Total pages in book: 140
Estimated words: 136421 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 682(@200wpm)___ 546(@250wpm)___ 455(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 136421 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 682(@200wpm)___ 546(@250wpm)___ 455(@300wpm)
Archer pulls me into his chest and kisses my forehead. “I know, love. I know.”
After I lock up, we meet everyone in the park. There’s a stage set up and booths with activities for the kids. Owen runs over with a huge corn dog in his hand. There’s mustard squirted up and down the sides of it in a zigzagged mess. That thing is dangerous.
“Hey, you sharin’?” I ask, pretending to steal it.
He nearly shoves it in my face. “Sure, take a bite!”
“No, no,” I say with a laugh. “I was just kiddin’, but thank you. Such a little sweetheart..”
“Did you get some napkins?” Katie asks him as her parents trail him with the twins in a double baby stroller. They’re wearing matching outfits and hats with red and white striped sunglasses. They look adorable.
“Uhh...” Owen shrugs and takes a big bite. He already has yellow smeared on his cheeks.
Katie’s mother hands him a napkin. “Thanks, Grandma.”
“I brought you guys a blanket,” Tyler says, pointing at a spot that they saved for us. Archer sits, and I settle down on his lap.
“Did you really want a corn dog?” he asks.
“Yes.” I waggle my brows, and he chuckles at my insinuation. “I actually think I want some chili cheese curly fries.”
“That does sound good,” he admits.
“I got this.” I kiss him, then stand. “I’ll be right back.”
It doesn’t take long for me to find the food stand. They’re curling whole potatoes right out front, and everyone in line watches in amazement. Minutes later, I have two large plates of fries, and my mouth waters as I carry them back to Archer.
When I return, we sit next to each other and listen to the first band play some old country tunes. I eat and sing to the music, knowing all the words. Laughter and chatter surround us, and there’s no doubt this is my definition of summer.
“Oh you’re a Southern-Southerner, aren’t you? Didn’t know you knew Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson.”
“Willie is my homie.” I chuckle as I finish my food.
Archer throws our plates in the trash, then lies down. I lay my head on his stomach and chat with Katie and Gemma.
“How are things moving along with the rebuild?” Gemma asks.
“Well, thanks to Noah, I think it’ll be finished even quicker than I anticipated.”
Katie beams. “That’s my man.”
Noah grins sheepishly. “I’m just happy you trusted me enough to do the job.”
“Of course! You’re the only person who I knew would do it right,” I tell him.
“Yeah, it’s been an experience.”
Archer chuckles.
I tilt my chin up to meet his eyes, then poke his side. Archer squirms, and everyone laughs at him.
“No, no, no,” he pleads, trying to escape.
“Take it back,” I offer with a wink.
He grins. “Okay, fine. Erase what I said from your memory.”
“I mean, he’s not lying.” Tyler shrugs.
I scowl at him. “Excuse me, but I’m a ten out of ten. I’m highly recommended and give amazing experiences.”
“I can agree with that. Would return for the exceptional service alone.” Archer mocks, settling back onto the blanket, so I can lean into him.
“So, are you two…boyfriend and girlfriend?” Owen blurts out, and I nearly forgot he was within hearing range. Oops.
I meet Archer’s eyes and smile. “Yep. We are.”
Owen beams as I take a sip of the beer Noah brought. “Are you gonna get married?”
“Maybe one day,” Archer answers truthfully. “Just depends.”
“On what?” Owen asks.
“You’re treatin’ them like they're on trial, son,” Katie interrupts with a laugh, and I can tell Owen still had more questions.
He shrugs. “Dad, can I go play with my friends?”
“Sure, but stay where your mom and I can see you,” Noah reminds him.
Seconds later, Owen runs off and meets a group of kids his age.
“Is that his girlfriend?” Gemma asks, squinting her eyes, and I laugh when I see Owen hugging a girl.
“Yeah, that’s Amelia.” Katie sighs.
“He’s going to be driving soon, ya know,” I remind them both.
She groans. “I know. Lord help us all.”
After the first band finishes their set, another one comes on stage and plays more modern songs.
“Do any of you want an ice cream cone?” I ask when Archer and I decide to get some, but they all shake their heads.
We take the opportunity to walk around and see how they transformed the city square for the festival. There are mini American flags waving in the ground along the parade route. Several booths have summer-themed jewelry and wreaths. I interlock my fingers with Archer’s and love being open about our relationship. It’s still surreal to me even after all this time.
We browse around for an hour, then find the ice cream stand that’s selling butterscotch hand-dipped cones. It’s so hot outside that by the time we get them, we have to hurry and eat them before they melt.
Once we’re done walking around, we go back to our friends and wait for the big fireworks display. The sun won’t set for a few more hours.