“Pretty well. I have most of the things nailed down. Still need to get more for the art show.” She deliberately didn’t look at Connor when she said that. “And if the fundraiser at Beverly’s raises enough, I’m hoping to have a fireworks display as the grand finale of the festival.”
“Fireworks. I love fireworks.” Brooklyn bounced in her chair, almost spilling her milk. Megan steadied the glass.
“I do too. There were fireworks when I went to the festival a long time ago. I was just a few years older than you are. I’d love to bring them back and recreate the magic for a new generation.”
“If Uncle Connor gives you one of his carvings, I bet it would sell for a million dollars. Then we could have fireworks.” She bounced in her chair again.
“Uh…” Connor had a deer-in-the-headlights look as he scrambled to turn down Brooklyn’s request.
“Uncle Connor, you’ll do that, won’t you? We want fireworks at the end of the festival, don’t we? And Momma will let me stay up late and watch them, won’t you, Momma?” Brooklyn turned those pleading eyes on Connor.
Megan smothered a smile as she looked over at Connor, then turned to Brooklyn. “Yes, fireworks would be wonderful, honey. I agree.”
“So, you will give her one, right?” Brooklyn pinned Connor with a non-wavering look.
Connor let out a long, resigned sigh. “Yes, I’ll donate a carving. I don’t think it will bring in quite a million dollars though, Princess.” A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
“It will, you’ll see.” Brooklyn jumped and gave him a hug.
He wrapped his arms around her and still couldn’t quite hide his smile. Brooklyn sat back down. “It’s gonna be the bestest festival ever.”
Watching Connor interact with his niece gave Amanda a tiny hope that the man would one day soften. Maybe. Or maybe it was just her who rubbed him the wrong way.
They finished their meals with Connor mostly remaining silent save for the occasional yes or no answer if he was asked something directly. She couldn’t help but notice the annoyed glares Megan was throwing toward her brother.
As they stood, Amanda offered to help with the dishes. “No, I’ll get them,” Connor insisted, taking her plate from her hands.
She wasn’t sure if he was being helpful or just wanted her to leave. “Okay, then I guess I’ll be going. I have a busy day tomorrow getting the fundraiser set up.”
“I’m glad you came, Miss Amanda.” Brooklyn hugged her tightly.
“I had a really nice time.” She hugged her back, basking in the little girl’s enthusiasm and affection.
“Brookie, time to go get ready for bed.”
“Do I have to?”
“Yes.” Megan gave her daughter a no-nonsense look.
“Ooooo-kaaaay.” Brooklyn’s shoulders slumped as she trudged from the kitchen toward the bedroom.
“Connor, you should walk Amanda back to her cottage.”
“Oh, no. I’m fine.” She looked quickly over at Connor. He looked relieved at her words.
Megan walked her to the door. “Thanks for coming. And I can’t wait to come back for the festival. Brooklyn is so excited. It’s really wonderful all you’re doing for the town and the festival.”
“Part of it is selfish. I want to recreate the festival that I remember from all those years ago.”
Megan smiled. “And I have no doubt you will.”
Connor methodically scrubbed each plate, the rhythmic motion a soothing balm for his chaotic thoughts. He carefully placed each item in the dishwasher. The faint sound of bedtime stories being read filtered down the hallway.
Megan returned to the kitchen and sank wearily onto a chair. “I read her three books, and she still wanted more. I think she’s just wound up from all the excitement of being here. And she can’t quit talking about the festival. I hope it’s okay if we come back for it.”
“Of course it is. You know I love having you two here.” He started the dishwasher, and it hummed to life before he crossed over to sit across from his sister. He could tell by the look on Megan’s face she had something on her mind. And he was pretty sure he didn’t want to hear it. Distracting her seemed like a better option. “Your spaghetti really is the best, you know.”
“You want to talk about food. I want to talk about… Amanda.”
