“But these are the big ones” her sister continued. “We pull out all the stops. And this year the necessity to go above and beyond is even more important.”
“This town needs tourists, press, and lots of excitement.”
As I scanned all the hopeful faces, my stomach twisted. Could I convince Josh to help? I had no experience with hayrides or small-town festivals, but the warmth and affection I’d received from this town made me want to try.
Chapter 11
Josh
Ihadn’t planned on staying.
I’d swung by after catching Betsy on the north side cameras and wanted to give them a heads-up.
When I found Stella Stone here moments after being hit by the smell of snickerdoodles, confusion took over.
“Get in here. We’ve got cookies,” she said.
Wayne, traitor that he was, ran inside the house before I could collect myself and decline.
The kids were scattered across the living room floor, Julian working with Legos and Ellie with a book. Maggie was currently scratching Wayne’s belly.
“You came to visit,” Julian chirped.
“Do you know how to play chess?” Maggie asked.
Lips pressed together, I nodded, answering both questions at once.
“Good, because I’m learning, and I need someone to play with.”
Discomfort crept through me. I should get out of here. “I’m not very good.”
“That’s okay,” she said. “It’s annoying when people are super good at everything.”
“Did you come to see Mom?” Ellie asked, peering at me over her paperback, her eyes narrowed. “Because she’s not here.”
“No, actually,” I said, stuffing my hands into my pockets, unnerved by her scrutiny. “I just wanted to warn you all to stay inside. Betsy Ross popped up on a couple of my cameras.”
Stella perked up and took a step toward me. “Betsy’s here? Have you kids seen her yet? She’s a town celebrity.”
“Actually,” I corrected, “she’s a black bear. And very dangerous.” Though I’d mentioned her the day I showed them the blackberry bramble, we hadn’t actually discussed her.
By the way the kids looked at me, all wide-eyed and pale, this fact was lost on them.
“Betsy Ross is not a very scary name,” Ellie said in that bored teenager way.
“She’s a bear. She doesn’t care.”
Stella shrugged. “She sort of named herself.”
Julian scooted closer to me, still seated on the floor. “How big is she?”
“She’s small for a bear,” I told him. “But still a big scary wild animal.”
“Is it true bears are fast runners and can climb trees?” Maggie asked, pushing her glasses up.
“Yes.” I nodded once. “They are also excellent swimmers.”
“Is she a mean bear?” Julian’s voice quivered.