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She grimaces. “I was at Town Hall to pick up a vendor permit for the festival a few months ago when I overheard a late-night phone call from Mr. Sharrow.”

Dad nods. “He helps with community budgets and land-use—that sort of thing.”

“Right,” Genevieve continues. “Anyway, I tried hard not to listen, but I put two-and-two together fairly quickly as I walked by his office. He talked about how Archer was a godsend because the barn wouldn’t have been made without his anonymous donation. I kept it to myself for a long time. Until...” She glances at Dad. “Well, until Noah here needed a little nudge in the right direction.”

Dad flicks an uncomfortable glance at Archer, who does the same at Dad. But Genevieve winks at me. “I texted him while you were in the hospital. Figured it was good timing.”

I grin. “That was perfect timing.”

Archer and I give each other a knowing look before the conversation continues, and we chat more about their time dating together, as well as the other interventions Genevieve made on Archer’s behalf.

“I kept bigging you up after you purchased my candles for the wedding and your event,” Genevieve says to Archer. “It might’ve backfired since two of the women in Noah’s life were on your side.”

Archer and Dad exchange uncomfortable glances again, then Archer stands. “I think it’s time to clean up.”

I move to stand, but Dad stops me and Genevieve. “Let the men work. You ladies relax.”

“Love that for us,” Genevieve says with a smile in my direction.

As the boys stand in the kitchen, discussing Archer’s family’s upcoming visit, Genevieve leans across the table. “So how are things going between you two?”

I glance over my shoulder at Archer. “Honestly? I’ve never been happier.”

Genevieve smiles. “Neither have I.”

A look of joy passes between us, and I send a silent prayer heavenward in gratitude that Genevieve is with Dad.

The rest of the day passes by in a similar manner, Dad and Archer speaking cordially, Genevieve and I getting along even better than before, she and Dad giving each other looks across the room, and Archer and me sneaking in a kiss at every turn of their backs.

I can see a future where the four of us become a family, and it makes me wonder how I ever lived so long without Archer by my side.

Juliet

Ten Months Later, Early September

The wedding is beautiful. Exactly as Dad and Genevieve want it.

After marrying in the white church—every bench full to bursting and standing space overflowing at the back, their reception is no less crowded, though there’s more room for the town at Horseshoe Holler.

Archer was flattered when Genevieve chose the location—even more so when Dad wholeheartedly agreed.

“You’re not worrying about risking life and limb anymore while there?” Archer teased.

“Only if you’re in charge of the fires.”

Sarcasm has become their mutually accepted relationship over the year, and I love the bond they’ve been able to forge, beginning from a mutual respect they forced, found, then earned.

I sit with Archer now at the head table, listening to the toasts being given as Genevieve stands, looking stunning in a slim, white gown, modest in taste and style.

“I grew up in a scattered family with a busy environment,” she begins, “but nothing ever really felt like home. I stumbled upon Autumn Ridge on a hunt for the best fall leaves, but the second I got here, I knew I’d never leave. Not just because it’s the most beautiful place in the world, but because I found a home, a husband, friends”—she pauses, looking at me with teary eyes—“and a family in all of you. Thank you for welcoming me as your own.”

By the end, most of the room is in tears. Dad and I certainly am. Archer rests his arm behind me as he listens, his hand hanging loosely on the other side of the back of my chair.

I reach up and lace my left fingers through his. As he returns the gesture, he uses a thumb to shift the large diamond to sit upright on my finger. I stare over at it, light glinting and shimmering in the clear-cut jewel.

“Are we gonna hold our own reception here, too?” he asks in my ear as Genevieve sits down and the group cheers.

I lean my head against his shoulder, nuzzling in the crook of his neck. “I was thinking the Maple Bar and Grill, actually.”