"It's just that I'm so out of my depth here, Maggie," I say, almost defeated.

"Well," she replies softly, "This is different to a stubbed toe. It might be one of those things you can't solve for her."

"But I can't do nothing either," I say with a disgruntled sigh.

Maggie reaches across the table to my hand, giving a semblance of reassurance. Her kind eyes tell me she empathises with me and the torturous feeling of being unable to solve my daughter's worries. I appreciate it; I really do, but it still doesn't help solve the riddle.

A week ago, Aislinn sat Jake and me down, telling us about her experience with Henry and his wife. And while she'd discovered their names and circumstances, a larger dilemma now dawns. Neither Jake nor I have any experience in the paranormal, let alone how to help the apparitions move on to whatever comes next. That's when I sought Maggie's wisdom, given she's the closest thing to a mother or aunt that I have here in Lakeview Hollow.

"Maybe it's time we ask Thomas. He's full of stories about this place. Maybe he can share some insight," Maggie suggests.

My brows furrow, recalling all the strange tales he's shared so far. I can't imagine that he can shed any light on this, but what harm can it bring, really?

"OK," I say.

Maggie pulls her hand back, shifting in her seat. "I have just the thing to take your mind off all these ghosts and what not." She hands me a small flyer.

"The town fair?"

She nods. "I'm entering the baking competition, so you have to come."

My eyes wander over the paper that lists an array of activities and events over the weekend. "I guess it can't hurt to have a little fun," I say.

"Then it's settled. Friday at 6 pm. We'll meet you there," Maggie says.

"We're leaving in two minutes," I shout to Aislinn as I finish getting ready to leave. In the mirror's reflection, where I paint my lips, I watch Jake throw his jacket on before running a hand through his hair. He catches me watching him, then moves over towards me, wrapping his arms around me from behind.

"Just beautiful," he says, beaming.

Twisting my head around to face him, I grin back before he leans in to kiss me. I nudge him back cheerfully.

"Hey, watch the lipstick, buddy," I say with a laugh.

"Later then," he says with a mischievous grin, then winks.

The three of us amble into Jake's truck for the brief trip to the fair. As we pull into the car park, Ben and Ellie wave their arms in greeting. Aislinn jumps out of the car, running over to them. She told me earlier that she's excited to experience her first country fair, but the way she keeps bringing up Ben in conversation, I'd say it has more to do with the company than the actual activities involved. My heart warms seeing her happy. It's been a long time coming. Aislinn reappears beside me for spending money before returning to her friends.

Hand in hand, Jake and I stroll down the walkway, pausing now and then to examine the stalls lining the path. The energy is infectious, with every booth offering something unique from handcrafted trinkets to tempting treats, and the usual games. We bump into Maggie and Thomas, who enthusiastically leads us over to the hall where Maggie's competition entry awaits.

"My masterpiece," Maggie beamed in front of the three-tiered delight.

"Wow, I didn't know you had such skills. It's like something from a magazine," I say, in total awe.

"Well, dear," she replies, looking between Jake and me. "If you're ever in need of a wedding cake, you know where to come." She gave me a knowing wink.

Laughing, I hesitate. "I'm not sure I'll be needing that anytime soon."

Tilting her head, she glares intensely at Jake. "You never know when you might get swept off your feet. Right Jake?"

His face flushes with a shade of deep red, something I've never witnessed before. His aunt has clearly struck a nerve. I hear him gulp before pushing out a feigned laugh. "We'll see what happens."

With one eyebrow raised, Maggie replies. "Yes, I suppose we will." She hooks her arm around Thomas' elbow. "Come now. I want to head over to the art competition. We'll see you both later."

We return to the path, meandering along until I see the duck shooting game. It's something I've always loved, despite my entire lack of success.

"I bet I can shoot down more than you," I say, egging him on.

Jake's forehead crinkles. "Oh, you think so, do you?" He pays the convenor and picks up two plastic rifles, handing one to me. "Game on, beautiful."

Jake's hand eye coordination isn't much better than mine, and we depart the game empty handed, but in good spirits. He wraps his arm around me as we continue. The sweet smell of waffle cones and ice cream draws me further into the fair, finally reaching its origin. We each get a scoop of our favourite flavours, choc-chip cookie dough for me, plain vanilla for Jake, before continuing.

We round a corner, and I see it. The Ferris wheel. I grab hold of Jake's arm, grinning broadly. He nods, leading me to the queue. After a few minutes, it's finally our turn. The convenor opens the gate to our seats, securing it before the wheel jars forward, letting the next riders in the following seats. Eventually, the smooth motion of the wheel lifts us higher into the air. It's freeing, and I feel like a bird in the wind.

"Thanks Jake," I say, grabbing his hand.

We round the trip once before we stop near the top. I take in the panoramic view. The landscape is unparalleled in its beauty, with the twinkling lights from the fair below, and more lights from the town further out. Then in the distance, the orangey hue of the setting sun behind the rolling green hills. It's truly something else, and in this moment, I am completely certain moving here was right for both Aislinn and me. You won't find this in the city.

"Audrey," Jake says, squeezing my hand.

I spin around in my seat to face him. "I'm sorry, I got carried away. It's just so spectacular."

Jake's smile curls at one corner. "You're cute when you get excited like this."

I teasingly smack him on the arm. "Oh, stop it, Jake." I laugh.

He clears his throat, and takes hold of both of my hands, leaning in towards me. Jake holds my gaze as he speaks. "Audrey, there's something I need to tell you."

My heart quickens, concern racing through my mind, grasping at ideas as I try to work out what he'll say next. Is this where he leaves me? Where he breaks my heart? With my voice barely above a whisper, I prompt him onwards. "What is it, Jake?"

His eyes portray emotions, but in this moment, with my mind swirling in fear, I can't decipher it. "I know we've only been together a short time, but it feels like much longer. And we've tackled some challenges. I think that's brought us closer as well." I nod, agreeing with him, still unsure of where he's going with this.

"I think so too," I whisper, my eyes wet with heavy emotion.

Jake continues, steadfast in his script. "Every day I get to spend with you is a precious gift. You mean everything to me. You and Aislinn. And I don't take that for granted. When my parents died, it almost broke me, but one thing that I learned was to never take things for granted. Hold on to those who give your life meaning, keep them close. And Audrey, I need you to know that..." He pauses, sucking in a breath. "I love you."

Overwhelmed with emotion, tears fall from my eyes, trickling down my cheeks and seeping into my smile. "I love you too, Jake. I can't imagine going through all of this without you. You're my rock."

With his thumbs, he gently wipes the tears from my face, cupping my cheeks in his large hands. His eyes flicker between mine, finally resting on my lips. I love where this is going, and close my eyes, expecting his kiss, but the seat jerks and the Ferris wheel is in motion once more. Jake steadies me from the edge of my seat, pulling me in beside him as we travel back to the ground.

The convenor helps us out from the ride, back to solid ground. Yet, I feel a longing for our moment that's just passed. The moment Jake declared his love for me. Oh, my goodness. It finally registers-Jake loves me!

"Are you hungry?" Jake asks, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Sure, I could eat."

We settle on dagwood dogs slathered in ketchup, and a slushie to quench our thirst. Just as we're disposing of our rubbish, a woman calls out to us from a nearby booth. A psychic reading booth.

As Jake and I approach the psychic reading booth, I smell the unfamiliar scent of burning incense. While I'm sceptical, I'm also intrigued to see what story this lady might tell. She stands to greet us in long flowing robes, beckoning us to sit at the round table before her.

"Welcome seekers of the unknown," she says. Her voice is almost enchanting despite the strange choice of words. Jake and I glance between ourselves, cynicism plastered on his face. I flash him a smile, knowing he's half-heartedly going through the motions to appease my intrigue.

"I sense the threads of fate weaving around you both, pulling your hearts towards each other," she continues, obviously the script she has for couples. The woman leans in, reaching over the table to both of us. As she grasps a hand in each, she closes her eyes. "Ah, passion burns brightly between you both. I sense the electricity sparking. But beware," she opens her eyes again, pulling her hands back to herself. "Love is tempestuous as the sea, concealing beneath it both treasure and turmoil."

My pulse quickens, heart thudding in my chest as I contemplate her words. Is chaos brewing in the background of my life, my family, my relationship?

"Yet," she says, loud and flamboyant, "Amidst the storm, hope emerges. A home - both sanctuary and burden, shall rise from adversity. It will test your bond, and your strength, but a transformation will take place, like a phoenix rising from the ashes."

I glance over at Jake, who's furrowed eyebrows evidence his contemplation. I wonder if he's also connecting the dots from these words with the mansion's restoration. His eyes remain set on the woman, and I turn back to her, eager to hear what else she has to say.

"Challenges have come and gone, but there will be more, but fear not, for love shall guide you through the darkest of nights." She closes her eyes again, raising her arms above her head, as if connecting to something unseen. "In time, a blessed union of fate will be bound in matrimony, souls intertwined, destined to walk together as one."

My eyes widen and I feel warmth rise from my neck to my face. I dare not look over at Jake for fear of being mistaken in deciphering her cryptic words. I try to side-eye him, though, wanting to see his reaction. He remains steadfast and unmoving, but the inkling of a smile hints at the corner of his mouth.

She continues again, holding my gaze. "But the greatest journey lies beyond the unknown. A new life shall blossom within your embrace." My breath catches in my throat, my heart swelling with potential. If this woman is even half right, then Lakeview Hollow holds so much more for me, for us, than I ever thought possible. Looking over at Jake again, his expression softens as he thanks the woman for her time. But before we leave, I need to inquire about the ghosts that are plaguing Aislinn.

"May I ask one more thing of you before we leave?" I probe, uncertainly.

"Of course, my dear. What more may I help you with?" she says, holding out her arms wide.

"My daughter, she sees ghosts," I blurt out. The woman nods sagely and smiles. I continue, "How can we help them move on?"

She raises a finger to her lips, considering my request. "It seems your child has the gift but lacks guidance to explore them to capacity. I would very much like to meet with her."

I nod, knowing that I don't have the skills to help or guide Aislinn with this topic. "Let me speak to her, then."

The woman nods and hands me a business card with her details. "Call me when you're both ready."