Ivy nodded, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Hallow’s End has a way of making things more . . . interesting. It’s like the town has its own agenda, and sometimes, it just likes to have a little fun at our expense. But don’t worry, you’ll get that kiss. And when you do, it’s going to be epic.”
“I hope so,” I said. “But seriously, it’s just my luck. First proper date in ages, and the weather decides to throw in some dramatic flair.”
“Next time, just kiss him before the rain starts,” Ivy suggested with a wink. “Problem solved.”
Amelia smirked, leaning back. “Or maybe it was Hallow’s End’s way of building the suspense. There’s always a little magic in the air, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.”
The towndidhave a certain charm to it, a sense that anything could happen, especially when you least expected it. “Well, if that’s the case, I’m definitely sticking around to see what happens next.”
“You’d better,” Ivy said, raising her glass in a mock toast. “Hallow’s End isn’t done with you yet, Vinnie. Not by a long shot.”
Despite the challenges of the week, everything was starting to come together. I even sorted out the permits and insurance, which had been looming over my head like a dark cloud. It wasn’t the most exciting part of opening a gallery, but it was necessary, and I felt a sense of accomplishment when it was done. The budget was tight—tighter than I’d hoped—but I reminded myself that this was all part of the process. Start-ups were never easy, but I was confident that every penny spent would be worth it once the gallery doors opened.
On Friday, as we were packing up for the day, Ivy turned to me with a thoughtful expression. “You know, Vinnie, if you need a place to stay once your lease is up, you’re more than welcome to stay with me. I’ve got the spare bedroom, and it would save you the hassle of trying to find something else right away.”
I hesitated, not wanting to impose. “I appreciate that, Ivy, but I can’t just stay with you for free. I’ll pay rent, or at least contribute to the bills.”
Ivy waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t even worry about it. You can thank me by helping around the house. Besides, I know what it’s like to start a business from the ground up. I just want to see you succeed.”
Her offer warmed my heart, and I realized how lucky I was to have found such supportive friends so quickly in Hallow’s End.
As the working week drew to a close, I was exhausted, but the thought of seeing Ethan excited me. Throughout the week, his texts became the highlight of my day, each one more charming than the last. He had an effortless way of making me smile, keeping our texts light and fun, but always with that undercurrent of chemistry that had sparked between us on our first date.
One morning, just as I was heading out to the gallery, my phone buzzed with a message from him.
I laughed out loud, picturing Ethan trying to keep a straightface while dealing with a room full of hormonal teenagers who probably found the whole thing hilarious.
Another day, while I was knee-deep in paperwork and permits, I got a text that had me grinning from ear to ear.
Later, as I settled in for the evening, another text from him popped up.
I couldn’t stop the grin that spread across my face, my mind wandering to all the possibilities that offer could entail. The thought of Ethan being mypersonal handymanled to more than a few daydreams—some more steamy than others.
The chemistry between us was undeniable, even over text. His messages were a perfect blend of sweet and teasing, each one pulling me in a little more, making me look forward to the weekend. Every time my phone buzzed, a little thrill shot through me, wondering what he’d say next, and how he’d make me laugh or blush this time.
Saturday rolled around again, and the cool morning air nipped at my cheeks as I sat in the back garden, cradling a steaming cup of coffee between my hands. October had arrived with a crispness that breathed new life into everything around me. Wrapped snugly in a fluffy blanket, I inhaled the earthy scent of fallen leaves, a deep sense of contentment as warm as the blanket.
Today I was meeting Lily, and the mere thought of it brought a smile to my lips as I took another sip of my coffee, letting the warmth spread through me. Excitement bubbled up inside me, mingling with a healthy dose of nerves. It was clear how much Lily meant to Ethan, and the desire to make a good impression was almostoverwhelming.
It was hard to believe I’d only known Ethan for three weeks. In Cresden, three weeks might have been nothing more than a casual acquaintance or a handful of text messages exchanged. But here in Hallow’s End, time seemed to move differently—slower in some ways, yet more meaningful in others. Somehow, everything felt more personal, more intimate, as if the town itself was weaving connections faster and deeper than I ever thought possible. Each moment carried more weight, and every interaction seemed to carve out a space in your life. Maybe it was the charm of Hallow’s End, or maybe it was just the way Ethan and I clicked from the very first conversation. Whatever it was, it made these last few weeks feel like months. Hallow’s End had a way of making things move at its own pace, and I was beginning to realize that sometimes, it was okay to let it sweep you along.
Finishing my coffee, I stood up and stretched, letting the blanket slide off my shoulders. The crispness of the morning air followed me inside as I started getting ready for the evening ahead. I glanced at the small tote bag I’d packed earlier in the week, filled with snacks I’d picked out just for tonight: Lily’s favorite candies, some popcorn, and a couple of fun face masks I thought we could do together.
Deciding that a walk might help calm my nerves, I slipped on my jacket and headed out the door. The afternoon sun peeked through a few scattered clouds, and the town was bathed in a special kind of light, like it belonged in a painting, with each detail being brought to life with a touch of magic.
I smiled as I walked, thinking about how much this town had inspired me since I’d arrived. Now, in every spare moment, I’d found myself painting, the strokes on my canvas becoming softer and gentler with each passing day. There was something about this town that had transformed the way I saw the world. Its beauty was elusive, yet tangible; a blend of lightand shadow that I was determined to capture. Each brushstroke felt like a step closer to that goal, like I was slowly uncovering the town’s secrets and immortalizing them in my art.
But no matter how close I felt, there was always more to discover. This town had a way of revealing itself in layers, and I had a feeling I was on the brink of something special. That I couldalmostcapture its true essence.
As I rounded the gentle curve at the end of Sycamore Lane, Ethan’s house came into view, and the rustic charm of the place immediately wrapped around me, drawing me in with its warm, weathered exterior. The wood and stone blended seamlessly, as if the house had grown naturally from the earth itself, and ivy crept up one side, its green tendrils adding a touch of wildness that made the home feel alive, like it was part of the landscape rather than just sitting on it.
I slowed my pace, taking in the scene. The front porch, with its pair of well-worn rocking chairs, seemed to beckon me closer. I could almost hear the soft creak of the chairs swaying in a gentle breeze, see the flicker of candlelight as evening fell, and feel the warmth of a shared blanket on a cool night. Potted plants dotted the porch, their leaves dancing in the afternoon light, adding bursts of color and life to the space.
The front windows were open, and I could hear the soft strains of music drifting out—a gentle melody that matched the serenity of the afternoon. The house wasn’t grand or ostentatious, but it had a warmth and authenticity that suited Ethan—unpretentious, grounded, and full of charm.
I reached the door and knocked lightly, the sound echoing through the stillness of the day. A moment later, the door swung open, and there stood Ethan—grinning, and dressed in a bright green dinosaur onesie. His eyes twinkled with mischief as he leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed.
“Hi,” he said, his tone as casual as if he were wearing jeans and a T-shirt instead of a tail.
