"Yes!But how fun would it be!"Gloria's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm."And the book club would love it!A real celebrity author at our little bookshop!Plus, maybe we could have a romance writing workshop, too."
"Let me have a word with them later," Colin said gently."See what the official position is on such things."
"Mark my words," Mrs.Wilson was saying, her voice carrying just enough for them to overhear, "having this many spirits in one place is bound to stir things up.My late husband always said, 'Where there's ghosts, there's mischief.'"
"Oh, don't be such a worrywart," Dottie laughed."It's going to be wonderful!When will we ever get another chance to attend a ghost convention?"
Miles nodded enthusiastically."I've prepared special herb bundles for the guest gift bags.Some of these ghosts might remember plants that have been extinct for centuries.I’d love to learn about that!"
"That's exactly what makes these conventions special," Sean said."Living history."
Uma couldn’t help but watch as Sean engaged thoughtfully with Miles.She was drawn to him, and that made her slightly uncomfortable.It was a tug in her chest she’d never felt.
"So," Honey said quietly, leaning closer to Uma while Sean was distracted, "he seems interesting."
"Aye, I guess," Uma replied carefully, though her pulse quickened as she realized Honey was fishing for her opinion of Sean.
"He also seems very interested in what you have to say," Honey observed with a small smile.
Before Uma could protest, Sean turned back to their conversation."Sorry about that—occupational hazard.I find local knowledge invaluable for doing my job well.”
"And what's your assessment so far?"Roam asked, his tone still carrying that subtle edge of protective wariness.
"Remarkable," Sean said simply."The way you all look out for each other.It's something special."
Uma found herself grinning despite herself."Special how?"
"Aye," Sean clarified."Not all towns are as devoted to preserving their history or protecting one another.That’s rare nowadays."
There was something wistful in his voice that made Uma curious about his own story, his own journey to this moment.The thought created an unexpected sense of kinship between them.
Before she could ask, Tabitha appeared with a fresh pot of coffee.
"More coffee for the table?And might I suggest the apple cinnamon scones?Fresh from the oven and made with apples from Dr.Wimpleton's orchard."
"That sounds great," Sean said gratefully."Thank you."
As Tabitha bustled away, Honey glanced at her watch."Speaking of Dr.Wimpleton, I should check on the familiar arrivals.Mom and Dad sent three more crates this morning, and one of them apparently contains a very anxious phoenix chick."
"A phoenix?"Sean's eyebrows rose."That's quite rare."
"Not as rare as you'd think in our line of work," Honey said proudly."Though they do require special handling."
Roam stood as Honey gathered her things."I'll walk you back to FACTS & FIBS.I want to check the perimeter one more time before tonight."
"Always the protector," Honey said fondly, rising to kiss his cheek again.
As they prepared to leave, Honey shot Uma a meaningful look."Enjoy your scones.And your...professional discussion."
Uma rolled her eyes, but she couldn't quite hide her smile as Honey and Roam departed, leaving her alone with Sean.
"So," Sean said, settling back in his seat with an easy grin, "now that we've got a bit of privacy, maybe you could tell me what really happened during that vampire invasion.The official reports are a bit...sanitized.Though I'm actually more curious about your falls—the water there has some remarkable protective properties, doesn't it?"
Uma's attention sharpened."What exactly do you want to know about the falls?"
“Everything,” Sean replied."The way the water interacts with people is fascinating.I've heard it must be freely given to maintain its power?"
"That's right," Uma said carefully."Why?"
