“Glad to see the man came to his senses.” Beverly nodded. “I better go. We’re serving sandwiches at the cafe today. Expecting a brisk business. But I’ll catch up with you tonight for the fireworks.”
Amanda surveyed the bustling festival as she went to each vendor to make sure they were all set. People began to flood the area. Locals mingled with tourists. The ferry had set up extra trips back and forth for the day.
“Miss Kingston?” A man in a white suit stopped her and smiled. “We got our fourth singer. We’re all set.”
She smiled at him. “Oh, good. The festival wouldn’t be the same without the barbershop quartet.”
Amanda barely had time to enjoy the Heritage Festival as she ran around making sure everything was going smoothly. Connor, Megan, and Brooklyn finally caught up with her.
“You should take a break and enjoy yourself,” Connor said. “After you put in all this work, you should at least get to experience it.”
“I could be persuaded to indulge in some funnel cake.” She laughed.
“Me too.” Brooklyn jumped up and down. “Me too. Can I, Momma?”
“How about you split one with Uncle Connor?”
“I guess so.” She scowled and turned to Connor. “You better not eat it all.”
He ruffled her hair. “I won’t, Princess, I promise.”
Brooklyn took her uncle’s hand and skipped by his side. She and Megan lagged behind them. “So, my brother finally told you what happened, huh?”
“He did. And I’m so sorry. I can see why he moved here and avoided the whole art scene.”
“But his work should be seen. I hate that he hides it.”
“Maybe showing it here at the show will make him more open to the idea.”
“I certainly hope so.”
Connor and Brooklyn returned with the funnel cakes and they took bites of them as they wandered along the weathered boardwalk. When they finished, Megan said, “Let’s go see the art show now. I can’t wait to see your work on display.”
“Yes, Uncle Connor is famous now.” Brooklyn bobbed her head.
“Not quite, Princess.”
They walked over to the pavilion, and Miss Eleanor stopped them. “Amanda, you’ve done a fine job with the festival.” She looked at Connor, then Amanda, and a small smile crept across her lips. “Just wanted to let you know.” She turned to leave, but not before nodding at Connor approvingly.
“I think she’s pleased you listened to her,” Amanda whispered.
“I’m pretty sure everyone in town does what Miss Eleanor asks.” He grinned back at her.
They climbed the stairs to the pavilion and browsed through the artwork and historical items. When they got in front of Connor’s carvings, a man standing looking at the carvings turned around. “These are original Connor Dempsey carvings.”
“They are.” Amanda nodded.
“You can tell because he signs his work with these carved symbols on the bottom. Do you know where I can contact him? I’d like to see some of his newer work.”
Connor’s eyes narrowed. “Why?”
“My wife is a collector of his work. I’d love to surprise her with a new piece for our fiftieth wedding anniversary. I bought one of his carvings earlier at a small cafe in town. But I was so eager to show her that I already gave it to her. Now I find myself without a fiftieth wedding anniversary present.”
Amanda turned to Connor, not giving him away. Megan nudged him with a gentle bump.
Connor held out his hand. “I’m Connor Dempsey. Pleased to meet you.”
“You are? Wonderful.” The man pumped Connor’s hand. “This is great.”
