We snicker, then I follow the group who’s already at the next one. The adults stand back as the kids walk up, and I smile at how protective we look—like real-life superheroes.

Sadie and Owen are having a great time, and a few parents stop to have their little ones take pictures with us. But of course, Sassy continues to steal the show. As we pass the pumpkin carving area, Sadie asks if we can do one, and we all agree.

“There’s a contest going on right now, too,” one of the teenagers says. “You just put your pumpkin up on the ledge over there to be displayed. You can pick them all up after trick-or-treating. Judging starts at six thirty.”

“I’m gonna win!” Owen announces confidently.

Owen and Sadie start carving, giggling, and teasing each other. It’s messy, but they’re having a blast pulling out the guts with their bare hands. Once they’ve finished putting silly faces on their pumpkins, we help carry them to the front.

“I bet you’ll win,” Noah tells Owen. “That’s a freakin’ masterpiece.”

“I dunno. Sadie’s is really good,” he offers, giving her a sweet compliment. Sadie gives him a toothy grin as they walk back.

“This is so incredible,” Annie says. “Really giving me small-town vibes.”

“Just wait till Christmas in Lawton Ridge.” I wink.

“You know, this is a good place to raise a kid,” Gemma tells her, and Katie agrees.

Annie glances at Archer with a smirk. “So I’ve heard.”

“It’s a great place to raise an adult too.” Archer interlocks his fingers with mine.

Tyler chuckles. “I don’t think I’d ever want to live anywhere else with my family.”

“Same,” Noah agrees.

“Mom! They gave me a toothbrush and toothpaste!” Sadie runs up to Annie.

She snickers. “It’s the local dentist, sweetie.”

“She was nice. Told us to brush and floss after we eat our candy!”

“Brilliant.” Archer chuckles.

“She’s been doing that since I was a kid,” I say. “But I’m sure you’re better at brushing than me.”

Sadie nods as she pets Sassy on the head.

Archer leans in and whispers in my ear, “Yeah, ’cause you’re my dirty girl.”

A blush sweeps over my cheeks.

After we’ve visited every booth and eaten too many corn dogs, we go through the hay maze. It’s clearly built for kids, and we can see over the hay wall, but we follow Owen and Sadie through it. They get lost a few times and fall into a fit of laughter. It takes us nearly twenty minutes to reach the end, and it’s obvious that Sadie’s growing tired. She and Owen got so much candy. Their bags were so full, they had to get another one. The twins and Scarlett are getting fussy, and even Owen’s yawning, so we know it’s time to call it a night.