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

even a black T-shirt with orange lettering that says This Is My Costume .”
    The shirt Cade could manage, if he was planning to attend. He wasn’t. So he passed with, “Watch out for bank robbers and gunslingers at the party.”
    Jim twirled the plastic gun on his index finger. “I’m ready to make an arrest.”
    Cade needed to find Grace. “The boss lady?”
    Jim knew exactly where he could find her. “See that line of kids at the front counter?”
    Cade nodded. Ten or more youngsters stood patiently. Grace addressed each one. “What’s going on?”
    â€œThey’re bartering for costumes. Grace has a big heart. She lends costumes to those who can’t afford the full rental price. Kids repay her with candy, after they’ve been trick-or-treating.”
    Bartering? This he had to see. He walked toward them, only to stop by a rack of capes. He squinted between hangers, staying hidden. He recognized the children. Each of them lived with single parents or in a foster home. For all of them, money would be tight. Most couldn’t afford a cool costume.
    He listened as Tommy Olson, a fifth grader, spoke intently to Grace. “How much for Batman?” He clenched his hands and held his breath.
    Grace was thoughtful. “That’s a popular costume, Tommy. Worth three bite-size Butterfingers.”
    â€œI can go four,” the boy replied.
    â€œWe have a deal.”
    The boy released his breath, whooped. He pumped his arm. Bounced on his toes. Ecstatic.
    Cade swallowed hard. Grace was generous. Tommy kept his pride.
    â€œReturn the costume on Monday,” Grace reminded the boy. “Not too dirty.”
    â€œDirty wasn’t my fault last year,” Tommy defended. “It rained, I slipped—”
    â€œSlipped?” Grace called him on it. “That’s not quite how I heard it. You jumped in puddles and kicked mud. You added a lot of spots to the Dalmatian costume.”
    He pulled a face. “Who squealed on me?”
    â€œThe ghost of Halloween past.”
    â€œI’ll do better this year, promise.”
    Grace nodded. “I’m sure you will. Go get your costume, and Kayla will pack it up for you. Do you need a treat bag?”
    â€œToo small,” the boy said. “I’m going with a grocery sack. I’m expecting a haul.”
    Cade edged closer, not ready to make himself known. He wanted to catch the exchange between Grace and Libby Talbot. Seven and shy, Libby talked to the floor. Eye contact would come when she got older, he figured. She came from a big family. Her mother had suddenly passed away, and her dad worked two jobs. Her older brothers and sisters talked over and around her. Libby couldn’t have gotten a word in edgewise, even if she’d tried.
    Grace took her time with the girl. Her voice was soft, encouraging, when she questioned, “Which costume, Libby?”
    Libby dipped her head, shrugged her tiny shoulders.
    Grace rounded the end of the counter, knelt down beside the girl. “Mermaid, Supergirl, princess?” she suggested.
    Libby shook her head. She tucked her chin against her chest.
    â€œA pink bunny, Minnie Mouse?”
    â€œYoda,” the boy behind her said. “She’s short.”
    The galactic Jedi master? Cade silently disagreed. Not a good fit. Libby was too delicate. Too girly.
    Grace passed on Yoda, too. “Ballerina, then? I have a new rainbow tutu.”
    â€œNo,” was barely audible from Libby.
    Grace grew thoughtful. Tapping one finger against her chin, she proposed, “You like candy, right?”
    Libby raised her head slightly. Nodded.
    â€œI like sweets, too,” admitted Grace. “You could wear the same costume I did when I was your age.”
    The girl’s eyes rounded in interest.
    â€œA roll of Life Savers.”
    Libby giggled, a tight, raspy sound.
    â€œIt’s one piece, designed with all five flavors, and easy