Page 99 of Imperfect Arrangement

I hold up my phone, the text still lighting up the screen. “Your dad says we can go to the Ferris wheel.”

Her eyes widen, eyebrows shooting up as a brilliant smile spreads across her face. “Really?”

“Really,” I confirm, still grappling with my own disbelief. Raymond, Mr. Overprotective and Practical, actually agreed to let her go to what he’s famously dubbed a “death trap.” I glance at his text again.

Raymond: If you’re both still interested, you can take Quill to the Ferris wheel. It’s ready.

The “it’s ready” part has me stumped. Knowing Raymond, it’s probably something over-the-top and dramatic. But we’ll find out soon enough.

Almost half an hour later, I park my truck in the town center’s open parking lot. During the early days, Raymond told me that he has security for Quill. I didn’t understand at all.

Why would someone need a bodyguard in a town like Cherrywood?

The only crime that happens here is during the holiday season, when some shopkeepers increase the prices too high. The locals know which shops to avoid during that season. But I wasn’t going to tell Raymond to stop doing what he thinks is right for his daughter. Plus, I don’t mind the security as long as they don’t make me travel in a black SUV with tinted bulletproof windows. And surprisingly, he agreed to let me take Quill with me in my truck whenever we go out. I know his bodyguards are around, even though I’ve never seen them.

The familiar buzz of Cherrywood hums around us, and I lift Quill out of her seat before grabbing Captain Lick’s dog bag. Her hand slides into mine as we head toward the main street.

“Is the carnival still here?” she signs, tilting her head curiously.

I shake my head. “No. It was only for a limited time.”

And what a time it’s been. My life has changed in ways I never saw coming, all because of the little girl now skipping beside me.

My friend Mauve waves at us from her metal jewelry and tattoo studio. Her shop has always been one of my favorite stops, and I catch Quill eyeing the bracelets in the window display. She doesn’t say anything, but I know she’ll love the birthday gift I’ve already picked out for her. My grip on her hand tightens and she looks up.

“What?” she signs, tilting her head up at me.

“Nothing,” I reply with a soft shake of my head. “I’m just happy.”

“Me too.” Her grin mirrors mine, and hand in hand, we make our way through the market, and then I see it.

My steps falter, my words stumbling over themselves in a staccato rhythm. “What the heck?”

The Ferris wheel looms ahead, but it’s not the same rusted, faded ride I remember. The cabins gleam in bright yellow, each one adorned with sunflowers that look hand-painted. Even the ticket booth has undergone a transformation, shining with a fresh coat of glossy red paint, and a new box labeledRescue & Securitystands nearby.

Quill tugs on my hand, signing, “It looks different.” Her smile grows. “I love it.”

Of course she does. And I don’t need to think twice to know exactly who’s behind this.

Raymond. This freaking man!

How does he even pull things like this off?

As if the universe wants to suddenly answer all my questions, DJ steps out from the ticket booth, striding toward us with a grin. “Got a call from Raymond saying you two were on your way.”

I blink. “You know Raymond?”

He grins. “Know him? I’ve seen that man more in the last three days than I have you in months. This”—he gestures around us, taking in the Ferris wheel, the ticket booth, and the rescue station—“is all his doing. He won’t admit it, of course. But he cracked some deal with Mayor Coggeshall.”

My jaw slackens. “He fixed the Ferris wheel?”

DJ shakes his head, chuckling. “Nope. I wouldn’t let him mess with the ride itself—it’s part of the town’s charm. But he sponsored the upgrades and added a rescue team. You know, just in case.” DJ rolls his eyes.

“Just in case,” I echo, still trying to process. How does one man have the time, resources, and sheer influence to pull something like this off?

DJ checks his watch. “You better get going, and, Willow, take the third cabin on your right.”

Quill practically drags me toward the ride, her excitement bubbling over. “Is it the special one?” she signs as we step up to the entrance.