Read Online The Cottage on Pumpkin and Vine by Kate Angell - Free Book Online

yard. Their eyes were wide; their mouths parted. Amazement in their expressions.
    â€œA real haunted house,” one man exclaimed, expressing his wonder. With his iPhone in hand, he snapped a few photos. “Souvenirs.”
    â€œYou have an eye for detail,” complimented another visitor.
    â€œWe’re here from Bangor,” the wife of a middle-aged couple said as she and her husband stepped onto the porch. “Word of mouth speaks highly of Amelia’s Halloween party.”
    â€œYou’ll have a great time,” Grace assured them. “Be sure to have Amelia tell your fortune.”
    â€œDo her predictions come true?” The woman sounded expectant.
    â€œI’m a believer.” Grace had faith in her godmother.
    â€œHow about you?” the woman called to Cade.
    He hadn’t had a reading, and had no plans to get one. Still, there was no reason to discourage the woman. His comment—“Check out the crystal ball”—was neutral.
    Grace seemed relieved by his answer. He would never out-and-out deny the paranormal. Astonishingly enough, she’d seen a man’s hands in the sphere, or so she said. He had too much respect for Amelia to debunk her reputation. The guests would get the full Halloween experience.
    Cade waited for the out-of-towners to enter the cottage before asking, “Can we stop for today, pick up where we left off tomorrow?” His contract with Grace stated eight-to-five. It was after six. He was in the mood for a beer.
    â€œYou can go anytime,” she allowed.
    â€œWhat about you?”
    â€œI’m here for a while yet.”
    â€œWhat’s ‘a while’?”
    She shrugged. “An hour or two, give or take. I want to unload my van. Unbox the rest of the decorations. Hang the crow-and-bat wreath on the front door. Roll up the Oriental carpet. Begin moving furniture. Cover the sofas with plastic.”
    She’ll be here all night, Cade thought. Why that should bother him, he had no idea. But it did. “You still have another day to pull it together.”
    â€œI hate last minute,” she said. “I don’t want anything to go wrong.”
    â€œYou’re in charge. Everything will be perfect.” Grace would have it no other way.
    â€œI go overboard on perfection,” she admitted. “But it’s all worth it. Amelia is special to me.”
    The older woman had been good to Cade, too. He would give Grace another hour. “I’ll deal with your van, and get the boxes inside. Take care of the carpet.”
    She was visibly relieved. “That would be helpful.”
    He could be supportive when he wanted to. He still didn’t like Halloween, but Grace was rubbing off on him. He admired her dedication. She was loyal to her friends. Liked kids. Was easy on the eyes. He side-eyed her often, and found her looking at him, too. She’d blush. He’d smile to himself. They made a good team.
    They worked side by side now. He did the heavy lifting, arranging the sofas and settees in a crescent, which opened the center of the room for circulating and conversation. She added smaller decorations. She dimmed the lights for atmosphere. He thought about kissing her in a dark corner, but never got the chance. Guests came and went. Amelia and Archibald passed through the room. The Maine coon lifted his head, looked around, and purred loudly. He settled beneath the marble-top table, guardian of the crystal ball, his furry tail twitching. Amelia put her arm about her goddaughter and hugged her. No words were exchanged. There was no need. Silent communication said it all.
    Ninety minutes later, Grace dusted off her hands, said, “Place the blue velvet wingback armchair between the china cabinet and table, and call it a night. Be careful of the crystal ball.”
    He was aware of the ball. It had been on his mind all evening. The lady from Bangor had come downstairs for a cup of tea, and gazed