Alyssa fumbled with her keys. She always enjoyed going to the farmers market down at the Square, but there never seemed to be enough room in her tote to get everything in one bag. Doing her best, she shoved one knee against the back door and flipped the keys over to find the exact one to fit the lock at the kitchen door. A potato shifted, then an onion. She reacted fast nearly dropping the bag onto the floor.

“Darn it,” she fumed and slid the correct key into the lock.

Shifting the bags in her arms, she shoved the door open just as the house phone began to ring. Dropping things on the kitchen table, she hurried to the counter where the wall phone still stood. She picked up the receiver and spoke, “Hello?”

“Is this Alyssa March?”

“Yes, who is calling?”

“I’m Allen Crane, the drama professor at Community College.”

Alyssa clutched the phone with her other hand and squeezed her eyes shut. “Professor Crane, how good to hear from you.”

“Yes, I have your resume in front of me.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I see you’ve been taking some time off to care for a sick relative.”

“I have. My grandmother had cancer.”

“Cancer.” He echoed the last word. “Has she gone into remission?”

Alyssa swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. “No, she didn’t. I’m—she um, she passed away about three weeks ago.”

“Oh…” His voice sounded apologetic. “I-I’m sorry. I was worried that she might…Well, I can see that won’t make a difference.” He cleared his throat. “Yes, well, after reading your references, I would like to set up an interview.”

“Of course.” She crossed her fingers.

“I have office hours on this Thursday morning from ten to two. Could you come down about eleven o’clock?”

“Eleven? Yes, I think that could be arranged.” Alyssa mouthed a shout then cast a glance heavenward to whisper a heartfelt thank you.

“Good,” Mr. Crane replied. “I will see you this Thursday at eleven.”

“I’m looking forward to it. Oh?”

“Yes?”

“Do I need to bring anything?”

There was a pause on the phone. “No, I think I have all that I need here. The interview will be you and I discussing your qualifications. Nothing to fear.”

“No, no fear,” she repeated. “I will be there.”

“Excellent. See you Thursday.” Professor Crane hung up.

“Thursday,” Alyssa replied and hung up the phone.

For a moment, she stood still. Then the excitement built up and overwhelmed her.

“Yes!”

She did a fist pump and swirled around in a happy dance. When she calmed down, she’d call Janet to let her know.

* * *

Thursday arrived much sooner than Alyssa expected. With Janet’s help, she picked out three outfits and decided on the slacks and sweater set, rather than the navy dress. At least with slacks she felt comfortable instead of vulnerable. She kept her hair simple, pulled back in a ponytail. The one nod to an accessory was the scarf Janet had tied around the elastic hair band.

“Now, go get em’,” Janet cried shooing her from her own house.

Standing outside the professor’s door, she wished Janet or even Jericho was right there with her. “Might as well get this over with,” she murmured.

Bringing her hand up to knock, her eyes widened as the door flew open and she found herself staring face to face with tall, squared jawed man.

“Professor Crane?”

“Ms. March?”

She smiled. “Yes, sir.” She turned her gaze toward her up stretched hand and lowered it. “Oh, um sorry. I’m here for my interview.”

“Indeed you are.” He stepped back. “Do come in.”

Alyssa entered the room and was surprised by the array of costumes tossed haphazardly across various chairs. Her brows arched as she scanned the desk to the right that sat perpendicular to the door. Stacks of manila file folders, with papers oozing from their grasp seemed ready to spew across the already littered landscape.

“Here, let me fix you a place to sit.” Professor Crane heaved several props and gowns off of one chair and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket to dust off the seat. “Sorry, my secretary left before we could get the props and costumes labeled and numbered.”

“It’s okay.” Alyssa smiled. “That’s something I can do for you.”

“Yes.” He grinned. Perching on the edge of the desk, Professor Crane stared at her. “So, other than numbering and labeling my mess, what can you do for me to help with organization?”

Alyssa glanced around the room. “First, after the labeling and numbering, I’d get those files put together and in the correct drawer of your file cabinet. If you are doing shows by the season, then they would be placed in the directory Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. By then, we’d have time to organize your schedule. I see you don’t have one posted. We could get a write on board and have your schedule on the outside door with student sign ups. I’d create an excel sheet that could be printed weekly and put on your desk.”

“Anything else?” Professor Crane asked his eyes widening with every sentence she uttered.

“Possibly dust, vacuum.”

He held up his hand.“Stop. You’re organized. Do you think you can do this without interrupting my free spirit?”

“I promise not to cramp your style.” Alyssa grinned.

Professor Crane held out his hand. “Ms. March, you’re hired.”

* * *

Jerichoplaced his stack of graded papers on the credenza behind his desk and stretched. Four hours of grading papers was about all one body could stand. All he wanted now was to go home, grab a glass of wine and veg out on a good old black and white movie starring Humphrey Bogart. He was about to leave when a knock at his door drew him to a stop.

“Come in.”

The door opened and Allen Crane’s grinning face appeared.“Thanks, Jericho.”

Jericho tilted his head. “For what?”

“Sending me that gift from heaven.”

“Gift?” Jericho drew his brows together. “I don’t understand?”

“Sure you do, Ms. March.”

Jericho’s eyes widened in acknowledgement. “You hired her.”

Allen nodded. “You were so right. She is quiet but so very efficient. I may not even want to have my other secretary return.”

Jericho chuckled. “I’ll be sure to let her know.” He pulled his book bag to him and lifted it to his shoulder.

“Thanks again, good buddy.” Allen’s hand clapped him on his back.

Jericho lifted his hand and waved so long.

Molly met him at the door barking and ready to take her run.

“Let me put my bag down girl. Hold on.” Jericho cautious footsteps moved around the dog so he could put his backpack in a chair.

“Woof!” Molly barked her readiness.

“Hold on,” Jericho cautioned again as he reached for the leash.

He snapped it on the dog’s collar and opened the door.

Molly bounded out into the backyard.

Jericho dropped the leash and allowed her to mark her territory. As she ran back by, he snatched hold of the trailing leash. “Come on, let’s take a walk.”

Molly didn’t argue. Tail wagging, he strutted to the gate and waited while Jericho undid the latch. Crossing the threshold, the dog gave another bark and pulled on the leash as they moved toward the sidewalk.

Walking toward the end of the street, Jericho whistled softly to himself. They turned the corner and to his surprise found themselves on the street where Alyssa lived.

Molly strained on the leash.

“Easy, Molly, if you’re too eager, she won’t feel wanted.”

The dog turned back and seemed to grin.

Walking toward her door, Jericho wondered what he was going to say. Hey, how did you make out this afternoon with the company? His mouth twisted in an unhappy grin. “No, that sounds like I’m only being nosey.”

Still unable to think of a good opening line, his fingers pressed the doorbell. He could hear her footsteps. Plastering a smile on his face, he waited until she opened the door.

“Hi!” Alyssa responded and knelt down to scratch Molly’s ears. She glanced back at Jericho, her smile broad. “To what do I owe this honor?”

“Out for a stroll.” Jericho smiled.

“Oh,” Jessica replied.

Jericho smiled. “So, how are you doing? Allen stopped by my office and said you got the job.”

“Yes.” She stood so that they were eye level. “I have you to thank for that.”

Suddenly, he felt oddly overwhelmed and humbled by her words and intent stare. “Really, it was nothing. I just turned it in to him.”

“Well, thank you anyway.”

“Say…” He glanced around. “Want to walk with us?”

Her smile broadened. “I’d love too. Let me get my jacket.” Alyssa disappeared behind the door.

Jericho peered down at Molly. “Was I too obvious?”

The dog yawned and laid down putting his face on his front paws.

“Hmm,” Jericho mused.

A short time later, Alyssa returned, trying to slide her arm into her jacket.

“Here, let me help.” Jericho stepped up behind her and held out the jacket so she could weave her arm through the lightweight cloth.

She reached up and pulled her hair from inside. “Thanks. I had to cut my chili off.”

His eyes went wide. “If you’ve got something else to do?”

She gave him a mock stern expression and reached for the leash. “Not on your life, professor. Lead on.”

Jericho grinned and stuck his hands in the pockets of his coat.

Together, they walked down the street.

“I love this time of year,” Alyssa murmured. “All the leaves turning colors. The cooler air.”

They paused at the corner and she took a deep breath. Wrinkling her nose, she mused. “You can almost smell all that pumpkin pie spice in the air.”

Jericho chuckled. “It’s the direction of the wind, blowing the scent from Main Street.”

She gave him a no nonsense glare. “Party pooper.”

Jericho’s rich laugh filled the air. He slipped his arm through hers and pointed down the right. “Let’s go this way.”

Walking down the sidewalk, Jericho realized he could grow accustomed to doing this. Walking by the gas streetlamps that lined the historic district, they turned on casting a magical glow.

“So, when do you start?”

“Tomorrow. I go in and fill out the paperwork then report to the Drama department. There will be things to put away. Gracious, I don’t think Professor Crane knows what to do with all the costumes and such.”

Jericho gave a nod. “Yep, he’s more interested in the overall appearance of the play or musical. It’s the creative genius. They thrive on clutter.”

She wrinkled her nose. “I suppose they do. A little order wouldn’t hurt.”

“No, it wouldn’t,” Jericho agreed.

They came to the end of the street and turned back toward home. Jericho’s arm slid down and he found his fingers wrapped around hers. The breeze picked up and tugged at the ends of his hair. He glanced sideways. The wind painted a rosy glow to her cheeks. The soft glow of her pink lips and the light in her eyes hit him hard in the gut. He hadn’t felt such a sucker punch since playing football in high school and getting tackled.

They came to a stop.

“I guess we’re home.”

Jericho looked up and spied her house. “Yeah, I guess.”

For a moment, they were silent.

Alyssa looked back at her house. “You know, I can’t make chili without creating a vat of the stuff. I don’t suppose, you’d be interested in having supper? I know its pot luck and all, but—”

“I’d love too.” He cut her off, then added, “But maybe we best ask Molly?”

Alyssa knelt down and took the dog’s head in her hands. “Molly, would you like to come in and lay in the kitchen while we eat?”

The dog wagged her tail and let out a huge bark.

“I guess it’s official.” Jericho nodded. “Ms. March, there will be three for dinner.”

* * *

“So.” Chandler folded his arms over his chest and glanced at his brother-in-law. “You took Molly for a walk and ended up having supper with Alyssa?”

“Yeah.” Jericho scooped another handful of pumpkin innards from inside the shell.

Tate stood on the chair next to him. “Can I help?”

“Sure, just reach in and scoop it out with your hands,” his father instructed.

“EW!” Tate held up a handful of dripping seeds. “It’s gooey.”

Jericho leaned low and growled in a scary voice,“Like brains.”

Tate’s eyes lit up. He glanced at his father. “Will it scare Momma?”

“I don’t know.” Chandler shook his head.

“I’m gonna find out.” Hopping down, the little boy ran toward his mother. “I gots brains!” he shouted holding out his hand for her to see.

“I’m going to catch it for that one.” Chandler laughed.

Jericho took the reprieve to scoop out the last of the remaining seeds as he heard his sister squeal, much to Tate’s delight. Handing over the pumpkin to Chandler, he began to separate the seeds from the goo. “Are we going traditional or scary?”

Chandler lifted the knife and with a gleam in his eyes wiggled the blade. “Scary.”

“Carve away,” Jericho urged.

“So you’re seeing her tomorrow?”

Jericho nodded. “We’re taking Tate out for costume hunting.”

Chandler stuck the knife deep into the orange hide. “You know of course, Wallis has already purchased his costume.”

Jericho shrugged. “I know that, but Alyssa doesn’t. Besides, you know how children change their minds.”

Chandler gave him a fatherly glare. “Don’t hide behind a little boy to keep seeing a pretty lady, my dear friend. You’re only fooling yourself.”

“Me? I’m a confirmed bachelor,” Jericho defended himself.

His brother-in-law raised a brow. “Keep saying it aloud, maybe you’ll believe it.”

“Jericho, was this your doing?” Wallis rounded the corner with the handful of pumpkin goo.

An innocent look plastered on his face, he answered, “I was just telling Tate some stories about when we were younger.”

“Right.”She dropped the goo on the table and picked up a paper towel.

Tate climbed back into the chair beside Jericho. The two shared a knowing wink while Tate’s mother focused on the pumpkin and its carver.

“How’s it going?” Wallis asked.

“I feel like Dr. Jekyll.” Chandler groaned as he slid the knife along.

“Who’s Jekyll?” Tate asked.

“Just a character in a book,” Wallis murmured as she gave her son a loving glance. “I hear you are taking Tate out tomorrow?” She gazed at Jericho now.

Jericho nodded.

“Here, Tate, help me pull these seeds out.” Chandler interjected as he shook his head.“We can roast them for a snack for later.”

With the boy busy, Jericho glanced at his sister. “Yep, I want to get some decorations for my house and I thought Tate would like to look at costumes.”

“I’m gonna be a mummy,” Tate perked up as he sorted seeds.

“Oh, then we need some gauze.”

“Can Miss Alyssa come?”

Jericho nodded. “Yes, she says she’s coming.”

“You are using my son as an excuse to make time with a woman. I never thought you’d stoop so low Jericho Brown. Shame on you!”

“Just what I told him,” Chandler added as he started on the next eye.

“She volunteered. Besides, we’re just friends.”

Wallis and her husband both gave each other a knowing look, then turned their gaze to Jericho.

“What?” he cried in his own defense.

* * *

Jericho shut the door and looked at Tate. “Now, remember, no running off.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Here, why don’t you take one hand and I take the other,” Alyssa suggested. She positioned herself on one side of Tate and waited for Jericho to take his nephew’s outstretched hand.

He stared at the pair and couldn’t think of a way to switch sides. He’d really rather have Alyssa’s hand in his.

“Come on, Uncle Jericho.” Tate wiggled his fingers.

“Yes, right.”He stepped up and took Tate’s hand. “Shall we go?”

Skipping between them, Tate seemed happy enough as they walked down Main Street.

“The town is certainly decked out.” Alyssa sighed as they passed by the synthetic cobwebs. “Last time I came down, they were just getting started.”

“Candy?” A clerk at the library dressed in black and white vertical striped hose, a short black skirt, white blouse, pointed hat, and of course, ruby red slippers. She held out a caldron filled with chocolates and other sugary confections toward Tate.

“I love your outfit.” Alyssa laughed as Tate willingly stuck his hand in for the treat.

“I love Halloween.” The clerk winked. “We’ve got boxes of books for sale.” She glanced at the little one. “I’m sure we can find something for him. All proceeds go to the Friends of the Library for new stories and upkeep.”

“Can I get a book?” Tate looked up at Alyssa.

“Sure.”

They spent a few minutes browsing before he found a picture book on dogs.

“This the one?” Jericho asked.

Tate nodded.

He handed the book back to the clerk and she rang up the sale. Placing it in a bag, she handed it over to Alyssa. “See you around, Happy Halloween.”

“Happy Halloween,” Jericho called back. “Let’s go over to the Hardware and Refurbish center. They should have some lights.”

Alyssa nodded. “Take my hand, Tate.”

He grabbed her hand and they hurried across the street.

The bell over the doorway rang as they entered. Walt had certainly gotten into the mood of the holiday. A witch on a broomstick swung across the counter. Creepy graveyard music played over the speaker.

“Morning,” Walt called out.

“Hi ya, Mr. Larson.” Jericho replied.

“Well, good morning.” He walked over to Alyssa. “Who you got there Ms. March?”

“Oh.” Alyssa smiled at Tate. “This is my date for today. He’s going to help me decorate my yard.”

Walt’s eyes twinkled. “My, what a handsome young man. Who’s this with you?” He jerked a thumb at Jericho.

“Our chaperone.” Alyssa winked at Tate, who grinned broadly.

“Keep that up and no lunch for you,” Jericho complained.

Walt chuckled right along with them.

Tate wiggled down from Alyssa’s arms. “I’m gonna be a mummy.”

Walt bent down and put his hands on his knees. “Oh that’s a good costume. You know, we have some cheese cloth that might be perfect for your bandages. Come on, let’s go this way.” Leading them around the aisle, Walt showed them the stringy material that resembled gauze, but would be less expensive.

“Shall we get two?”

Alyssa’s brow furrowed. “You know to be on the safe side, let’s get three.”

“Uncle Jericho, I don’t got a candy bag?”

Jericho bent down and gathered his nephew close. “When I was growing up, we used pillowcases. But, how about that over there?” He pointed to a skeleton head plastic tub.

“Oh boy, that’s great!”

Tate ran over and pulled one from the stack.

“You think it will work?”

“I do.” Tate nodded.

Turning, Jericho watched as Alyssa picked up a box of LED purple lights. “What are those for?”

She turned her head and smiled. “You’ll see.”

Picking up two boxes, they went down the aisle gathering a huge black cat and some bats on strings. With his arms full, Jericho asked, “Are we done yet?”

“Almost,” Alyssa replied. “We just need one more thing.”

Jericho followed her to the counter where they paid for their purchases. “Where do we go now?”

Alyssa took two bags. “We are going down to Paws and Claws. Molly needs something to wear too.”

“Molly?” Jericho and Tate echoed in unison.

“Molly too,” Alyssa said and headed down to the next block.