Page 108 of The Sasquatch and the Hairdresser

His eyes brighten with interest. “For me?”

“Mayyyybe,” I drawl, then narrow my eyes. “But no peeking.”

He laughs. “Fair enough. Anything for you, my love.”

It’s an offhand comment, and yet in my heart of hearts I know that he actually would do anything for me—and I feel the same about him.

When I first arrived in Mystic Hollow, my beat-up, cynical soul didn’t think such a thing was possible. I didn’t believe that anyone could be that devoted to me because everything I’d experienced up to that point made me think I just wasn’t someone who inspired those kinds of feelings in other.

But I hadn’t met Hal yet.

With him, I’ve discovered so many more things in this life are possible, things I’d given up on long ago. Hal may not possess any actual magic, but he’s downright magical to me.

As we move through the crowd, people continually stop us as soon as they see Hal. Most of them want to thank him for some small kindness or favor he did for them. He seems to know everyone in town, and they all look up to him—and not just literally.

My gentle giant is the heart and soul of this town, whether he realizes it or not. I saw it at the Community Gathering meeting, and I see it now as we mingle with other residents basking in the beautiful fall weather and the shared community spirit that the festival showcases.

After lunch, Max finds us. He’s still wearing his Grand Marshal costume and is accompanied by a large orc dressed in pressed slacks and a crisp button-down shirt. The orc’s hair is neatly combed and he’s wearing glasses. The guy is giving off serious professor vibes, so I figure he must be Max’s husband, Targan.

“You were fantastic in the parade, Max,” Hal says.

Max winks and says, “I was pretty fabulous, wasn’t I?”

The orc leans down and kisses him on his forehead. “You’re always fabulous, darling.”

“Oh, you,” Max titters in obvious delight, then gestures toward me. “Honey, this is Hal’s new boyfriend, Skylar Wright. Skylar, this is my hubby, Dr. Targan Wildethorne.”

The far more reserved orc holds out his hand, offering a gentle smile. I’d been worried about meeting him for a lot of reasons, but he’s so chill and nonthreatening I’m instantly at ease around him. We shake hands briefly.

“Good to meet you, Max tells me you’re the one who’s opened a new salon in town.”

I nod. “Please stop by the next time you need a haircut, and I’ll hook you up.”

“I’m already on your schedule for Monday,” Max says, clutching Targan’s arm possessively. “I love that online booking system you have on your website, it’s so convenient.”

I nudge Hal in the side with my elbow. “Isn’t it? I’m working on getting Hal to use one for the B&B.”

Max’s eyes go wide, and he gasps dramatically. “You’re a genius! I’m positive that would make the B&B even more successful and allow Hal to focus on what he loves best, creating a cozy home for his guests. Hal, you should listen to your boyfriend’s advice.”

Hal wraps an arm around my shoulders and pulls me in close. “I listen to all of Skylar’s advice, and I trust him implicitly. He’s a real whiz when it comes to business. So, if you ever decide to start that custom baked goods business you’ve mentioned, be sure to talk to him, he knows his stuff.”

Targan looks around us thoughtfully. “I’m relieved that everything seems to be going smoothly and there aren’t any problems this weekend. Max has kept me informed about the magical mishaps around town of late.”

“The situation seems to be under control now that we’ve hired a mage to implement some short-term measures and keep things stable,” Hal explains. “We still need to track down Astraea’s son, but for the time being, we should be fine.”

“Babe, I’m going to get a drink. I’m parched,” Max says. “Can I get you anything?”

Targan smiles. “I’m fine, darling.”

Max passes Princess Peach to his husband, gives him a loud, smacking kiss on the lips, then skips off toward the food vendors.

“The mage, Rowan, he’s going to be staying with us at the B&B with his familiar,” I say, returning to the topic.

Targan nods. “Hmm, yes. I’d like to talk to him. I’ve done some academic work on mage history, but it’s always a pleasure to meet and talk with mages, I’ve found. Every one of them is unique in their abilities and talents. Magic is such a varied and complex thing. In fact, I’m working on a monograph right now and conducting research into the magical origins of this town. It’s all quite riveting.”

“I can’t wait to read the book when it comes out,” Hal says with genuine enthusiasm.

Max returns with a large disposable cup full of cider. “This stuff is delicious.” He smacks his lips and takes a long gulp, then hiccups loudly.