Hannah rushed out the door. Her mind was already abuzz with possible substitute judges. As she navigated her bike through the streets to the community center, she prioritized her list of candidates.

Once she reached the community center, she hopped off her bike and started making phone calls. The first was her mother, who was on her way to the community center. She politely declined because she’d entered the contest. And so did the next few ladies on her list. This was a disaster. Everyone she could think of had entered the contest this year. Bragging rights for the best tulips in town were apparently at a premium.

“Hannah.” Her mother rushed over to her with Nikki beside her. “Were you able to find a judge?”

“Not yet.” Hannah glanced around. “Where’s Sam?”

“Oh, you know him. He said he has to work.”

“I wish Daddy was here.” Nikki frowned. “Why does he have to work?”

Hannah’s heart went out to her niece. She knelt down in front of her. “Your daddy is working hard to buy you pretty yellow dresses like the one you’re wearing and to take care of you and all of the animals. It’s a lot of work for one person. I’m sure he wishes he was here with you.”

Of that she was certain. Her brother had taken his role as single parent and sole breadwinner seriously—perhaps too seriously. He’d forgotten what it was like to have fun. She was going to have to set him up with someone and remind him what it was like to relax and have some fun.

Nikki crossed her arms. “I still wish he was here.”

“Maybe he’ll be able to come next year. But in the meantime, Gran and I are going to be here to cheer you on.”

Nikki’s blue eyes clouded with doubt. “You’ll be too busy.”

“Not for you. I promise.” She made an X over her heart.

Nikki wrapped her arms around her neck. “I love you, Auntie Hannah.”

Hannah hugged her back. “I love you too.”

When they parted, Hannah’s mother said, “We better go get you signed up for the contests.”

“Okay.” Nikki smiled as they headed for the signup tables.

Hannah turned and rushed inside the community center, happy to find both Lily and Josie already there, placing tulip entries on the table. And there was Ethan setting up another table for tulip entries. It was going to be a big turnout.

He was a big help pulling together all of the last-minute details for the festival. And the more she thought about it—the more a plan started to come together for her missing judge. She continued to stare at him as he bent over to secure a table leg.

“Hannah?” A familiar voice called to her. “Hannah?”

She turned to find Lily standing a few feet away. “Sorry. I was lost in thought.”

Lily’s gaze moved to Ethan before returning to her. “I guess I don’t have to ask who you were thinking about.”