“Have fun tonight!”
I smile and start to make my way through the square, saying hello and checking out the other booths on my way past. Turningbehind Main Street, I see all the rides set up doing test runs, children eagerly waiting by the gate, ready to be let in. The smell of popcorn and cotton candy fills the air, and my mouth waters. I haven’t had time to eat yet today, and my stomach grumbles.
The streets are busy with patrons on their way to town, and by the time I make it home, I’m running a little later than I would have liked. Quickly getting undressed, I jump into the shower and work my shampoo and conditioner through my hair and lather up in body wash before getting out and quickly changing into a tan maxi skirt with daisies all over it and a white eyelet bodysuit. Since my hair is naturally wavy, I give it a quick dry and pull half of it back in a little daisy claw clip.
I’ve just finished putting on mascara when my doorbell rings. I give myself a quick once-over, hoping I look okay, and run through the house with Pumpkin clambering along behind me as I turn off all the lights and open the door to greet West.
“Hi.” I smile nervously, opening the door wider for him to come in.
His eyes trail over my form, leaving goosebumps in their wake, and I think about how amazing it felt to be in his arms last night.
“Hi, Jade. You look beautiful.”
I blush at his compliment and give him my own once-over. He’s wearing jeans and a plain dark-grey henley. His arms stretch the material around his biceps, and my mouth goes dry. God, he’s so strong and handsome. I see he’s still wearing the cowboy boots from last night, and I smile.
“Thanks, Sheriff Cowboy,” I say, making him chuckle.
“You ready?” he asks, placing a strong palm on the small of my back, sending shivers up my spine.
“I am.” I nod, letting him lead me out to his truck with butterflies in my stomach.
We spend the first hour going from booth to booth at the market. At Fields of Daisies, West purchases a flower that he tucks into my clip, and at Mr. Hatchel’s table, we share some butterscotch. I pick up a blind date with a book from Harper’s table and can’t help but notice what looks like a bruise under her eye that she’s tried to cover up. When we walk past the Knitters’ table, Mrs. Ira whistles and waves us over. West groans, and I hide a giggle behind my hand.
“Well, hello, you two,” she greets us.
“Hi, Mrs. Ira.”
“Mrs. Ira.” West nods.
“Why don’t you two come look at our table. I’m sure we’ve got something perfect for you. Maybe a new blanket that yous could share. Or we have some adorable baby booties.”
My eyes go wide, and West lets out a strangled cough.
“Ira, leave those two alone. Stop meddling,” Ms. Johnson scolds her.
“Oh, Maggie, just look at them. I may need glasses, but I know when I see soulmates.”
My cheeks flush as the group of ladies pins their eyes on us.
“Okay. Well, you have a lot of lovely stuff here, but Jade and I are going to finish walking around.” West cuts in, placing his hand back onto my back and leading me away before the ladies can protest.
“Oh gosh, I am so sorry about that.” I sigh, feeling embarrassed.
“No worries. Those ladies are sure something.” West chuckles, and my body relaxes.
We stop at the last booth, a jewelry stand. The pieces are stunning. West brings something to the till, and I watch with curiosity. After he pays, he stops in front of me.
“Hold out your arm.”
I do as he says, and he clasps a gold bracelet around my wrist. I gasp when I see the beautiful purple amethyst. “West,” I say breathlessly.
“It made me think of you,” he says, making my heart race.
“Thank you. It’s beautiful.”
“Just like you,” he says, letting go of the bracelet and sliding his fingers through mine.
My stomach somersaults, and I let him hold my hand as we exit the vendor area and make our way to the fair.
