Page 32 of Big Risks

I swat his arm, but I'm smiling. "I love you too. Even when you're being an idiot."

"So, most of the time, then?"

"You said it, not me."

He laughs, pulling me closer. This is a new us and this time, we're facing life together.

Epilogue

Walker

4 Months Later

The thing about autumn in Oakside is that when it comes, it really comes. None of this gradual easing into autumn that bigger cities get. We drive into town one day and it looked like a normal small town. Then, one Monday in September, I wake up to find the entire town had collectively decided overnight to transform into a Norman Rockwell painting. Pumpkins appeared on every porch. Scarecrows materialized in front yards. The maple trees along Main Street turned so vibrantly red they looked like they were showing off. I can see why Hailey liked it here so much.

"Dad, hurry up! We're going to be late!" Olivia calls from the kitchen, her voice tinged with the particular brand of exasperation only eleven-year-olds can perfect.

Noah and Lexi are letting us stay in their two-bedroom basement apartment while we are here this week. Though I think Olivia is not thrilled with the tight quarters.

"Coming," I call back, fumbling with the small velvet box in my hands one more time before tucking it into my jacket pocket. My fingers are shaking. I've been hiding this thing for a week, waiting for today, and I swear it's been burning a hole in whatever drawer, sock, or ceiling tile I've stashed it in.

Olivia appears in my doorway, hands on her hips. "Dad. The pumpkin judging is at two, and I need to do final adjustments."

"To what? You've been working on that thing for days. It's perfect."

"It needs more glitter."

"Of course it does." I ruffle her hair as I pass, and she ducks away with a grin.

"Is Hailey meeting us there?" she asks, trailing me out the door.

"Yeah, she and Brooke had to set up the donation booth." I grab my keys, doing a mental check. Wallet, phone, life-alteringpiece of jewelry that's making me sweat through my flannel. All accounted for.

"Dad?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you okay? You look weird."

I force a smile. "Just festival jitters."

She narrows her eyes. "Is this about the puppy thing? Because I told you, I can wait until Christmas."

"What? No. There's no puppy thing." I usher her toward the door. "Let's go before your pumpkin files a restraining order against glitter."

The Oakside Fall Festival transforms the property into something that belongs on a postcard. Hay bales create makeshift seating around a central area on the front lawn where local bands will play later. Booths selling everything from apple cider to hand-knitted scarves line the perimeter. The air smells like cinnamon, wood smoke, and that particular crispness that only October air can deliver.

Olivia immediately spots her new best friend, Zoe, and they rush off to the arts and crafts tent, while Olivia carefully balances her pumpkin masterpiece. It's covered with a cloth like it's a state secret, which, knowing my daughter, it might as well be.

I scan the crowd until I spot the donation area, where Hailey stands arranging pamphlets while Brooke hangs a banner for Oakside. Since Oakside runs a good portion on donations, I know this is a big part of the festival. So I head that way to see what I can do to help. Hailey looks up, catches my eye, and her face lights up in a way that still makes my heart skip.

"There's you are," she says as I approach. She rises on tiptoes to kiss me, and I have to force myself not to pat my pocket to check if the ring is still there.

"How's the booth coming along?" I ask, helping her straighten a stack of flyers about what new donations will help bring to Oakside.

"Great! Though Brooke keeps trying to sneak in pamphlets about the benefits of essential oils."

Brooke doesn't even look up from her decorating. "Lavender oil would fix that tension in your shoulders, Walker. You look like you're about to snap a tendon."

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