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Juliet

I spin around as Dad comes up to stand beside me, my shadow long as it stretches toward him.

Did I hear him right? He really wants to leave right now?

I glance over his shoulder for any sign of Archer, but he must still be changing out of his costume.

“You wanna go home?” I ask. “Now?”

He looks at his watch. “It’s about over, right? Family events shouldn’t last this late into the evening anyway.”

I roll my eyes at his subtle dig. “Did you do anything while you were here?”

“What do you mean? Of course I did. I sat with you during the play, didn’t I? And I visited with almost everyone. What else was there?”

I clutch the cider in one hand and the popcorn in the other, no longer eating as my stomach heaves. “The food? The fires? The wagon ride? Seeing Archer as the Headless Horseman was the whole purpose of the event. Why didn’t you go on it?”

“Pastor Bruce had some questions about the latest budget meeting. I can’t shirk my duties, Juliet.”

He’s right. He took an oath.

But I didn’t. I rub my hand to my pulsing brow. “Dad, you know you didn’t go on that ride because you didn’t want to see anything of value while you’re here.”

His face shifts to a deep red, and I know I’ve caught him in his lie. “I’ve seen plenty of value. Mr. Kade has clearly upgraded everything. It’s...impressive...”

He pushes the word out with force, like it’s stuck to the roof of his mouth. It’s shocking he actually said something positive, but I’m not about to praise him for acting civil.

Archer deserves more.

“It is impressive,” I say. “And so was seeing him on his horse out there. You should’ve gone on the ride. You promised you’d make an effort.”

His lips press together, and his shoulders slightly fall. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I...I got caught up with things and didn’t try very hard. We can go on the wagon ride now...”

“They’re done with it. Like you said, family events shouldn’t last this long,” I say pointedly.

He winces. “I’m sorry,” he repeats. “I can do better with comments like that, too. And with...with being honest with you.”

I don’t know if I believe him.

“Honey, I⁠—”

“Hey.”

Archer’s voice instantly soothes my aching head. He joins me at my side, his height and figure prominent between us.

He’s still wearing half his costume—long black boots, black pants, and a flowing black shirt with a deep, open collar. I’ve never seen him out of his jeans—even at Landrie’s wedding—and I think I might pass out. It’s like Westley from The Princess Bride and a young Clint Eastwood mixed to a perfect temperature.

Dad eyes him up and down with a blank expression, but Archer maintains his confident stance.

“Sorry it took me so long to get out here,” he says, slightly breathless as he glances between us.

He hesitates, clearly seeing he’s interrupted something, but I move closer to him, stuffing away my argument with Dad to give Archer the attention he deserves. “You were great out there. When the horse reared up? Everyone on the wagon gasped and talked about how awesome it was.”

He brightens. “Raven and I have been practicing it for a year. He’s an incredible horse.” Silence follows, then he shifts to Dad. “I hope you enjoyed it, as well, sir.”

Dad glances warily at me before replying. “I unfortunately missed the wagon ride. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it next year.”

Archer doesn’t react. “I hope so.”