Page 52 of The Pumpkin Spice Romance
Scarlett glowered at him, a picture of derision and doubt.
“Scout’s honor — I promise.”
“Trust me. . . I promise. . .You sure possess a lot of self-confidence,” she scoffed.
“And you, Ms. Scarlett St. James, are about to become the belle of the ball. . .or at least the Queen of the Pumpkin Spice Fall Festival.”
3
Heigh-ho, heigh-ho,
It’s home from work we go. . .
Song lyrics from “Heigh-Ho”
Sung by Dwarf Chorus in
Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1938)
Noah’s teasing rankled a little, but it also excited Scarlett.
Could a small-town pumpkin patch launch her portrait career?
Stunning backdrops,M’Kenzee and Maree had said.
Her mind whirred with ideas. She’d need a bench for the family setting; perhaps she could find an old couch at a thrift shop. Did Green Hills have thrift shops?
Scarlett envisioned bursts of beauty layered in the frame, placed to add richness and ambiance without competing with or drawing the eye away from the portrait subject. Clay pots of chrysanthemums, asters, sunflowers, and dahlias would provide bold strokes of fall colors. She’d balance those with clusters of ornamental kale and cabbage. . .a few strategically placed tall, native grasses to add height.
She’d need something to soften the edges. M’Kenzee mentioned lighting equipment over the phone; she needed to check that out. Could she hang decorative lamps for a muted effect? Or Christmas lights to mimic stars twinkling in the evening sky?
Scarlett needed to see the pumpkin patch.
That realization halted her runaway train of thoughts.
“I have a lot to do,” she muttered, mostly to herself.
“Where would you like to begin?” Noah asked. “Your apartment, Malone’s Hardware, or perhaps Steep for a cup of tea or coffee before jumping into festival chaos?”
His list of options ratcheted Scarlett’s anxiety several turns tighter.
So much to do!
Scarlett folded her arms across her churning stomach.
“Hey. . . Breathe,” Noah instructed, clasping her arms just above her elbows with a slight squeeze. The pressure helped to ground Scarlett’s frenzied nerves. “Remember that army of energetic youth I mentioned? You’re not alone here. . .I promise.”
She smirked at his overemphasized pledge.
Scarlett fought waves of uncertainty still coursing over her. Tamping them down, she noticed a distinct tingle where his hands held her arms. She met his gaze.
The depths of his dark brown eyes soothed like that first sip of hot coffee in the morning. Drowning in the effect, she made the mistake of glancing down to his lips.
Their soft yet crooked curve sent a message of encouragement, like he believed in her even though he didn’t yet know her.
Somehow, despite her frazzled nerves, Noah managed to impart a weird calming effect. She nodded in agreement. “I think I’d like to see the pumpkin patch first.”
“A wise decision,” Noah said with a hearty nod. “It’s always good to know what you’re working with,” he ended with affirming solidarity.
