Page 57 of Glow

“This is one of Fox Hollow’s biggest events,” Quinn said. “If you couldn’t figure that out just by walking around.”

“It’s pretty impressive,” Dan agreed. “I’ve been to some other very nice Renaissance Fests and music weekends, but I really like the vibe of this one.”

Food vendors clustered at one end, and the smell of roasting meat made Quinn’s stomach rumble, although it wasn’t long after breakfast. Other booths sold T-shirts, tote bags, and other festival logo merchandise, and games of chance tempted passersby to burst balloons or pick a lucky number.

Signs directed visitors to the festival’s main sections. A large music pavilion drew both famous bands and popular local cover bands. Horse barns were home to the riding and racing horses that always attracted a crowd. Groupings of stalls and pop-up stores sold clothing, knickknacks, and toys. Other shops offered coffee, fresh pastries, brisket sandwiches, and other treats.

“I got curious about what they do in other places.” Quinn took Dan’s hand as they walked down the midway. “Apparently, they take Midsummer real seriously in Sweden and some of the European countries, going all the way back to the Middle Ages. Fox Hollow’s festival is one of the largest local events of the year, but there are bigger ones in other states. They all sounded like fun.”

“My friends on the network were talking about the big bash out West for Midsummer,” Dan said. “It just wasn’t going to work to try to go this year, but I told them we were hoping to make it next year.” He turned and gave Quinn a quick kiss on the cheek. “Mates are welcome too.” They stopped at the charity book sale that benefitted the Fox Hollow library and picked up a couple of cookbooks.

Liam was making the rounds, talking to browsers and recommending authors and series. “Glad to see you made it!” he greeted Quinn and Dan and slapped Dan on the shoulder. “Some shindig, huh?” He grinned. “I think it gets better every year.”

“Looks like you found some readers.” Quinn gestured to the number of people standing shoulder to shoulder to look at the used books.

“This is always one of our best library fund-raisers,” Liam told them. “Plus, everyone gets a flyer in their bags with a list of all the upcoming events the library is sponsoring. Fox Hollow has great community spirit. The organizations and businesses are good at supporting each other.” Someone called to him, and Liam waved back. “Gotta go. Enjoy your day!”

Quinn and Dan returned to the midway, stopping to browse at the stands and watch the performers who wandered the crowd.

“It’s as much fun to watch the people as the performers,” Dan noted. “We’ve got Medieval mages, lumberjacks, and tourist T-shirts from all over the world.”

“We’re an eclectic bunch,” Quinn joked. “The Adirondacks have attracted people who want to do their own thing from way back. But as you can see from the lines for the sausage sandwiches, we’re not a bunch of hermits.”

They shared a cotton candy as they paused to watch one of the bands and later walked through a demonstration of spinning and weaving. A pond in the center of the festival grounds attracted fly-fishing fans, and a roving juggler entertained the children with magic tricks.

Fireworks lit up the sky after the last band of the day finished that evening. Quinn and Dan stood side by side, with Quinn’s arm over Dan’s shoulder.

“Thank you. This was a perfect day,” Dan said, mesmerized by the explosions in the sky.

“All the excitement is over, but the good stuff is just beginning.” Quinn sank to one knee and dug into his pocket. He pulled out a simple gold ring.

“I’ve been carrying this around, waiting for the right time,” he confessed. “Now that nobody’s trying to kill either of us, will you marry me?”

Dan burst out laughing and threw his arms around Quinn’s neck, grabbing him in a nearly suffocating hug. “Yes. Yes. A million times, yes!”

He pulled back, and Quinn slipped the ring onto Dan’s finger. “I’ve got one for me that matches that we can use at the ceremony. Did you have anything in mind you want?”

Dan looked at him incredulously. “I really didn’t know if I’d ever find ‘the One.’ That seemed to be a big enough goal. I just know I love you and I want us to be together forever. How we make that happen isn’t the important part.”

Quinn leaned in to kiss him. “I’m happier than I’ve ever been, all because of you.”

They hadn’t realized that Quinn’s proposal had been noticed by the crowd until people started clapping and shouting well-wishes. Dan’s cheeks flamed, and Quinn was glad he didn’t blush as easily.

“Thank you!” they called out to the people who had circled them.

“Congratulations!” someone yelled.

Others took up the cry. “Mazel Tov!” another voice added. “Best wishes!”

Quinn grinned and pulled Dan in for another kiss as the whooping and hollering continued. Both of them looked a bit flustered when they pulled apart.

“How’s that for a public declaration?” Quinn asked as the crowd broke up. They waved as people walked away.

“Kinda perfect.” Dan sighed and leaned his head against Quinn’s shoulder, then took his hand as they walked back to the truck.

“I hope you don’t mind that I didn’t wait for a fancy dinner or a big vacation,” Quinn said. “I just thought it might make a fun memory to do it here, and after everything that’s gone on, I didn’t think either of us wanted to wait any longer.”

“I love the way you did it, and I love you,” Dan assured him. “Get me home, and I’ll show you just how much I love you.”