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I nodded.

“We were a little distracted by cookies and pumpkins.”

“And you were still keeping an eye on the Factory,” he reminded me.

“Only occasionally.”

His raised eyebrow suggested he remembered my version of occasionally rather differently.

Sienna was already moving toward the photography area, where a friendly-looking woman was helping a family arrange themselves for a picture.

We waited nearby while the family finished, and I tucked myself against Duncan’s side to escape another chilly gust.

He rubbed his hand gently along my upper arm.

“You warm enough?”

“I’m perfect right here.”

His smile softened, and he bent to kiss me.

I slid my hand beneath his jacket, resting it against the warmth of his back as he held me close for a moment.

Even after a year together, his kisses could make me forget what I’d been talking about.

When I finally looked toward the photography area again, Sienna was waiting beside the volunteer, looking extremely pleased with herself.

“It’s our turn!”

I laughed and reluctantly stepped out of Duncan’s arms.

“Apparently our daughter has decided we’re taking this photograph immediately.”

He smiled at my choice of words.

“She can be pretty determined when she wants something.”

I caught his hand and followed Sienna toward the glowing sign.

The volunteer had agreed to take several pictures with Sienna’s phone, and my favorite eleven-year-old was already explaining that she’d like one with all three of us standing together.

I admired the decorations while she made the arrangements. Up close, the letters were enormous, their warm light spilling across the pumpkins and the wooden platform beneath our feet.

Duncan moved beside me.

“Goldie?”

I turned toward him.

Something about his expression made me pause.

He looked unusually serious, although his blue eyes were warm and his hand was steady when he reached for mine.

“There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you.”

I smiled.

“Of course, sweetheart. What is it?”