"We appreciate your interest, Mr. Webb. But Pine Hollow's future will be decided by Pine Hollow. We'll take our time. Do our research. Make choices that reflect our values."
Webb's smile doesn't waver. But something cold flickers in his eyes.
"Of course, Mayor. I respect that." He gathers his tablet. "My offer remains open. When you're ready for serious solutions, you know how to reach me."
He leaves.
Half the room exhales.
The meeting dissolvesinto smaller conversations. People cluster around Mayor Elsie. Around me. Around Farmer Hank.
Rogan appears at my elbow with a cup of terrible coffee from the ancient town hall urn.
"You were amazing," he says quietly.
"I was terrified."
"Didn't show." He hands me the cup. Our fingers brush. "They listened."
"Some of them." I sip the coffee. It tastes like burnt regret. "Webb's still circling. He's not giving up."
"Neither are we."
Mayor Elsie cuts through the gathering. Her eyes are bright.
"Ivy. Rogan. A word?"
We follow her to a quiet corner.
"That was exactly what this town needed," Elsie says. "Honesty. Passion. A vision that isn't just pretty renders and profit projections."
"But?" I prompt.
She smiles wryly. "But words aren't enough. Webb's going to keep pushing. We need to demonstrate that local partnership works. That we can organize something impressive enough to prove we don't need outside saviors."
Rogan crosses his arms. "What are you thinking?"
"The Harvest Festival is in two weeks," Elsie says. "Normally it's a small affair. Pumpkin display. Bake sale. Decent turnout but nothing special."
Her expression shifts. Determined.
"This year we make it spectacular. A showcase of everything Pine Hollow does well. Local food. Seed exchange. Music. Workshops. A celebration that proves we're vibrant and capable and worth investing in on our own terms."
My stomach flips. "That's a lot to coordinate in two weeks."
"Which is why I need you both to lead it," Elsie says. "Rogan handles food and logistics. Ivy manages the agricultural programming and vendor coordination. Together."
I look at Rogan. He looks at me.
"The town's watching us," I say slowly. "Watching to see if we can actually work together professionally."
"Exactly." Elsie's smile turns sly. "So prove you can. Show them that collaboration produces something better than either of you could build alone."
Rogan's mouth quirks. "No pressure."
"None at all." Elsie pats his arm. "I'll handle permits and insurance. Maya's already volunteered to help with setup. Farmer Hank will donate produce. But the vision? The execution? That's on you two."
She leaves us standing there.
