roasted nuts as I shifted in my seat at the library’s fundraising booth. Around me, the Minden Fall Festival was in full swing—children darted past in costumes, their laughter blending with the cheerful twang of a bluegrass band playing near the main stage. Leaves crunched underfoot as families meandered between vendor stalls, admiring handmade crafts and sampling seasonal treats.
I, however, couldn’t quite enjoy the festivities. My gaze kept drifting toward the sparse donations in the collection box.
I sighed and forced a smile as an elderly woman approached, dropping a few crumpled bills into the slot. "Thank you, Mrs. Calloway. We appreciate your support."
The woman patted my hand with a warm smile. "You always do such a wonderful job at the library, dear. I hope you reach your goal."
I hoped so too. The children’s area renovations weren’t cheap, and while we'd made progress, we were still far from what we needed. And Mr. Henley hadn’t let me forget it.
I glanced across the festival, spotting Evan near the fire department’s display. He was talking to Chief Daniel Bergman, his broad shoulders relaxed, his strong hands gesturing as he spoke. Even in a casual sweater and jeans, he had a quiet command about him.
As if sensing my gaze, Evan turned. His eyes immediately swept over me, his brow furrowing slightly before he murmured something to Danny and strode in my direction.
"How’s the fundraiser going?" he asked, resting a hand on the back of my chair.
I let out a breath. "Not great. We’ve had some donations, but nowhere near enough."
His lips pressed into a thoughtful line. "Want me to make a scene? Maybe start an impromptu auction? I think I could convince some of the guys at the department to bid on—"
"Evan," I interrupted, laughing despite my frustration.
He grinned but leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Seriously, Sam. If you need more funding, just tell me."
I stiffened, shaking my head. "No, I’m not taking money from you."
His jaw ticked, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he exhaled and gave my shoulder a quick squeeze before stepping back. "Alright. But I’ll be keeping an eye on this."
Before I could protest again, Sophia bounded up to the booth, her friend Lola in tow. "Mom, can I go to the haybale maze with Lola? Her parents are here."
I hesitated, but Evan nodded. "Go ahead, kiddo. Just check in before the bonfire, alright?"
Sophia grinned. "Thanks, Dad!"
The word still sent a jolt through me every time I heard it, but it had become as natural to her as breathing. I met Evan’s eyes, and something warm passed between us.
"She's fast," Evan remarked, his voice threaded with amusement as his gaze followed Sophia’s retreating figure.
"Always is when there's fun to be had," I replied, chuckling. It was one of the rare moments I didn’t mind letting her run off—it was hard to begrudge her joy, even if her condition often kept my protective instincts heightened.
Evan turned his full attention back to me, a warmth in his eyes that I hadn't quite expected. “Do you want to go after her? I don’t mind hanging around while she enjoys herself.”
“Oh, I can grab her if you’d rather not wait,” I offered, though the idea of staying with Evan held its own appeal.
He shook his head, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “I’ve got nowhere to be, and truth be told, it’d be nice to have some time—just us. Are you about done here?” he asked.
I nodded. “Yeah, Tiffany is coming to take over at four.”
Evan glanced at his watch. "Good. That means we’ve got time."
I raised a brow. "Time for what?"
A slow, knowing smile curved his lips, the kind that made my stomach flip. "You'll see."
Before I could press him for details, Tiffany arrived, breathless and bundled in a thick cardigan. "Sorry I’m late! The line at the caramel apple stand was ridiculous." She plopped her bag down behind the table and grinned. "Go enjoy the festival, Sam. You deserve it."
I hesitated for a second, then turned to Evan. "Alright, mystery man. Lead the way."
He took my hand, threading his fingers through mine like it was the most natural thing in the world, and together we walked through the festival.
The afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting everything in golden light. The scent of fried dough and apple cider wrapped around us as we passed booths and games, the sound of laughter and distant music filling the crisp air. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d simply been at the festival instead of working through it.
"You gonna tell me where we’re going?" I asked as Evan steered me toward the quieter side of the fairgrounds.
"Patience, Sam," he teased.
I huffed, but a smile played at my lips.
A few minutes later, we stopped in front of the haybale maze. I frowned. "We already did this, remember?"
"Yeah," he said. "But last time, we had an audience."
Before I could respond, Sophia ran up to us, her friend Lola trailing behind. "Oh! Are you guys going in? Can I do it again?"
Evan chuckled. "I was actually hoping to get your mom lost in there for a bit."
I felt my cheeks grow warm at his flirtatious words. Sophia grinned, then nudged Lola. "Come on, let’s go find something fun before the bonfire starts."
As the girls darted off, Evan turned to me. "Alone at last."
I folded my arms. "And this is where you wanted to take me? Into a maze where there’s a decent chance I’ll leave you behind if you take too long?"
He smirked. "Not a chance. You’d miss me too much."
I rolled my eyes, but warmth spread through my chest.
We stepped inside, the walls of golden straw closing us in, muffling the festival noise. A few turns in, Evan slowed, letting his fingers brush against mine before taking my hand again.
"So," he said lightly, "did you ever picture this?"
"What?"
"Us. Like this. Together at a small-town festival."
I swallowed, my heart thumping against my ribs. "Honestly? No. I used to think about it, in the beginning. What it would’ve been like if things had happened differently."
Evan’s grip tightened slightly. "Me too."
A few more steps of silence stretched between us, the air thick with unsaid words.
Finally, he stopped walking. "Sam," he said, his voice softer now. "I know we can’t change the past. But I want this. I want us."
The honesty in his voice sent a shiver through me.
"Evan..."
"I know you’re scared," he continued, his thumb stroking the back of my hand. "I know trusting me isn’t easy. But I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere."
I took a shaky breath. "What if we mess it up?"
His lips quirked. "Then we figure it out. Together."
The word settled deep inside me, cracking through the walls I’d built.
Together.
I searched his face, the sincerity, the devotion, and something in me caved.
I squeezed his hand. "Okay."
His breath hitched. "Yeah?"
I nodded, a small smile breaking through. "Yeah."
Evan let out a breathless chuckle, then, without warning, tugged me against him. His arms wrapped around me, holding me close, and for the first time in years, I let myself sink into it.
A half-hour later, we exited the maze and I found myself chatting with Krystal Storm near the cider booth. The FaithMark actress had her signature bright blonde hair tucked beneath a knit beanie. Her husband, Bryce, was talking to Evan about something at the fire station.
"I loved your last movie," I gushed. "It had everything—small-town charm, a snowed-in cabin, and a misunderstood cowboy who secretly writes poetry." I fanned my face as though overheated. “Sophia and I watch every single one together.”
Krystal smiled graciously. “That’s so fun. I love that you can watch them with her. But am I wrong, or are you making time for some real-life romance these days?” She glanced meaningfully toward Evan.
“What? Oh… No, we’re just–”
She turned to him with a dramatic sigh. "Evan, help me out here. Doesn’t Samantha seem like someone who needs a little romance in her life?"
Evan smirked, sliding his hands into his pockets. "I don’t know, Krystal. I think she’s doing alright in the romance department."
My cheeks burned. Krystal raised a perfectly arched brow. “That’s what I like to hear,” she said with a knowing smile.
As she bounced off, I turned to Evan. "You didn’t have to encourage her."
He grinned. "But it’s fun watching you squirm."
I rolled my eyes, but the teasing warmth between us lingered.
We wandered for a while, stopping to admire booths and sample apple cider donuts. The ease between us was growing, but there was still an undercurrent of tension. This felt more like a date than anything we’d ever done together.
The thought sent a ripple of awareness through me. This wasn’t just two parents spending time with their daughter at a festival. This was something more. And the way Evan kept stealing glances at me—the way his hand brushed against mine every few steps—told me he felt it, too.
We stopped at a booth selling handmade candles, the warm scents of cinnamon and vanilla curling through the crisp autumn air. I picked one up, inhaling deeply. “Smells like fall in a jar.”
Evan leaned in, his shoulder brushing mine. “That the official librarian review?”
I laughed. “I’d say so.”
I reached for my wallet, but before I could pull out any cash, Evan handed the vendor a bill.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I said, glancing up at him.
He shrugged. “I wanted to.”
There was something in his voice, something steady and sure. It was such a simple gesture, but it made my heart twist. I was used to doing everything on my own—paying for every little thing, making every decision. But Evan kept stepping in, kept showing me, in these small but significant ways, that I didn’t have to anymore.
I cleared my throat, willing my emotions to settle. “Well… thank you.”
Evan smirked. “See? You can let me take care of you a little.”
I shot him a look. “Don’t push your luck.”
But as I walked beside him, I couldn't fight the tiny smile tugging at my lips.
Because the truth was, it felt good—being seen, being cared for.
And maybe I was finally ready to let him take care of me. A little.