Page 38 of The Worst Possible Plan

“I appreciate the optimism.”

“I’ve learned not to rule anything out where you’re concerned.”

I laughed. “In my defense, nobody tells you miniature donkeys have that much confidence.”

For a second, neither of us said anything. We just smiled at each other. It should’ve been awkward, but it wasn’t.

Somewhere farther down Main Road, someone laughed. The music drifted toward us again, softer now. A couple wandered hand in hand past the bookstore carrying ice cream cones while farther along the boardwalk a little girl spun in circles until she fell onto the grass giggling.

Maplewood Falls felt different at night. Smaller. Slower. Like everyone collectively agreed the day had worked hard enough.

The sheriff crouched and reached for the tangled knot of lights around the base of the ladder, working patiently through the mess with quick, practiced fingers.

Such lovely fingers. Lovely strong fingers.

And this was how people ended up pregnant after discussing Christmas lights.

“You’ve done this before?” I asked, blinking rapidly and dragging my brain back where it belonged.

“My dad hated crooked Christmas lights.”

I laughed. “That’s oddly specific.”

“He believed they were a reflection of character.”

My lips parted. “Seriously?”

“No.”

I stared at him. He kept a perfectly straight face, and I pointed at him. “That sheriff face is becoming a real problem.”

He looked almost amused. “It seems to bother you.”

“It does,” I told him. “I never know if you’re joking.”

“I usually am.”

“See? That’s exactly the problem.”

He handed me the now perfectly untangled strand. “You’re clear.”

“Thanks.” Feeling rather pleased with myself for surviving another ladder-related incident, I carefully climbed down.

One step.

Another.

Only one left.

Easy peasy.

I started to step off the last rung when something tugged around my ankle.

The next series of events happened in slow motion. I shit you not.

First, I looked down at another strand of café lights wrapped around my foot. Then my balance shifted. Then the ladder wobbled.

“Oh crap.” I reached for absolutely nothing useful.