Page 157 of Fall Fake-Out

The last time I went, I was with Ari too.

The sky sits in that perfect moment between sunset and dusk. A few trees still cling to their last leaves, but most have already fallen, crunching beneath our feet with every step. Neighbors are out. Kids in costumes zigzag from yard to yard. Pumpkins glow from every set of steps. Someone has a fog machine going that keeps drifting across the street.

This town doesn't do anything halfway. And I love it.

Ari and I slowly walk, with Mia between us, each of her hands holding one of ours.

Mia looks up at me with the exact same expression Ryan gets whenever he’s excited. “There’s another house!”

“Do you think they have candy?” Ari smiles down at her.

Mia shrugs. The action’s small, but it’s enough to make her princess crown tip slightly to the left.

“Can we go there next?” Before either of us can answer, she lets go of our hands and races toward the porch.

“Slow down!” Lily calls after her from farther back with Ryan.

Mia makes it halfway across the lawn before suddenly stopping. She turns around. Runs back.

I frown. “Your candy bag is already in your hand.”

“I know.” She grabs my hand. Then she grabs Ari’s. With all the seriousness a four-year-old can muster, she places my hand inside Ari's. “There.” She nods proudly. “Don’t let go so you don’t lose each other.”

We watch her skip back toward the porch before smiling at each other.

I squeeze Ari’s fingers. “I don’t plan on letting go.”

She laughs, resting her head against my shoulder. “Me either.”

Our fingers naturally lace together.

No hesitation.

No wondering what this means.

No pretending.

Just...us.

I glance down as the porch light catches the smile on Ari’s face—the content one I've decided is my favorite.

Without really thinking about it, my head tilts, resting lightly on top of hers.

“You know, I was pretty sure this costume was going to be the worst idea you’ve ever had.”

“What’s wrong with Jim and Pam?”

“I just didn’t think anyone would know who we were, but all night people have been shouting Jim quotes at me, so I think we’re good.”

She glances up at me, forcing my head to straighten. “Do you know why I picked them for our costume?”

“Because they’re awesome?”

“No, because they worked together and fell in love.” She smiles that smile again.

I grin. “You know Jim was in love with Pam long before she had feelings for him.”

“Are you saying you loved me long before I loved you back?”