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“I can agree to that.” He gives me a single nod, then walks away.

I let out a pent-up breath and focus on the pumpkins again. Cheers erupt as the winner is announced, and I clap for the FFA students who’ve finally taken the crown from Farmer Joe and Bugelbach’s.

But I don’t really care about pumpkins. All I’m thinking about is Juliet and my hope that’s finally been revived.

Juliet

Pumpkin Day is a success, even if I don’t see Archer as much as I want. We spend a bit of time laughing together at the Pumpkin Chunkin’ later in the day, then make eyes at each other as Dad participates in the pie eating contest, but that’s all I have time for.

The next day is the Autumn Ridge Celebration, and I’ve been dreading the amount of work involved. Rosie and I are run ragged by the end of it, racing from the children’s costume parade to the pet costume parade, then MCing the talent show together when Mr. Sharrow gets sick.

The lawn games are chaotic all day long, the teenagers break through dozens of potato sacks during their races, and the horseshoes are impossible to keep track of. Fortunately, we’re able to hand over the Charity Auction to Lisa Ellis in full.

“Honey, you must be exhausted,” she says, patting my hand. “You go get some rest now. I’ve got this all taken care of.” She pauses. “Better yet, go find your dad and get him to relax, too. That man wears himself to the ground. He needs a woman to take care of him, doesn’t he?”

She runs her fingers through her dark roots and blonde hair with an airy laugh.

It’s gotta be Lisa. She seems way too intent on convincing me that she should be a part of our lives. My mind wanders to what life would be like with her as a step-mom—and with Ashtyn as a step-sister.

Ashtyn’s a nice enough girl, if not a little too much like her mom in regard to flirting. But the very thought of dad having another daughter—even a step-daughter who has her own dad—makes my stomach twist against a knot the size of a boulder.

By the end of the day, I’m beat. Not only by my thoughts, but by the problems I’ve had to smooth out today and by speaking with and smiling at every person I pass.

To make matters worse, I don’t see Archer at all after the hayrides. He must’ve gone home, which makes lingering at the festival seem more tedious than exciting.

After the awards ceremony, Dad’s still roving around like the Energizer bunny at the community potluck dinner. I watch him from the background as he helps Edna G. carry in a large crockpot, her petite frame struggling under the weight of the soup.

After placing it on the table, Dad’s joined by Lisa, a lingering hand on his back as she stares up at him, speaking in a hushed tone. A family comes up to him, interrupting him and Lisa, and he turns bright eyes on them with a warm, welcoming grin.

Minute after minute, a new family, couple, or individual comes up to speak with him, and he responds to each with grace and aplomb.

All the while, the ache in my heart grows. I was the center of his attention before he became mayor. I’ve had to share him for a while now, and I’ve been more than fine with it. But in this moment, it feels like I’m on the outside looking in as he’s embraced by everyone in town, and a feeling of loneliness encompasses me.

I’m happy he’s found a job that brings him so much joy. And I’m happy he’s found a woman—or three—to bring him even more happiness.

But where does that leave me? Do I go back to school? Find a career I actually want to pursue?

Dad waves me over when he sees me watching him. “Grab a plate,” he mouths out.

I shake my head. He excuses himself from those around him and is instantly at my side. His attention makes me feel terrible about wallowing. As busy as he is, he’s always made time for me.

But things are changing, and I know I can’t stop them.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, his hand on my shoulder as he leans down with a look of concern. “Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m fine. I just don’t think I’m gonna stay for the potluck.”

His concern grows. “Are you not hungry?”

“Not really. I’m mostly tired.”

“Let me take you home.”

“No, Dad. You have to stay here. I’ll just go grab a bite from the Maple Bar and Grill and head home.”

He pulls out his car fob. “Then take the car.”

“How will you get home?”