Page 97 of Harvest Heat

“I think we’re going to need it all.”

“Me too,” Caleb said.

Kate had stayed behind to say goodbye to Tessa and the other people she’d met, but she hurried over so they could say goodbye to them. “This has been the best day. I wish we’d known about this festival years ago.”

Caleb nodded. “You’ll have to come back next year.”

“I’m already planning on it. I hate that I have to leave, but I do need to get back.”

He studied her for a moment. “Are you sure you’re not too tired to drive?”

She rolled her eyes. “I’ll be fine.”

“All right, but be careful, and let me know when you get there.”

“I’m the older sister. It’s my job to worry about you.”

“Kate.”

“I’ll let you know when I’m home safe, and I’ll let Mom know, too, because she’ll call if I don’t. She’s loving all the pictures I’ve sent.”

Caleb grinned. “She texted me too. She can’t wait to meet Rhys.”

Rhys’s heart rate skyrocketed. “I… um… I’m not sure⁠—”

“We’ll give it a little while,” Caleb said. “I won’t push you right into that, but if you can handle Kate, you’ll be fine with Mom.”

Kate hugged them both and insisted they didn’t need to walk her to her car. She’d been thrilled about the luxury of finding easy parking within walking distance, which was funny, considering this would be the most difficult weekend of the year to park in Frostwick Harbor.

In the center of the square, some town council members were already working on starting the bonfire that was a tradition for Saturday night during festival weekend, but Rhys had been around people long enough. He didn’t want to stay for the bonfire, but he also didn’t want to deny Caleb the chance.

They took the things they’d packed up back to Cloud Nine and checked on Mallow. Rhys wanted to pull Caleb into his bedroom, but instead, he said, “Do you want to go back and talk to people and see the bonfire?”

“I do, but…” He was clearly not sure how Rhys felt about it.

“Then let’s go.”

“Really? I thought you’d want to stay here. You’ve got another whole day of this tomorrow.”

“I know it’s a lot for me, but I want you to see the bonfire. As long as we don’t stay long, I’ll be fine.”

Caleb gave him a slow once-over. “I don’t think I’m going to want to stay for long either, but thank you for being willing to go with me.”

They walked back down the street into the square. It was darker now, and the fire was fully going. They made their way to where their friends were standing. Caleb hugged Finn and Tessa and took the chance to congratulate them again on their win. Everyone was so excited about how many prizes had gone to Frostwick Harbor businesses. The festival was already a huge success.

Rhys leaned back against Caleb as they stood watching the flames rise higher and higher. People were drinking hot chocolate and cider that was being sold from the only booth that remained open for the evening.

The mayor gave a speech, and everyone applauded, excited for the festival, for the beauty of the leaves, and the camaraderie of the town.

Caleb was so happy to be there. He was absolutely certain he’d made the right choice moving to Frostwick Harbor. This was the kind of life he had dreamed about, and he was living it now. Hopefully, he was going to get to live it with Rhys for a long time, maybe even forever.

He leaned down to whisper in Rhys’s ear. “Are you ready to go?”

Rhys nodded, and they waved goodbye to their friends, knowing they would see them the next morning.

They could still hear everyone celebrating as they walked along the street. There were only a few people out who weren’t at the bonfire. When they reached the front of Cloud Nine, Caleb turned to Rhys and took both of his hands. “This has been one of the best days of my life.”

“Mine too,” Rhys said. “I’m so glad we did this together. I’m so glad that I got over being afraid. I know everyone’s talking about us, but right now, I don’t even care.”