“Such lovely names for such lovely young women,” Mrs. Ward chimed in, her smile genuine and kind.
“Thank you, ma’am,” Izzy replied, her voice a soft melody of politeness.
“Please, call me Carrie,” she insisted.
“Father,” Rosie said, eager to fill the silence that followed introductions, “we’ve planned quite a day for the town fair. There’ll be booths selling all manner of crafts and goods, games for the children, and food—so much food!” She spoke with the fervor of someone who had poured her soul into the event. “We thought it best to take turns accompanying you, so each of us can share a bit of our lives here in Hope Springs with you.”
“Sounds delightful,” Malcolm said, his eyes twinkling with interest.
“Speaking of which,” Carrie interjected, her gaze sweeping over the colorful array of stands dotting the fairground, “I would love to help the three of you with your booth. Then you can spend a little more time with Malcolm.”
“Truly?” Izzy’s surprise was evident. “That would be most appreciated, Carrie.”
“Excellent!” Carrie clapped her hands together, a burst of enthusiasm escaping her. “Let’s not waste another moment then. Lead the way!”
As Rosie guided their father through the fair, pointing out the various attractions, her mind was ablaze with thoughts. Here was a man connected to them by blood, yet he was as much a mystery as any other stranger.
“Here’s our booth,” Ana said. They had arrived at the stand adorned with baked goods and knitted wares.
“Allow me to show you how it’s done,” Carrie said, pulling on her gloves with a grin that mirrored the gleam of excitement in Ana’s eyes. It was as if the stepmother they had just met was already welcoming them into her life.
Rosie watched from the corner of her eye as Izzy and Ana, each with their husbands by their sides, approached Malcolm and Carrie.
“Malcolm, Carrie, this is my husband, Albert,” Izzy said with a modest pride that resonated in her voice. Albert Thoreau’s stature was commanding, his presence a testament to his success, but in front of Malcolm, there was an uncharacteristic boyishness about him.
“An absolute pleasure,” Albert extended a firm handshake to Malcolm. “Your daughters have become dear to this town, and you should be proud.”
“They are remarkable women,” Malcolm replied. Beside him, Carrie nodded, her smile a perfect curve of warmth and acceptance.
“And this is William,” Ana chimed in, gesturing to Dr. Mercer who had been hanging back slightly. “My husband and our town’s physician.”
“Doctor,” Malcolm greeted, clasping William’s hand. “I understand we owe you a great debt for looking after our girls here.”
“Sir, it has been my honor,” William said. “They’ve looked after me just as much.”
Laughter rippled through the gathering. Rosie was proud of what she and her sisters had accomplished in the months since their mother’s death.
“Rosie, aren’t you going to introduce Charles?” Ana asked, turning toward her with a teasing glint in her eye.
“Ah, yes,” Rosie murmured, her gaze lingering on the fair’s bustling entrance where she knew her meticulous plans were springing to life. “Charles will be along shortly. Town matters, you know how it is.”
“Of course,” Malcolm said with a knowing nod. “The mayor’s work is never done.”
“Exactly,” Rosie agreed, her lips twitching into a wry smile. “But I’ll ensure he doesn’t miss out on meeting you.”
“Take your time, Rosie,” Carrie said. “We’ll be here when you’re ready.”
“Thank you, Carrie,” Rosie said, touched by the kindness in her stepmother’s voice. It was a strange thing, feeling tethered to these near strangers.
“Besides,” Rosie continued, her gaze dancing across the fairground alive with eager townsfolk and vibrant colors, “I’ve put my heart into this fair. I want to see it unfold from the start. You’ll understand when you see it, Father. We all need to get into our booths because the fair is finally starting!”
“Father.” It felt strange to look into this kind man’s face and equate him with the word, but it had never seemed to fit Mr. Winslow, whom she would never think of as a father again.
“Then let’s make sure this fair is one for the history books, shall we?” Malcolm declared.
“This is what I’ve been working toward for months. It needs to be in the history books!” Rosie said, determination lighting her features.
Rosie felt a surge of anticipation for the day ahead. It was a beginning, not just for the fair, but for the family they were only just starting to build.
