Pure joy flowed through Gretchen. She’d forgotten the magic the Lavender Festival contained, and her childhood memories seemed so close to the surface. She could practically feel the leathery, warm hand of her granddad as he’d kept her close so she wouldn’t get lost in the crowds. She’d done the same to Dixie while they explored, tasted lavender caramels, and rode the Ferris wheel.
Though she’d been back in town for three festivals now, she’d worked the shop, never venturing across the street to actually partake in the festivities. She’d felt a bit of guilt that she’d kept this tradition from Dixie, but she’d stuffed it away.
Watching Drew get fitted with his gaudy, gold crown made her laugh, and Dixie’s face held a glow like it was Christmas morning.
“I can’t believe he won,” Donna sai
