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But he returns to speaking with the pastor, completely ignoring my words.

My stomach tenses. I don’t think he’s doing this on purpose, but I can’t help but believe it anyway. He said he’d come here to give Archer a chance, but he barely laughed during the play, hasn’t said one positive word about how great the place looks, and clearly can’t be bothered to even go on the hayride—which is the pinnacle of the entire event.

I look at the wagon. Sadie, who’s leading the team tonight with James at her side, ensures the guests get on safely, then looks around, her eyes hooking mine.

“You wanna come?” she mouths out, pointing to the wagon with an expectant look.

I hold up a finger, then turn to Dad. “Dad?”

He doesn’t respond.

With a tight jaw, I step away from him and jog to the wagon alone.

“Thanks for waiting,” I say, somewhat breathless.

“I just wanted to make sure you didn’t miss it.”

I climb into the wagon next to a few high schoolers and across from two families, mothers and fathers with their older children. I feel slightly awkward being alone, but right before the wagon picks up, Genevieve approaches with swift steps.

“Is there enough room for one more?” she asks with a hopeful eye.

Sadie nods and sticks her thumb toward the back. “Come on up.”

I shift down, feeling better as Genevieve takes the open seat on the haybale next to me.

“I’m not taking your dad’s spot, am I?” she asks.

Her eyes search the crowd—a sign that she isn’t keeping tabs on him. Maybe they really aren’t dating. I know a keen disappointment at the thought. Dad must be blind.

I guess I’ve already discovered that for myself the last few weeks.

“He’s too caught up with things,” I say with a strained tone.

She nods as the wagon picks up, and I glance back at Dad. He’s still speaking with the pastor, unaware that I’ve even gone.

I draw a deep breath and straighten on the haybale. I’m not going to worry about him any longer. I know how much effort and time Archer’s put into this event, and I’m going to enjoy every remaining minute of it.

And I’m going to enjoy being with Genevieve. “Did you come alone tonight?” I ask.

“Yeah. Sometimes it’s easier than trying to rustle up a date, you know?”

“I get it. Have you been to Horseshoe Holler before?”

“No, but I’ve been meaning to for months. I love horses, but my job doesn’t really allow for time off during the typical time for trail rides. It’s a miracle I even made it tonight with how swamped I am. I really need to hire some help.”

I pause. “Are you hiring?”

Her eyes turn to mine, intrigue alight in the darkness. “Are you interested?”

“I might be. I’ve been looking for a job in town but not sure what I want to do permanently.”

Working with Dad’s potential girlfriend might be awkward—or it might be the greatest thing ever. I could finally get a straight answer out of him. Or maybe her.

“I definitely don’t have any experience working in a candle shop, though,” I warn.

She leans forward, her chin on her hand to better see me. “Oh, that’s all right. It’s mostly organizing and inventorying that I need help with anyway. I still need to get a job description written down, but once I do, I’ll get in touch. Can’t hurt either one of us, you know?”

I grin. I really like her. I nod my head back to the stables. “About the horse rides, you should ask Archer for a different time that works for you. He accommodates all sorts of schedules.”