“That sounds like a good idea to me,” Chloe said as they made their way along a path lit with brightly colored pumpkins.
Liam had helped Pastor John and the other volunteers decorate The Welcome Center for Halloween. They hadn’t gone overboard, but they’d found some wispy cobwebs and black spiders they’d stored at the old steamboat museum from last year’s party. With a tonne of orange and black balloons, and some spooky music Shelley had found, the center looked and sounded like a fun place to be on Halloween.
In the center of the large meeting room, Daniella, the owner of The Fairy Forest, was surrounded by at least thirty children, all enjoying a spooky story.
Oscar hurried across the room and sat on the floor with his friends. Trixie kept close, lying protectively beside him.
Liam and Chloe stood a short distance away. “Thanks for bringing Trixie tonight,” Chloe whispered. “Oscar loves having her around.”
Trixie rested her head on Oscar’s lap, and Liam sighed. “The feeling’s mutual. She enjoys Oscar’s company, too. He has more energy than me.”
Chloe grinned. “That’s because he’s six years old.”
“Are you saying I’m old?”
“Would I ever do that?” Chloe teased.
Liam grinned. “You just did. You seem a lot happier than you were earlier.”
“Being here helps. Watching Oscar have fun reminds me of what’s important.”
Liam thought about the fun they’d had tonight and realized these were the moments he’d been missing in his life—the small, meaningful experiences that no job or adventure could replicate.
He thought of the job at Wanderlust Publishing. If he was writing for a travel series he’d spend most of his time overseas. It would be a constant whirlwind of flying in and out of airports, travelling to out-of-the-way locations, and spending countless hours on his own. Was that the future he really wanted?
When Daniella finished reading the stories, the children played some games, then gradually went home.
“Are you ready to leave?” Chloe asked Oscar.
He gave a tired nod. “We have to give Trixie her doggie treat.”
Chloe took off his dinosaur head. “Maybe you could give it to Liam? He’ll give it to her tomorrow after she’s had a big sleep.”
Oscar nodded and rummaged through his candy basket. With a tired yawn, he handed the cookie to Liam and snuggled close to Chloe.
“Would you like me to carry Oscar to your truck?” Liam asked.
Chloe smiled gratefully. “Thank you.”
Liam scooped Oscar into his arms while Chloe took hold of Trixie’s leash.
“Come on, girl,” she whispered, and Trixie obediently stood beside her.
As they walked, Liam turned to Chloe. “I saw Mabel last week. She’s happy all the stores on Main Street are ready to put up their decorations. I’m looking forward to seeing everything come together.”
Chloe’s eyes brightened a little. “So am I. Seeing Main Street transformed with all the trees and lights makes Christmas extra special.”
They reached Chloe’s truck and Liam placed Oscar on his booster seat. “He really wore himself out,” he whispered.
Chloe draped a blanket over her son. “That’s because he enjoyed himself. Thank you for tonight.”
“Anytime.” Liam hesitated, not wanting the evening to end. “I should get going. I hope everything works out with your ex-husband.”
Chloe handed Liam Trixie’s leash. “So do I. I’ll let you know if I hear anything from him.”
“That’d be great.” Liam paused, then leaned in and gently kissed Chloe’s cheek. “Goodnight.”
She looked at him and smiled. “Goodnight.”
