I heard a shuffling of feet and looked up at Finn standing in front of me.

“What?” I was still having flashbacks to earlier when he’d declared to Debra with obnoxious exclamation points that “We’re not together!”

Finn’s eyebrows shot up, but he didn’t comment on my surly tone. “Can I make a suggestion?”

I flapped a hand beckoning him to speak. “By all means.”

“You tried to make the town fit into your preconceived story, and it didn’t work because—”

“Because Pleasant Hollow is not a Hallmark town.”

“Ding, ding, ding.” He mimed ringing a bell. “And you got frustrated when you didn’t get the answers you needed.”

“Was there a suggestion in there somewhere?”

He gave an amused shake of his head. “How about this time you just talk to people with no specific angle in mind? Just talk to them. Find out who they are and what makes them tick. I bet you’ll find your story.”

I clucked my tongue. “You sound like my editor, only less fragmented.”

“I don’t know what that means, but I’ll take it as a compliment.”

“You should.” I felt the color rise to my cheeks. “It’s a smart idea. Thank you.” Ordinarily I’d be annoyed by a man swooping in to try to fix things, but Finn wasn’t exercising his machismo or mansplaining. He was merely staying the course of the support and encouragement he’d been providing since we’d met. His kindness was hella annoying.

“You’re welcome.” He sat on the edge of the bed. “Have you met Mel from Mel’s Hardware?”

“Yes. I only mildly humiliated myself in his store.”

The corner of Finn’s mouth curled. “We get last-minute supplies from him. I can make a more personal introduction. He’s a lifer in Pleasant Hollow. Might have something you can use.”

“That would be great. Thanks.”

Feelings of gratitude battled the impulse to question Finn’s motives. But my mind was already churning with ideas. I could ask locals how they came to settle here. Maybe they were third- or fourth-generation residents who never dared to explore beyond the borders of Pleasant Hollow. Perhaps they’d ventured to other destinations and returned for an old love. Or they’d gotten lost (or lost their memories), found themselves in Pleasant Hollow, and fell in love with the town. Unlikely, but not impossible. In any event, all of these origin stories were traceable to Hallmark movies. I’d go in with an open mind and surrender my preconceived story if I had to, but it eased my stress to have a potentially fitting option in my pocket.

“I’ve also gotten friendly with Jan.” He paused. “From Lickety Splits.”

I pouted. “Too soon.”

He tossed his head back in laughter. “I’m not joking. Maybe you can redeem yourself if I intervene.”

“Your rep could take a beating if she knows we’re friends.”