Page 32 of Falling for Keeps

Do I not get enough hugs? Penny requires at least three a day, but when’s the last time an adult hugged me that wasn’t my mom? Probably the last time I saw my sister.

Emma doesn’t feel anything like a sister, though.

“Your dad looks interesting, but not nearly as cute as you,” Emma finally says. “Your braids still look perfect.”

Penny giggles, running toward the bathroom to look in the mirror. “I need to check! They need to be beautiful for my first day of school tomorrow!”

“We got a little carried away,” I say, smiling.

“Can I talk to you for a minute? Or is it a bad time?” She glances around the messy office. “I caught your mom on her way to work, and she told me I could find you here.”

“Of course.” I put the paintbrush back in the paint pan and wipe my hands on a rag. “What’s up?”

“Do you remember Kiss the Pig? It’s the fundraiser the library puts on every year as part of the Fall Festival.”

“Is that the one where the loser has to kiss a pig at the fair?”

“The winner, you mean?” She smiles, and it transforms her entire face. Her freckles are clear against her ivory skin, and her eyes are full of life. “We put out water jugs in the library and the person to bring in the most money kisses the pig. It entices the town to vote for who they want to do it.”

“Where does the money go?”

“The library. Technically, our sister foundation, Friends of the Autumn Ridge Library, is putting it on because we aren’t allowed to fundraise directly. I help a lot with these things, though, and they’re important. All the money goes back into the system and local programs. We couldn’t fund our summer reading program without them.”

“Sounds interesting.”

“We like to ask local businesses to take part because we see an increase in community participation that way, and we can put a jar in the businesses to increase our funds. Sadie from Keller’s Bakehouse agreed to be one of our contestants, and James from Carver Maple Farm is our second person.” She plays with the strap of her bag, her slender fingers working the leather as if she’s nervous. “I was wondering if you want to be our third person. We’ll put up a picture of your face next to your business name and logo, so you get some advertising out of it too.”

I smirk. “You want to watch me kiss a farm animal?”

“I know how capable you are already.” She snaps her mouth closed, as if she didn’t mean to say anything like that. “You deserve it. Don’t you?”

But she’s shown her cards. This woman thinks about our kiss, and she isn’t alone. “If you’re trying to say I’m a pig for lying about leaving town that night, you’re off. I figured you were from Burlington, and I can’t see anyone from Burlington.” I rub a hand over my blue beard. “I can’t see anyone at all right now. I have to focus on my daughter.”

“That’s valid.” She glances toward the bathroom where Penny disappeared.

“But hey, I’d still like to be friends. If it means getting back in your good graces, I’ll kiss a pig.”

“Bold of you to assume you’d win.”

My laugh is so loud it’s almost jarring. “Nah, I’m sure Sadie will take it. Everyone loves her.”

Penny runs into the room and picks up her paintbrush. “Are you going to help us paint? You have to get a mustache too.”

Emma laughs. “As much as I’d love a blue mustache, I need to get baking. It’s my twin siblings’ birthday today, so I need to make some cakes. Anyway, think about it, Carson. You can let me know later, but I want to start collecting money soon.”

“I don’t have to think about it. I’m happy to help.”

Her smile could break through the gloomiest storm with a solid ray of sunlight. It physically warms me from the inside. “Thanks. I’m glad to hear it.”

“I’ll be in later this week to make massive donations to the other two people.”

Emma’s laugh is magic. “Bring Penny and I’ll help her get a library card.”

Penny’s green eyes brighten. “Oh, can we? Please, Dad!”

“Sure thing, Nickel.”

“Do you like to read?” Emma asks.