Free Sparks Fly with Mr. Mayor by Teresa Carpenter

around. “This is quite a party you have going on.”
    His gaze never left her. “Yeah, it’s fun. Good business, too, though it’s only evenings and weekends. There are booths where the kids can do crafts or paint a pumpkin, and there’s face painting. Faith will like that.”
    â€œYeah, she will. I hope I brought enough money for all this.”
    â€œYou’ll be fine. The booths, including the face painting, are free. The food vendors charge, butthey’re all locals and they keep it reasonable. We just want everyone to have a good time.”
    She lifted an eyebrow at him. “A happy customer is more free with his money?”
    â€œSo I’ve found. I love the holidays. It’s my busy time of year. Not only do we have the festivities here, but my landscape clients want their buildings and grounds decorated for the holidays.” Pride rang in every word he spoke and in the way he surveyed his land and business. “After Halloween we have a harvest festival with craft booths, and from Thanksgiving through the end of the year we switch to a winter theme. The pumpkin patch is turned into a snow hill and Marty brings the petting zoo back with reindeer.”
    â€œWow, I’m impressed.”
    His animation, the pride in his expression, the way he made nature an adventure for his customers all told her he loved what he did.
    She nodded toward the far pumpkin patch. “I’ve seen you working the grounds out here.”
    His eyes lit up and his fingers flexed. “Every chance I get. I saw your rubber plant was doing better.”
    â€œYes, much better. Thanks for the advice. I’m sorry I was out when you came by.” Jeez, lame maybe? But she couldn’t outright say she missed him. They were competitors after all. “Was there something you needed?”
    He shook his head. “I’m not dealing with that here. Not today.”
    Something to do with the election, then. Of course it would be. So why the instant letdown? Didn’t matter. She shook it off, agreeing with him. Not here, not today.
    She nodded. “Okay.”
    â€œMommy, the bunnies!” An impatient Faith demanded their attention.
    â€œRight, baby. I’m sorry.” Time to man up.
    â€œDani, really, I can handle this.” Cole offered again.
    She lifted her chin. So stupid to be afraid of a simple farm animal. “I don’t mind the bunnies,” she said.
    Trying hard not to appear a wuss in front of him, she almost missed the flash of resigned disappoint ment on Cole’s face. She’d given him such a hard time about spending time with Faith he didn’t think she trusted him with her daughter. Which wasn’t true at all.
    She knew to the very marrow of her bones he’d never intentionally hurt her baby.
    Faith broke their connection by placing a tiny palm on Cole’s cheek and turning his head toward her. “Can I ride the pony, too?”
    â€œOne thing at a time, Faith Marie.” The ponies were separate from the petting zoo. “The ponies will wait until Mommy gets back.” Dani glanced at Coleand caught his look of surprise. “Be sure to take pictures.”
    â€œI will.” He grinned. “Come on, munchkin.” Setting Faith on her feet, he clasped her hand and led her toward the enclosure gate. “Has your mom ever told you how smart goats are? They’re smarter than mean old trolls.”
    â€œI know that story. Billy goats…” Faith’s chatter faded as the man at the gate waved them through.
    Dani waited for the fear to come. She’d let her daughter go off and have fun with Cole without thoroughly analyzing the pros and cons, without considering how it would affect tomorrow, next week and Faith’s teenage years.
    Slowly she turned and headed for popcorn and lemonade. Any minute regret and worry would rise to claim her, haunt her for not taking the time to make a proper