12

Forrest

With the sun climbing higher in the sky, I stood across the street from the only bakery in Cider Falls. Despite the early hour, Sienna was already hard at work, her movements swift and practiced. As I observed her from afar, my heart swelled with admiration for the woman I was just starting to get to know, who worked tirelessly to create delicious treats, tokens of happiness, for her small town. With unwavering devotion, she poured her heart into crafting each pastry, transforming them from baked goods into tangible manifestations of genuine affection. There was love present in every bite.

"Couldn't sleep?" Sienna smiled as she saw me walking in, a hint of surprise in her voice. Sienna's eyes revealed signs of weariness, yet her presence emanated an undeniable aura of determination, further enhancing her captivating charm.

I grinned sheepishly. "Couldn't stay away, I suppose." The warmth of the bed tempted me to sleep longer, but all I could think about was Sienna. Overworked, exhausted, Sienna. If anyone deserved sleep, it was her. "When will you be able to take a break? Did you sleep at all?"

She averted her gaze from me. "I got a little bit of sleep. I'll be done with orders by noon, and then I'll take the afternoon off to prepare for the masquerade ball tonight."

I crossed my arms over my chest. "And by prepare, I hope you mean take a long nap."

"I've never been much of a napper," she said, "but I'll try."

From the moment I arrived in town, the buzz of anticipation for the Halloween masquerade ball consumed every conversation on every street corner. Yet, despite being surrounded by talk of the event, I remained in the dark about the details. I was an outsider, purposefully excluded from the festivities before even being given a chance to join in .

"Where is the ball?" I asked.

"Cider Falls Manor," she replied. Her eyes locked onto mine, searching for something intangible. Suddenly, her whole demeanor changed as her face fell and a deep sadness washed over her features. "Are you coming to the ball?"

"I don't think so," I told her. "I haven't exactly been invited."

"The whole town is invited," she said. "There are no formal invitations, and it's always a fun time! You should consider it, at least."

"Would you like to go together?" I asked, fully aware of the slim chances of receiving a positive response from her. My heart pounded in my chest as I awaited her answer, hoping against hope that she would surprise me and say yes.

Sienna blushed and her eyes lit up with excitement as she nodded eagerly, her smile widening into a beaming grin. "Okay," she finally said.

"It's a date."

"But I don't date," she reminded me.

"I know."

And she wouldn't need to date because I had every intention of marrying her.

Her ruby lips parted slightly as if she were about to speak, but I beat her to it. "I'll pick you up at six," I said. Not giving her time to change her mind, I turned and hightailed it out of her bakery. As I strode down the sidewalk, my heart was filled with hope for later that evening.

There was only one problem.

I had no clue what to wear to a ball .

"How's it going, Forrest?" Mike's voice boomed across the street, jolting me out of my thoughts.

"Hey, man, do you have a second?" I asked as I weaved through a couple of cars to reach him. Rarely did I turn to others for fashion advice, especially from other men.

I guess there was a first time for everything.

∞∞∞

Clad in a tailored suit with a sleek, black masquerade mask covering half of my face, I stepped out of the solitude of my cabin and into the night. Thanks to Mike's guidance on proper attire, I felt confident that I would blend in among the residents of Cider Falls. I was hopeful that maybe, just maybe, I wouldn't stick out like a sore thumb for the night.

Before I could knock, Sienna's front door opened to reveal her standing there, a vision of beauty. Her dress skimmed the floor like a deep ocean around her feet. The fitted bodice was tightly laced up the front, hugging her curves and highlighting her figure. Sheer, billowy sleeves gave the impression of delicate wings, while her fiery red hair cascaded down her back in luxurious waves. Her dark mask was a stark contrast to her fair skin. It was exquisitely crafted with lace and shimmering sequins, hiding everything but her radiant smile.

She was a sight to behold, and I felt like the luckiest man alive.

"You look sublime," I finally managed to say.

She turned to me, her eyes holding a hint of mischief. "You do too," she said. "I like your mask." Her fingertips grazed the smooth surface of the mask, barely brushing against my skin with a delicate touch.

"Mike Finn gave it to me," I told her.

"A contractor and a fashion consultant?" she laughed. "Mike's a great guy."

"He is."

"Ready?" she asked as we made our way down her cobblestone path. "We can walk from here. You know, if you want to leave your truck."

"Okay," I said. As our hands grazed, my fingers tingled with the desire to intertwine with hers. I quickly stuffed my hands in my pocket.

"Look at that one!" Sienna's eyes lit up as she pointed towards a jack-o'-lantern. It was intricately designed and illuminated from within.

"It puts my carving skills to shame," I joked.

"Everyone loves your pumpkin!" Sienna insisted. "You should hear my customers rave about it! They think it's adorable."

"If you say so."

"Well, I say so," she said as she smiled at me.

As we made our way towards the center of town, we were greeted by a flurry of activity. Children in elaborate costumes darted around, their excited laughter mingling with the chatter of their parents.

"Kids don't go to the masquerade ball?" I asked .

Sienna shook her head. "They trick-or-treat then head home. The ball is for adults only."

When the grand doors of the ballroom swung open, a hush fell over the crowd as all eyes turned towards us. I glanced at the woman by my side, the one who had unknowingly silenced the room. Without a second thought, I laced my fingers through hers. To my surprise, she embraced my hand.

Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead. The sound of a string quartet filled the air, playing a hauntingly beautiful melody that echoed through the vast space. Couples twirled gracefully around us on the dance floor, their ornate masks concealing their identities. It was as if I had stepped into a scene from another era.

It was my first time experiencing Halloween in Cider Falls, and I hoped it wouldn't be my last.