Page 66 of Clearly Charmed

‘How is it even possible to grow a pumpkin that large?’

That earned Bryce a few dark stares from the locals who were still primping and preening their giant veggies before judging.

‘What did I say wrong?’

‘The growers keep their techniques to themselves, but I overheard Randall running his mouth after one too many beers at the tavern a couple of years ago.’

He arched a reddish brow. ‘Okay, you have to tell me.’

Mrs Poppel, who runs the local berry stand, caught my eye. Shook her head.

‘Can’t tell you. Closely guarded town secret.’

He rolled his eyes and walked toward the massive pedestal where Eric’s volleyball-sized green pepper sat. ‘You’re very lucky. This kind of community event is rare these days. People are usually too caught up in their own lives to want to give back. Or in this case’ – he cocked his head to the watermelon that was the size of a large dog – ‘share their creations.’

‘They don’t do this kind of thing in Los Angeles? Not even in some of the small suburbs?’

‘Not that I know of. But now that I’ve seen it here, it makes me wish they did.’ He turned back to the watermelon, going suddenly quiet. ‘I envy you. The peace that comes with living in this quiet place.’

‘It has its perks. I like seeing people I’ve known since childhood. Treating their pets or their children’s or grandchildren’s pets.’

‘That’s what I mean. There’s history here. A solid tether of family.’

‘Your uncle didn’t have any kids?’

‘Nope. I’m the only one left to carry on both the Richardson and O’Dell lines.’

‘Family comes in all shapes and sizes, Bryce. I bet you have friends, people you work with, who you consider family.’

‘Of course, but since I’ve been here, I’ve been struck by how much people knew and liked my uncle. That day when I first met the judge here on the street, that wasn’t the first time someone made me aware of how much they’d miss my uncle Rich. How he’d made such a major impression on people over the years.’

‘It’s what happens in a small town like Harvest Moon. People care, but they definitely get into your business too.’

I glanced at Mrs Poppel, who eyeballed us with equal parts intrigue and suspicion.

‘You’re lucky to have your sisters. Your grandmother,’ he went on. ‘To be so deeply connected to one place.’

‘I’ve never thought of it that way. This has always just been home.’

‘Treasure that. It’s a real gift.’ He kicked at a rock with the toe of his boot. ‘When I was eight I was obsessed with the movie The Goonies. Have you seen it?’

‘That’s the one with the kids who find the pirate ship, right?’

‘One-Eyed Willy’s ship,’ he said, like he was pleased I could follow along. ‘Part of the reason I liked it so much is that all those kids were fighting to stay in the one place where they’d grown up. The small town where they felt safe. They were willing to risk life and limb to stay together.’

There was an unexpected sadness to his voice. He’d traveled the world. Been to exotic places. Reported on important world events. It was odd to have him speak about community and home like they meant something to him. I’d always seen him as this focused and committed journalist, but I was beginning to notice cracks in that sleek, professional façade he presented to everyone in town.

‘What else is there to see at this festival?’ he asked roughly like he hadn’t been expecting to share something so intimate.

‘I have to head back to the children’s area, but there’s a pie-eating contest soon. And the speed-woodchopping competition is always a crowd pleaser.’

He pressed his palm against mine, and the heat of him sent another shock through me. I should have pulled away, but his touch felt too right.

‘Sure I can’t convince you to hang out with me a little longer?’

His touch made my mind fuzzy. Was sharing something so vulnerable about himself all part of his ploy to get me to let down my guard? Or was it possible that he wanted to know me beyond what was whispered about my family in town? That he also felt that tether growing between us?

I let myself consider that possibility until Aster sprinted into the tent. She stopped in front of me, huffing and puffing like she’d just run a mile.