Page 20 of Must Love Libraries and Libations (Moonshine Hollow #2)

PRIMROSE

“M ore to the left,” I called, guiding the workers. “Left. Left. Perfect!”

A simple enchantment lowered the cream-colored tent onto the green space beside the library, the ropes and ties unfurling with ease and rooting deep into the ground with a fastening spell.

“Thank you, everyone,” I called, then turned to cross the grassy lawn to meet with Master Tinkerton, who had come to talk about fireworks.

As I went, I cast a glance at the library windows.

Nothing.

Not once had Erasmus dared show himself. I had held on to some hope that he would valiantly appear with apologies and, maybe, flowers? Or a book on flowers? Or some sort of gargoyle, grovel-appropriate gift.

But, instead…

Nothing.

I sighed heavily.

“Red smoke,” I whispered sadly.

Zarina’s advice had been spot-on. I deserved more than this.

I deserved my beautiful new cottage to be filled with love and light, not grumpiness and indecision.

If Erasmus couldn’t see my worth, he wasn’t worth thinking about…

no matter how my heartbeat quickened every time I thought of him, how my cheeks grew red when I remembered his kisses, when I recalled the look in his eyes when he looked at me.

I could have sworn I saw lo?—

“Miss Windsong,” Master Tinkerton called. “Merry met this fine day.”

“Merry met, Master Tinkerton. I’ve been looking forward to hearing your plans.”

He grinned widely. A master at enchanting fireworks, Master Tinkerton and I had worked together on many events. But this event was special and deserved something new.

He handed me a scroll. “Tell me what you think,” he said.

I unrolled the scroll and read over the agenda.

“Oh, perfect. This looks just perfect.”

“I’ll keep the finale to myself, if you don’t mind, but I promise it will fit the bill perfectly.”

“I know I’m in good hands,” I said, handing the scroll back to the gnome.

“Very good, very good. I’ll be set up across the pond, clear of any obstacles. Should be a perfect show.”

“I can’t wait to see.”

“Let me get to work. Much to do, much to do. We’ll see you soon, Miss Windsong,” he said, bowing to me before he hurried off.

All day long, I found myself in a whirlwind: arranging chairs and tables, approving catering menus and music lists, helping the illuminators set the enchantments for the floating lanterns, and so much more.

It was nearly sundown when my father unexpectedly appeared beside me, his hands on his hips as he surveyed the work. He nodded slowly and affirmatively as he looked it over.

“The flowers are coming tomorrow,” I told him. “Winifred wanted them to be fresh. Just the final touches and the catering, and we’ll be ready. I think.”

“It will be a dream,” he said with a nod. “You’ll never guess who I bumped into today.”

I arched an eyebrow at him.

Oh gods, don’t tell me Winifred already heard and told my father.

“Who?” I asked innocently.

“Mister Underbridge. He congratulated me on your purchase of Widow Merriwell’s cottage—and your talent for dealmaking.”

“Oh,” I said in surprise. “Oh, dear. About that…” With a little help from the tree outside my window, I’d managed to slip into my house this morning without my mother noticing.

After a quick change, I’d left Zarina’s cherry tart for my father in his study, then disappeared out of the house once more.

My mother, who had been so preoccupied with making sure her dress for the library party was just right, hadn’t even noticed my scandalous arrival or departure.

My father had been, as usual, absent. That meant, of course, I hadn’t had a chance to tell either of them about the cottage.

“I had meant to tell you this morning, but you weren’t in your study. Did you find the tart?”

My father set his hand on my shoulder. “I did. Many thanks for that. The cottage… It’s a perfect little house.

I had a talk with the fairies this afternoon.

They say the roof needs a little fixing, and it could use new paint, but otherwise, it’s in good shape.

You’ll need that garden tended to, though. I can help with that, of course.”

“I wouldn’t dream of asking anyone else.”

My father chuckled. “But you’re on your own telling your mother. No helping you there. Prepare for hysterics.”

I laughed. “I’m still trying to think of a way to break it to her.”

“Better think of something soon, or gossip will reach her first, and then may all the gods of the forests help you.”

“True.”

“Very nice little cottage. I suppose you can always ask your beau for help with the roof.”

I sighed softly. “There’s no beau, Papa,” I said, my gaze going to the library windows once more. “But I bet I can entice Granik with some sandwiches.”

“Don’t let an orc on your roof, unless you want more holes,” my father exclaimed with a laugh.

I grinned. “I think I’m done here for today. How about a bowl of soup at Loaf and Cauldron? When I passed by today, I saw they had corn cheese soup on special,” I said, tempting my father with his favorite.

“Don’t have to ask me twice,” he replied.

I nodded, then paused a moment, setting a protection spell on the party set-up, keeping it safe from the weather, then turned and took my father’s arm, steering us into town.

“You know your mother is probably making dinner,” my father said slyly.

“One bowl of soup never hurt anyone,” I told my father with a laugh, then we headed off.