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Archer

Don’t dangle that carrot in front of me, Juliet. I’ve already revealed myself to be the donkey.

Juliet

What if I actually give you a taste of the carrot this time?

Our eyes meet across the way, his delving into mine with an intensity I’ve never known.

Archer

I’d hold you to your word.

Juliet

I’m counting on it.

A hungry look grows in his expression as I tuck away my phone with a lingering smile in his direction.

I can’t wait for tonight.

Archer

The barn raising was as inspiring as I expected it to be. The people of Autumn Ridge worked their tails off to make it happen. I did, too—as well as a few other things I won’t ever tell a soul.

But it’s all for Autumn Ridge.

Now that the dance is here, though, it’s all for Juliet.

I peer around the newly built gathering hall and admire the walls, the wooden flooring, and the dangling lights brightening the space with warmth a soul longs for. A generator hums outside while laughter fills the inside, but I can’t find her anywhere.

I know she’ll be here. She said the carrot was real this time, so I don’t stop searching. With her height and the crowds, though, the task feels impossible.

After a few minutes, I find her dad instead. He’s standing alone—something I’ve never seen before.

I don’t want to believe it’s fate, but as a minute slips away and he remains alone, I know I can’t pass up the opportunity. I want to do right by Juliet. I want to succeed in at least one of her requests, so with a deep breath, I approach Mayor Monroe.

His expression is pleasant until he sees me, then his jaw hardens, and his eyes match suit. “I’m very busy right now, Mr. Kade.”

I look around. This is the least busy I’ve ever seen the man. “I’m sure you are, sir,” I say as sincerely as I’m capable of, “but this should only take a minute.”

He seems to think on it, then turns to face me. “What do you need?”

I square my shoulders. “I’d like to ask your permission to date your daughter.”

He doesn’t react. I’m sure he’s relishing the power he has right now. Power he shouldn’t rightly have. His daughter’s an adult. We don’t need his permission, but I want to show him how much I’m trying to change.

The music from the live band resounds around the barn walls, laughter and clapping and talking the perfect juxtaposition to what we’re experiencing between us.

Finally, he speaks. “You know what? I might have said yes to you earlier this week. But after Thursday, my answer is no.”

Indignation burns in my belly. “Thursday? You mean after you asked me to keep the ride at the stables between me and you?”

Mr. Monroe shakes his head, silently pulling up his phone. He taps a few times before holding up the screen for me to see a video. At first, it’s all black, apart from a small, covered porch. I don’t know what I’m looking at until two people creep across the way, then disappear into the darkness.

My stomach drops.

He saw me and Juliet on camera.