((A/N: Hello friends! First of all I would like to thank everyone for their support and patience. I hope you all are excited for this new chapter. I made it extra long to show you all how much I love you. FYI, this isn't the end of the story. Thank you thank you thank you! Please enjoy and review! Reviews make me all warm and fuzzy! Thanks!))

Chapter 9

Lysander's POV—

"Thanks boys," George smiled. The trio had finished putting the last of the wood in the barn. It was a good call on George's part because the wind was picking up, the clouds were looking ominous, and the birds were soaring and circling the sky begging the heavens for rain.

"You are very welcome dad. Goodnight" Lysander responded.

"Good night sons," George said as he hugged both his sons. "Don't forget to lock up."

"I won't." Lysander waved as George made his way indoor. Lysander quickly grabbed the key and began closing the barn door; he feverously motioned Leigh to hurry up so he could lock the door. Leigh simply smirked, noticing his brother's sense of urgency.

"Are you in a rush," Leigh questioned.

"Why do you ask," said a slightly confused, slightly irritated Lysander.

"You seem like you are in a hurry," Leigh nonchalantly stated as he sat on a haystack. Leigh was not planning on letting Lysander go anytime soon.

"As a matter of fact, I do have some pressing issues to attend to; now, could you please make haste? I need to lock up," Lysander explained.

Leigh chuckled; he couldn't help it, seeing his brother in such a state was amusing to say the least. "Lys, look in the window; their light is already turned off. Even if that was not the case, Rosalya would be taking up Candy's time. She was desperate to know what happened tonight."

Lysander's eyes widened in surprise when he realized Leigh knew exactly what, or who, was plaguing his mind. He immediately searched for Candy and Rosa's bedroom window. He exhaled in disappointment when he saw the light was turned off. Lysander walked over to the haystack and slumped down next to his older brother.

"I imagine Olive's sudden return and Candy being here this weekend hasn't been easy…" Leigh began, trying to get the conversation rolling.

"I no longer have any connection to Olive!" Lysander said in an uncommonly loud voice.

"Did you hear me utter anything of the sort Lysander? There is no need to lash out, if you have a remark to make you make it politely," Leigh responded promptly in his stern older brother voice.

Lysander held his head down, "You are right, Leigh. My apologies, I don't know what's come over me lately."

Leigh looked at his younger brother and gently placed a hand on his shoulder, "Care to fill me in?"

Lysander sat quietly, completely lost in his thoughts.

"Where was Candy when you found her," Leigh asked hoping his simple question would lead to more answers.

"She was with Rene Brantley," Lysander answered.

Leigh leaned back, quietly contemplating what Lysander had just said. "Rene Brantley has always been a polite person. Am I wrong in assuming such is still the case?"

"No. He is still a kind person, Candy mentioned that."

Leigh listened carefully to Lysander's reply. He was certain that he had identified his brother's plight; he responded, "This made you jealous? Seeing Candy with a nice boy like Rene, therefore you decided to boil up silently inside? Lysander that is no way to treat Candy…" Leigh began his lecture only to be interrupted by his younger brother.

"No, no, that's not it. Well, admittedly yes; jealously became me. But I put that aside and apologized to Candy…" Lysander stared blankly.

Now Leigh was more taken aback than before. He could not understand what was weighing on Lysander's mind, "Did she accept," was the only thing he could think to ask.

"She told me she loves me… or, she was about to…"

Leigh smiled once Lysander's words registered in his head, "That's wonderful Lys. Isn't it?"

"Yes, well. She did not quite finish her statement. Mom and dad came home. We never did finish our conversation" explained Lysander.

"I see, thus answering why you were in a rush," Leigh laughed.

Lysander laughed lightly with Leigh before becoming quiet again, "What should I do now, Leigh?"

Leigh looked at his brother. Lysander's face was pleading for answers. Leigh threw his arm around Lysander's shoulder, "Now you confess to her, Lys."

"I believe she knows the feeling is mutual," he stated.

"You could be right. But it is always nice to actually hear it Lysander. The reason you are twitching in your skin is because of her confession to you; Candy deserves to twitch as well."

Lysander smiled, she deserves that and more, he thought to himself.

"Lys?" Leigh said, "Are you okay?"

"Yes, thanks Leigh. Will you lock up, I have to do something" Lysander said standing up and making a bee-line to the house.

"Of course, oh and Lys" Leigh said stopping Lysander in his tracks.

"Yes?"

"Remember, she loves Ferris wheels."

Lysander slightly bowed, "Thank you Leigh," he smiled.

Lysander went inside and practically sprinted to his room. Once there he began his search. Where did I put it? He wondered. He looked under his bed, he searched his desk, and he searched the shelves, under his covers. Where could it be? Lysander was about to give up when he finally spotted his coveted notebook by the windowsill.

Found you! He thought to himself, elated. He grabbed a pen from his desk and began to write:

Go to the fire house

Must see Kemp family.

Speak with that one gentleman (find out his name)

Speak with Mrs. Harkin

Find out who runs the Ferris wheel

Lysander looked down at his list. He had an idea in his head he was hoping to bring to life. He took his phone out of his pocket to look something up.

Tomorrow's sunset is at 6:21 pm, he read. He turned a page in his notebook, and wrote as neatly as he possibly could:

Dearest Candy,

I have planned something very special for us.

Please meet me in front of the Ferris wheel at 6:15 p.m.

I cannot wait to see you!

~Lysander

Perhaps I should include a rose, Lysander thought as he looked out his window.

Saturday morning dawned. Lysander awoke at precisely 6:15 a.m. I have 12 hours to accomplish this, better get started. He got dressed, this time in his Victorian clothing. He went downstairs to an empty kitchen; he proceeded outside to find a rose. Once he chose the perfect one he placed both it and the note outside of Candy's door and left, determined to complete his to-do list.


Candy's POV—

"I agree that would make a nice dress" Candy said in an attempt to be a good sport. It had been hours since breakfast, and Rosa and Leigh were still exploring the third clothing and fabric store on their list of many clothing and fabric stores to come. Candy checked her phone to find out the time, 12:18 p.m. Oh dear. Candy said to herself.

"OK! Moving on to the next store," said Rosalya in a chipper tone, "ready, c'mon Candy!"

The trio made on their way to their next stop, Leigh and Rosa were walking hand-in-hand in front of Candy. She loved her friends, and was happy that they were so in love with each other, but Candy would be lying to herself if she said she didn't feel like a third wheel.

I really love hanging out with Rosa and Leigh, but I can only take so much fabric talk. I should tell them the truth, this is their passion and while I support them, it doesn't really interest me. I'm sure they'll understand? Yes, definitely. I'll just go back to the house, or walk by the lake or something.

"H-hey guys…" Candy said in a low voice.

"Candy!" a voice from behind caused her to turn around; Leigh and Rosa also heard it.

"Ren" Candy stated when she spotted him.

Ren walked up to the group, waving at Candy and wearing his sunshine smile.

"Hey! Two days in a row, lucky me" Ren said gladly.

Candy laughed, "You're too kind! Ren, this is Leigh; Lysander's brother and this is his girlfriend and my best friend Rosalya" Candy motioned at her friends, "Leigh and Rosa, this is Ren Brantley… Olive's cousin…" she mumbled the last part.

"Yes, I remember you. Hello Rene, you've grown quite a bit," Leigh joked

"Yeah, I remember you too! You've grown a bit too," Ren laughed.

"Hi Ren," Rosa chimed in cheerfully.

"Hello, Rosalya…or Rosa?" Ren asked politely extending his hand.

"Either is fine," Rosa smiled shaking his hand.

"So, you guys taking a tour?" Ren asked

"Oh, I was showing them the clothing and fabric stores. Rosa loves fashion as much as I do, I wanted to share some of my early inspirations," Leigh stated while fondly looking at Rosa.

"Yeah, you're parents always talk about your clothing store! That's really great man, congrats! You're parents are very proud, I often chat with them when they're in the grocery store," Ren explained kindly.

"Thank you Rene. How are your parents, I saw the grocery store expanded, that's wonderful." Leigh continued the conversation.

"Yeah, thanks!" Ren replied.

"So, what are you up to Ren?" Rosa inquired.

"Oh, I was on my way to the ice cream shop. Mrs. Beatrix makes the best milkshakes. Leigh you have to take them! You guys can join me if you'd like," Ren said happily.

"Thanks for the offer Rene, but Rosa really wanted to see more clothing stores." Leigh explained.

"Guilty!" Rosa laughed, "But Candy, you can go if you want!"

"What?" Candy said a little shocked.

"Well, I know you don't love fashion as much as Leigh and I do, and I know you love us too much to say anything. Plus, you owe Ren," she smiled and turned towards Ren, "She took your advice and now our little Lys-baby is planning a whole evening for her!"

"Is that right? Good for you Killer!" Ren said genuinely. Candy began to blush as the rest of the group laughed.

"You sure you don't mind Rosa?" Candy asked.

"Of course I don't! You were slowing us down!" she teased. Candy giggled and hugged her friend.

"We shall see you later Candy, good luck with this evening," Leigh said calmly.

Leigh and Rosa continued around the corner to their destination as Candy and Ren waved goodbye.

"Well… follow me! Trust me, this is the best milkshake you will ever have," Ren said leading the way.

I little bell sang when Ren opened the door of the ice cream shop for Candy. The shop instantly infiltrated Candy's olfactory senses. The fragrance of warm caramel, sweet chocolate, plump strawberries and fresh mint were some of the scents Candy picked up. Walking further into the shop she also smelled the toasty handmade waffle cones, the cool milk and sugar, this shop was absolutely delightful. Candy was enveloped in all the aromas and was enjoying it.

"May-be I should call you bloodhound instead of Killer," Ren joked.

Candy feigned an offended face and laughed, "It smells amazing in here!"

"Wait till you actually try something," Ren said walking up to the counter, "Hey Bea! How are ya!"

A bouncy old lady popped up. She wore glasses that magnified her eyes, making them times 10 times bigger than they actually were, and her hair was coiffed in a messy bun, she smiled warmly.

"Ren! Lemme guess, you're here for your usual?" She teased.

Ren gave her his sunshine smile, "Bea, you read my mind, this time make it two! I brought a friend."

"Friend?" Her eyes found Candy, "Hello young lady, I'm Nelly Beatrix, but everyone calls me Bea."

"Hi Bea, my name is Candy! Nice to meet you! Ren tells me you make the best milkshakes, I can't wait to try it" Candy greeted the old woman.

"It is very nice to meet you too, dear. Well, any friend of Ren is a friend of mine! Two banana pudding milkshakes coming up, free of charge; it's always on the house for first timers!"

"Wow, thanks!" Candy replied.

Candy and Ren sat down at a corner table and awaited their milkshakes. Candy took in her surroundings; she let her eye wander around the shop until she stopped when she noticed Ren giving her a snide smile.

"What," She questioned Ren.

"Whoa there Killer, I'm just smiling because of what Rosa said," Ren admitted.

"About what," Candy darted her eyes, and tried to act coy.

"You told him, how about that?" he narrowed his eyes.

Candy fiddled with a napkin, "Well, I did take your advice. Or I meant to… or I did, but I didn't."

Ren scrunched his features; he was utterly puzzled, "I don't understand what you're saying."

"Well," Candy explained, "I was just about to tell him how I feel when his parents came home. We never really finished our conversation… But he got the idea, right? He's out planning preparing something for us."

"What! That's so funny, Killer," Ren laughed, "But I wouldn't worry, and I think he got the idea, so what's he planning anyway?"

"No clue. He left me a note this morning. I'm meeting him in front of the Ferris wheel later this evening."

"Sounds like it'll be a fun evening" said Ren.

At that moment Bea came over and placed two milkshakes on their table. Candy took a long sip of hers.

"Well," Bea said inquisitively.

"Bea, this is the best milkshake I've ever had!"

Bea grinned from ear to ear, "Thanks sweetie, that's what I strive for! Please excuse me you two, I've customers to attend to!"

"Thanks Bea, it's delicious as always," Ren added. He looked at Candy and raised his glass. Candy side-eyed him, but ultimately mimicked the gesture.

"Here's to you, Killer. And Lysander, and whatever it is he is planning, best of luck!" he toasted.

Candy tapped her glass with his, "Thanks Ren!"

*Clink*


Lysander's POV—

Lysander stood in front of the fire house. He walked up the steps and pulled the shiny red door open that led to a somewhat lobby, a man was sitting behind a large desk.

"Can I help you son," a brawny gentleman spoke in a deep, gravelly voice.

"Good morning, sir. I was hoping you would be able to assist me" said Lysander.

The tall, buff man stood up and stared Lysander down; his uninterested frown curled upwards as he let out a rumbled chuckle, "Hey, aren't ya one of George's boys?"

"Yes. Hello, I am Lysander Ainsworth," Lysander held out his hand.

The man slapped is hand away, "Hello boy," he happily shouted while bringing in Lysander for a hug; "Bill! Marcus! Get your asses in here and meet one or Georgie's sons." At once two more firemen joined them in the small lobby.

The buff man introduced them, "Lysander, this big son of a bitch is Bill, and this guy over here with red hair is Marcus, and I'm Fire Captain Logan Matthews!"

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you," Lysander smiled.

"Likewise kid! We all respect your folks very much. They always donate a portion of their harvest to help people whose homes were burned down. They are wonderful people," exclaimed Marcus.

"Yes, they are and your Ma makes the best pies, she bakes one for the fire house every week!" laughed Bill.

Lysander smiled, my parents are wonderful people, he agreed in his head. "Thank you all for your kind words. My mother would love your compliments about her baking. She actually won the pie contest last night at the fair!"

"We know that kid," the Fire Captain laughed, "you're looking at the judges!"

Lysander laughed inwardly.

"How can we help you today son," asked Captain Matthews.

"Well, I have this idea I'd like to put into action. I wanted to ask your permission because it will involve pyrotechnics. I'm not sure if you've ever been asked such a request Captain Matthews," Lysander explained as he handed a piece of paper to Captain Matthews.

Captain Matthews examined the sheet of paper and passed it along to the other firemen to inspect. He looked at Lysander and grinned cheekily, "Is this to impress a young lady?"

Lysander began to blush, "Y-yes. I thought it would be a nice idea."

"It's a great idea, kid! I think we can help you out. Right boys," Captain Matthews asked his men.

"Of course, Bill and I can be on stand-by to make sure nothing goes wrong," he offered.

"Where are you planning on putting it," asked Marcus.

"I was hoping to place it on the empty lot across the street from the entrance of the festival," Lysander replied.

"That's the Kemp's property, right?" asked Bill.

"Yes, you are correct. I was hoping to speak with them after my visit here," Lysander explained showing them his to-do list as proof.

Captain Matthews threw an arm around Lysander's shoulder, "Very good, kid. Why don't you have breakfast with us? I'll call the Kemp family and explain your idea, I'm sure they won't mind, and after breakfast we'll help you in whatever you need."

"Captain Matthews, I cannot begin to thank you enough. This is exceptionally kind of you, I am very grateful," Lysander smiled.

"No trouble kid! But where are you gonna get your materials?" Bill chimed in.

"I was hoping to speak with the Pyro-technician of the festival, but I do not recall the gentleman's name. I do however know that Mrs. Harkin is the director of the entire festival, I was going to speak with her as well," Lysander unfolded his to-do list and looked down at his tasks.

"You're talking about the man that operates the fireworks, right? I believe his name is Josh Duns… Captain, you should go with the Kid when he visits Mr. Duns, that's way he knows the fire station supports this plan" Marcus stated. Captain Matthews nodded his head in agreement.

"How are you gonna show this to the lucky girl," asked Bill with a happy but curious face.

"I wanted to show her on the Ferris wheel during the sunset," Lysander admitted.

"Hey, that's a great idea! My wife volunteered to run the Ferris wheel this year, I can totally make that happen for you!" shouted Captain Matthews.

This is coming together so easily, I'm thrilled Lysander thought. He began to feel giddy and anxious at the same time.

The four of them made their way into the kitchen of the fire house, they sat down to eat breakfast and continue with Lysander's plan.


Candy's POV—

Candy looked down at her phone for the hundredth time, 5:55 p.m. Ugh, can time be going any slower?! Should I go now? It wouldn't hurt to get there a little early, that way I get all my nerves out of the way.

"Killer, stop over thinking things and help me set up more balloons," Ren said, snapping Candy out of the conversation in her head.

"O-oh, yeah okay…" Candy said fumbling with another balloon.

Ren noticed how nervous she look, "Hey, don't worry! You look great and he is trying to impress you, no need for nerves," he smiled at Candy.

"Thanks," she said. Clearly Ren's words did nothing to reassure her.

"Killer," Ren tried getting her attention, "Killler!"

"Y-yes? Sorry…" Candy finally paid attention.

"I have a joke for, you," he said sitting down while motioning Candy to do the same.

Candy sat right next to him and sighed, "Okay, let's hear it."

"What did the blanket say when it fell off the bed?"

"Ren, not a pun" Candy half-heartedly whined.

"C'mon," Ren laughed, "just play along!"

"Okay," Candy playfully rolled her eyes, "Ask again."

"Alright, what did the blanket say when it fell off the bed?"

"I don't know, what did it say?"

"Oh sheet!" Ren shared the punch line, his eyes lit up and he smiled wide waiting for a reaction. Candy laughed. A lot! The joke was mildly entertaining but the real reason behind the laugh was Ren facial expression upon waiting for a reaction.

Candy's laugh subsided abruptly and she looked around curiously.

"What's wrong" Ren asked.

"I'm not sure, did you see a flash" Candy questioned.

"Killer, this is the game section of the festival; there are a lot of lights flashing. It's just your nerves getting the best of you again" Ren concluded.

Candy smiled, "May-be you're right." She looked down at the time; it was exactly 6 p.m. "Listen Ren, thanks for today! I had fun, but I have to get going now."

"You've been itching to get going since 5 o'clock," he teased. "Okay, I'll let you go early, see you later Killer. Have fun tonight, say hello to your boyfriend for me!"

"Bye Ren!" Candy waved. She happily made her way to the Ferris wheel.

"Oh my god, where is he," Olive said aloud to herself. She had been looking for Lysander all day. She figured that he would be at the festival again; she aimlessly walked around trying to catch any glimpse of Lysander.

"Ugh, he must be with that Candy girl, she so annoying. I mean what he even sees in her I'll never know," Olive said to herself. It was the third time she circled the festival. She decided to go to the game section and visit with her cousin for a while before proceeding with her search. Who knows, may-be Rene had seen Lysander and could tell her where he was.

Olive was not prepared for the sight she was about to see. Her jaw fell to the floor when she saw none other than Candy hanging out in the balloon booth with her cousin.

"That little tart," she exclaimed. She observed the pair for a few minutes before she got an idea. As soon as she saw Candy sit down next to Rene as pulled out her phone and snapped a picture.

She looked down at her screen and smiled maliciously, "I've got you now stupid Candy." Olive was now more motivated than ever to find Lysander and show him this photo. She frantically ran around, looking for him.

Lysander had arrived at the Ferris wheel at 5:50 p.m. He was anxious and decided to mentally prepare himself before Candy arrived. He began pacing back and forth in an attempt to get the jitters out of his system.

"Lysander!"

Lysander's heart jumped and he turned around expecting to see Candy, he was surprised when he found a panting Olive instead.

"Olive, good evening" Lysander said indifferently.

"Hey," Olive panted, "I've been looking for you everywhere. I was hoping to see you again." She winked at Lysander.

"Olive, allow me to be completely honest. I am not interested in pursuing anything with you and I would truly appreciate it if you understood. I am waiting for someone currently and I don't want you to get in the way of our plans." Lysander honestly explained in the most polite way he could think of.

Olive stood there in absolute shock. It took her a moment before she could speak again, "This is because of Candy, right? You think you two have something special?" Olive questioned arrogantly.

"If you must know…" began Lysander before being interrupted.

"Well this is who your precious girlfriend was with!" Olive shouted, shoving her phone in Lysander's face.

Lysander swatted Olive's phone away until he caught a glimpse of Candy's face on the screen. He reached for the phone and inspected the picture.

Normally Lysander's first reaction would be jealously. But that didn't happen this time, this time he felt secure with himself, knowing that Candy loved him. Instead of jealously Lysander simply focused on Candy's face in the photo. She looked so happy, she looked like she was laughing; Lysander could almost hear her laugh through the photo. He simply stared at the photo and smiled.

Olive grew angry, she was hoping for a different outcome. She crossed her arms in a huffed when she noticed Candy making her way through the crowd. Olive decided she had one more card to play, in one swift motion she threw her arms around Lysander and kissed him.

As Candy was excitedly made her way through the crowd, her eyes searched for Lysander. Unfortunately, what she found was Olive was attached to his lips. She felt all of the air in her lungs evaporate and instantly her eyes were brimmed with the threat of tears.

Lysander immediately pushed Olive off, "Olive! What are you doing? Don't you understand that I do not harbor any type of romantic feelings for you? Frankly, this stunt is making me less inclined to be cordial to you," Lysander reprimanded Olive; that's when he noticed Olive was not even looking at him; he turned his head to see what was captivating Olive's attention.

Lysander's heart dropped "Candy…" he quickly made his way over to her, "Candy, this isn't what it appears to be, I swear to you." He held her close, looking into her eyes.

Candy looked at Lysander; she saw the pleading in his eyes. She knew this wasn't Lysander's doing, she took a shakey breath before speaking "I know. I believe you. That was just not a good sight," she slightly laughed, attempting to bring lightness into the situation.

Lysander cupped her face, "I'm sorry," he said genuinely.

"Why are you apologizing to her?" Olive yelled, "Didn't you see the picture? She obviously doesn't care about you at all. She was with Ren, flirting and laughing up a storm. Trust me Lys, you were the last thing on her mind. And now she just flutters her eye-lashes and acts like the victim.

Olive was on a relentless rampage, and her target was Candy. Lysander felt his blood boil; he was at the end of his rope and Olive was the culprit.

He let go of Candy, gently pushed her behind him and turned to face Olive, "THAT'S ENOUGH OLIVE. I'VE HAD IT WITH YOU. I CANNOT FATHOM WHAT YOUR PROBLEM IS BUT YOU NEED TO LEAVE ME AND CANDY OUT OF IT. I TRIED TO BE CORDIAL, BUT THAT'S OVER NOW! KNOW THAT YOU AND I NO LONGER HAVE ARELATIONSHIP OF ANY KIND, YOU DON'T EXIST IN MY EYES…"

Candy had never seen Lysander so angry, much less ever heard him yell. She was so surprised it took her a moment to react. Lysander was visibly shaking from anger; it didn't seem like he was calming down anytime soon. Candy moved closer to him, wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed tenderly.

As soon as Lysander felt the back hug he stopped yelling all together. That was all it took to bring him back to reality. He took in a long, deep breath and cleared his throat.

He placed his hand on Candy's and looked at Olive, "Olive, I'm sorry…"

"SCREW YOU LYSANDER. I DON'T EVEN CARE!" She screamed as she stormed off. She glared at the couple as she walked away.

Candy released Lysander and stood by his side, "Lysander, are you okay?"

"Yes," Lysander said weakly, "I'm sorry you had to see that. All of that…Olive, my reprehensible behavior…"

"Stop," Candy hushed him, "It's okay," she smiled trying to cheer up Lysander. He obviously felt ashamed by his outburst. Candy intertwined her arm in his, "Hey! It's almost 6:15!"

Lysander looked at Candy, if she could forgive him; he could forgive himself, "It is?"

"Yup!" Candy said excitedly.

"Would you please accompany me on the Ferris wheel," Lysander said in his soft silvery voice.

"I'd love to," Candy beamed. Candy began to walk to the back of the line when Lysander gently tugged her arm.

"This way Miss Candy" he smiled and led them to the employee entrance. Lysander thanked Captain Matthew's wife, Maggie, as the two were permitted to skip the line and were seated on the ride.

They began ascending slowly; Candy looked all around enjoying the sights. Lysander laced his hand in hers, "You look beautiful."

Candy could feel herself blushing, "Thank you, you are quite handsome as well, I was beginning to miss your Victorian style."

"Close your eyes for me please. It's almost time for your surprise," he smiled.

Candy was confused, but she did what she was told. The Ferris wheel came to a complete stop.

"Okay, you may open them now" Lysander spoke softly.

When Candy opened her eyes she was immediately drawn to a sparkle of lights. The sun was about to set, in a field laid thousands of lit up sparklers spelling the out the words 'I love you, Candy.'

Candy gasped; she looked again, making sure her eyes weren't deceiving her. She then looked at Lysander who was smiling at her.

"I love you, Lysander."