Page 18 of The Pumpkin Patch Promise

“You know,” Sam said, putting a hand over hers and squeezing gently, “a very wise and beautiful woman once told me you don’t have to pick one emotion or force yourself to feel noble about the past. I think she was onto something.”

Prue chuckled at the reference to their previous conversation.

“It’s completely normal to feel all these emotions at once. I know that better than anybody. I’m not surprised that discovering hidden support from years ago evokes complicated feelings. Finding out an exit route had been prepared without you even knowing brings a lot of comfort and relief, but I’m sure it also raises a lot of hard questions.”

Prue nodded slowly. “Part of me feels such deep gratitude for the safety net, while another part of me is carrying this sharp resentment over the silence. She knew what was happening in my marriage and she didn’t even try to get me to open up. I know it’s unfair to judge my mother who’s not even here to defend herself, but having protection arranged without my knowledge makes me feel monitored. And that leaves me unsure whether to be thankful or angry.” She wiped at a tear that leaked from her eye.

Sam leaned back slightly, adjusting his posture against the wooden chair. He refrained from defending Rosalind's choices. “Just like you told me, both reactions are entirely valid. When safety is managed secretly, it blurs the line between protection and control. You’re not a bad person for being mad about that, Prue.”

“Maybe I need to make a trip to Boston to try to find out more,” Prue said.

“If that’s what you want to do, you have my full support, but you don’t have to resolve the contradictory emotions you’re feeling immediately. The decision of whether to dig deeper into what happened belongs solely to you. It’s also okay if you just choose to close that chapter.”

Prue looked across at him, struck by the tenderness of his comforting presence. He was always exactly what she needed.

“What would you do if you found records detailing hidden arrangements from your own past?” Prue asked him.

Sam smiled softly, his expression open. “Well, that’s really what I’m here in Harvest Hollow doing I suppose. But, to answer your question, if the choice were mine, I would proceed only if knowing the full picture would protect my peace. If continuing the search brings clarity and helps claim agency, then it’s worth pursuing, but if all it’s doing is just reopening old wounds to satisfy curiosity, taking a step back is equally valid. Whatever you decide to do, I’ll support you without reservation.”

Prue took a slow, deep breath, letting his words clear away the lingering frustration from her conversation with Nell. She looked down at the deposit slip one last time, observing the neat handwriting and the official bank stamps. It was amazing how much one conversation with somebody could change your perspective. The document no longer felt like a ghost from her past; it was simply historical data waiting to be cataloged.

She looked up at Sam with a clear gaze and smiled. “I’m going to continue reviewing the remaining ledger volumes. My decision is not driven by anger at the past, but by a genuine commitment to understanding the full scope of the sanctuary network before the harvest season ends.”

Sam nodded. “Let me know if you want help going through anything.”

“What about you?” Prue asked. “You still haven’t found all the answers you’re looking for.”

“No, but I’ve made peace with the fact that I might never find out the truth about my father. I know my mother. She wouldn’t have run unless she had no other choice. Whoever he is, or was, he couldn’t be a very nice person. So maybe not knowing is okay.”

Prue nodded. “So how about we do some checks on the cider press? Do you feel like being my assistant again?” she asked.

She picked up her clipboard and mechanical pencil that were on the desk and stood up.

“With pleasure,” Sam said, and led the way out of the farmhouse and to the cider barn where the machinery was.

Working side by side in the fading evening light, they reviewed the machinery schematics and logged the upcoming maintenance tasks. They finished checking the pressure gauges and ran through the final items on the inspection sheet. Sam made a note beside the bleeder valve before handing the clipboard back to Prue.

"That's everything."

Prue nodded, but neither of them moved away from the machine. She looked down and did a final check of the notes on the clipboard.

When she glanced up, she found him watching her.

"What?" she asked.

"Nothing."

She raised an eyebrow.

A smile tugged at his mouth. "You're just very pretty when you're concentrating."

Prue stared at him for a beat and then smiled. “You’re very good for my ego. How about some coffee?”

“Does it come with one of Junie’s special doughnuts?” he asked with a mischievous grin.

Prue laughed. “I’m sure we can find one,” she said, and together they headed back toward the farmhouse.

PRUE