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“Oh yeah? And what do you see when you picture our future?” he asks.
“Us. Here. Together.” I whisper as his fingers move beneath my chin to turn my face in his direction.
“Me, too,” he says. “I always have.”
“How long do you plan on loving me?” I laugh as he looks into my eyes.
“Forever.”
* * *
We were stuffed after two apple ciders, two bags of popcorn, caramel apples, and three hot dogs we roasted around a fire and topped with yummy toppings from a hot dog bar. We sit in chairs and listen to music as I feel like I’m almost in a blissful food coma. Ty and Mellie walk up, looking ready for naps.
Mellie says warmly, “Having fun?”
SJ nods, and I say, “Yes, I love your shirts.”
Beth told me that all the inn staff and family wear matching shirts, and it’s always been a different color and theme. This year, they’re purple with orange pumpkins on them and their names on the back for the inn and sponsors.
“Thanks, this year has been a big success. Even better than last year,” she says proudly. She’s holding hands with Ty, and they look like the sweetest couple.
“I can’t believe how huge your pumpkins are, Mellie. You grew those?” I ask in disbelief. There are four huge pumpkins on display. Their names crack me up: Edgar Allan Pumpkin at 1,134 pounds, Tubby Thomas coming in at 1,078 pounds, Great Scott at 1,356 pounds, and Sassy Squash at 1,689 pounds.
“I did.” She laughs. “I didn’t think they’d get that big, but they surprised us.”
“How did you get them here?” I ask, reveling in their size.
“The tractor and Pete. And lots of cursing. We had five, but one was a casualty.” She shrugs.
“Oh no!” I laugh. “Everything looks so great.” I glance over when I see a crying kid running to Mellie, holding his elbow that has a little bit of blood on it.
“Kase, honey, what happened?” she asks as she bends down to look.
I lean forward and offer, “Can I help?” I reach behind for my backpack purse and pull out my mini first-aid kit. His eyes widen, and he nods as big tears drop down his little cheeks. Oh, my heart, he’s so cute. I look at Mellie, and she nods and smiles gratefully.
“Hey, buddy, do you remember me?” I ask as I examine his elbow and see he’s got a gash, but it won’t require any stitches.
“Yes,” he whimpers.
“What happened?”
“It hurts,” he says. “I fell running.”
“I bet it does. That’s no fun. We’ll get you fixed up as good as new,” I say softly.
I clean up his skinned elbow, then put some salve on it and a bandage. “How’s that?” I lean in to give him a little hug.
“Thank you,” he says as he puts his arm around my neck. He pulls back and whispers, “Are you the real Elsa?”
I throw my head back and laugh, but then try to put on a serious face. “Yes, but don’t tell anyone, okay? I’m taking a break from Arendale.”
His eyes widen, and he nods. “I won’t tell.” Then he leans in and whispers in my ear, “Hans is a butthole. Don’t tell my mom I said that.” He turns and runs off to play with the other kids.
“What did he say?” Mellie asks curiously.
I just shake my head and laugh, not wanting to tell on him. “He’s a great kid.”
Mellie says, “Thanks for helping him. Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask you. We’d love to have you and SJ over to our place for dinner some night. Let me know when you’re both free.”
