Speaker 1: Calarogu Shark Media, Hello and welcome to Romance Weekly.
Speaker 2: This episode is titled Haunted Heart's Part four, All Hallow's
Eve Magic.
Speaker 1: The full moon hung low in the sky, casting an
eerie glow over Mystic Falls. It was Halloween night and
the town was alive with excitement. Children darted from house
to house, their laughter mingling with the rustle of fallen
leaves and the distant howl of wind machines. Emma stood
on her front porch, adjusting Zoe's witch hat. Remember stay
with your group and don't eat any candy until I
check it. Zoe rolled her eyes.
Speaker 2: I know, Mum.
Speaker 1: Can we go now? Max and mister Cooper are waiting.
Emma's heart skipped at the mention of Jack. After the
caos of the Harvest Festival, they hadn't had a chance
to talk properly. With Dylan and Melissa still in town,
everything felt complicated. As if summoned by her thoughts, Jack's
truck pulled up. He stepped out, looking dashing in a
Victorian style outfit, a nod to the classic horror monsters
he loved. Max bounded out behind him, dressed as a
mad scientist. Happy Halloween. Jack called his smile, warm but
slightly hesitant, ready for some trick or treating. Emma nodded,
trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach. As ready
as we'll ever be. As they set off down the street,
Emma couldn't help but marvel at the transformation of mystic falls.
Jack's influence had spread beyond his haunted house, inspiring the
whole town to embrace the spooky spirit. Houses were decked
out in elaborate decorations, and costumed residents offered treats from
fog filled porches. This is amazing, Emma murmured, taking in
the sights. Jack grinned, some of the tension easing from
his shoulders. Thanks. I wanted to make it special for
Max and well for you. Two. Their eyes met, and
for a moment, the rest of the world faded away.
Then Zoe's excited shriek broke the spell. Mom, Look, it's
the haunted house. Emma turned to see Cooper's creepy castle
looming before them, even more impressive than it had been
at the Harvest festival. A line of eager trick or
treatise stretched down the block. What do you say, we
brave the haunted house. Jack asked, a twinkle in his eye,
I promise it's not too scary. Before Emma could respond,
a familiar voice cut through the night room for two
more Dylan and Melissa approached, both looking slightly out of
place in hastily assembled costumes. Emma felt Jack stiffen beside
her dad. Max's voice was a mix of confusion and excitement.
Jack knelt down, facing his son Max. Remember how we
talked about facing our fears. Well, I think it's time
I faced mine. Would it be okay if miss Melissa
joined us for a bit? Max nodded slowly, his eyes
darting between his father and Melissa. Emma felt a surge
of admiration for Jack's honesty with his son. She turned
to Dylan, stealing herself, I think we need to talk too, Zoe, Honey,
why don't you go with Max and mister Cooper. Your
dad and I will catch up. As Jack led the
kids and Melissa towards the haunted house, Emma and Dylan
found a quiet spot near a giant inflatable ghost. Why
are you really here, Dylan, Emma asked, her voice steady.
Dylan sighed, running a hand through his hair. I messed
up em these past few years, I've realized what I
threw away. I miss you, I miss Zoe, I thought maybe.
Emma held up a hand, stopping him. Dylan, we can't
go back. Too much has changed. I've changed because of him.
Dylan nodded towards the Haunted House Jack. Emma smiled softly,
partly but mostly because of me. I've built a life here, Dylan,
a good one, and Zoe's thriving. Dylan was quiet for
a moment, then nodded, I can see that she looks
so happy. You both do. We are, Emma said, but
that doesn't mean you can't be part of Zoe's life.
If you're ready to commit to being her father, really
being there for her, then we can work something out.
Dylan's eyes lit up. Really, you give me another chance
to be Zoe's father, Yes, Emma clarified, But you and me,
that chapter's closed. As they talked working out the beginnings
of a co parenting plan, Emma felt a weight lift
from her shoulders. When they finally made their way to
the Haunted House. She felt lighter than she had in years. Inside,
they found Jack, Melissa, and the kids in emerging from
a room full of holographic ghosts. Zoe ran to Emma,
bubbling with excitement about the super cool effects. Jack approached,
a question in his eyes. Emma nodded, smiling. Everything okay here,
she asked, Getting there, Jack said. He glanced at Melissa,
who was chatting animatedly with Max about the haunted house tech.
Melissa and I had a good talk, cleared the air
about some old misunderstandings. Oh, Emma tried to keep her
voice neutral. Jack chuckled. Turns out she's engaged to my
old college room mate. She came to invite us to
the wedding and to apologize for how things ended back then.
Emma felt the last of her worries melt away.
Speaker 2: Jack.
Speaker 1: That's wonderful, it is, he agreed, But not as wonderful
as this, he gestured between them, Emma, these past few
weeks with you and Zoe, they've been the happiest I've
had since Sarah died. I know it's complicated with the
kids in our past, but I was hoping. Emma didn't
let him finish. Standing on her tiptoes, she pressed her
lips to his in a kiss that was long overdue.
Around them, the haunted House creaked and groaned, but Emma
barely noticed. This Right here was magic. When they finally
broke apart, Jack's eyes were shining.
Speaker 2: Wow.
Speaker 1: If I'd known that's what it took to get you
to kiss me, I'd have built a haunted house years ago,
Emma laughed, feeling giddy and light. Well, mister Cooper, I
think you finally convinced me Halloween isn't so bad after all.
As if on cue, the lights flickered and a ghostly
apparition appeared at the end of the hallway, the same
mysterious figure from the Ghostly Gala. Beware, it wailed, the
veil is thin and love is in the air. For
a moment, everyone froze. Then Max's voice piped up, Dad,
I think your hologram machine is glitching again. The tension broke,
and they all burst into laughter. As they made their
way out of the Haunted House, Emma marveled at the
strange twists and turns that had led them here. Zoe
and Max raced ahead, already planning next year's costumes. Dylan
and Melissa followed, deep in conversation about music and wedding plans.
Jack squeezed Emma's hand, So what do you say? Ready
for more Halloween adventures? Emma smiled, leaning into him, with
you always. As they stepped out into the cool October night,
the full moon seemed to wink at them. In Mystic Falls,
where the veil between worlds grew thin and magic filled
the air, anything was possible, especially on Halloween.
Speaker 2: Romance Weekly is a production of Calarogu Shark Media executive
producers Mark Francis and John McDermott. Portions of this podcast
may have been created with the assistance of Ai
Speaker 1: Calaruga Shark Media.