Page 75 of Pumpkin Spice Promises

“You didn’t even look at the numbers.”

“I know how many people come through town in October.”

I folded my arms. “Marigold isn’t set up for that anymore.”

“I know.”

That made me look at him. He didn’t soften the truth.

“The fencing needs work,” he continued. “The wagons probably need rebuilding. Electrical would need inspection. Parking will tear up part of a field if it rains.”

“Thank you. Very encouraging.”

“You asked.”

“I didn’t.”

“You were about to.”

Annoyingly, I was. He looked back toward the meeting room. “But none of that means it can’t be done.”

“With what money?”

“Sponsors cover some.”

“And the rest?”

“Depends.”

“On?”

“How much Willow Creek decides this matters.”

I frowned. “That sounds suspiciously sentimental.”

“It is.”

He nodded toward the room. “You met these people.”

I almost laughed. “Unfortunately, I grew up with all of them.”

“They’re going to show up.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” I mumbled.

“Why?”

The answer sat there.

Because if they showed up, I would owe them. Because if they cared, I might care. Because if Marigold Ranch became full of people and lights and pumpkins again, I might remember exactly how much I had loved it before everything broke.

Instead, I said, “People make things complicated.”

Beau considered that as his brows furrowed and he crossed his arms over his chest. “Sometimes, but other times they make hard things possible.”

I hated that too. Mostly because I wanted to believe him.

Then Meme appeared in the doorway behind us with Margaret beside her.