“Fireworks!” Henry shouted as he sprinted toward the park.
“Slow down, crazy,” Harper laughed after him.
“Fwoks!” Ava, in her hot pink sunglasses, chirped from the stroller.
Robbie retrieved his brother and gave him a piggyback ride back to the group. “You’re a good big brother, Robbie,” Claire said, playfully adjusting his baseball hat.
His freckled nose wrinkled. “They’re okay, I guess. When they’re not annoying me all the time.”
“Obbie piggyback!” Ava held out her arms to her brother.
Robbie rolled his eyes. “Everyone always wants something,” he sighed.
“Wise beyond his years, that one is,” Joni laughed.
They took a poll of the kids and prioritized the route through the carnival to hit the highlights before claiming their spot for the fireworks display.
Gloria and Harper shared a funnel cake while Robbie and Henry did the goldfish toss.
“Mrs. Agosta is going to kill me if the kids come home with fish,” Harper moaned.
Robbie hooted in victory as his ping pong ball landed in a fish bowl.
“Crap. Looks like Max and Lola have a new sister.”
Henry whooped and did a victory dance.
“For the love of — Claire! Stop giving them money! Joni! Don’t think I don’t see you slipping him that dollar!”
“Guess you’re going aquarium shopping tomorrow,” Gloria teased.
“Laugh all you want, because here comes trouble for you,” Harper nodded.
Aldo was striding toward them. Clean-shaven now, he was sporting cargo shorts and boat shoes. His aviators were tucked into the neck of his fitted navy t-shirt.
“Why do I have this reaction to him?” Gloria whispered in a panic. She brought her hands to cool her flushed cheeks.
“Just enjoy it,” Harper hissed. “Ask him if he wants to watch the fireworks with us.” She gave Gloria a little shove forward and hurried back to the goldfish stand to give them some privacy ... and stop the diabolical Claire and Joni from feeding the kids more fish cash.
***
As dusk fell, Aldo sprang for a round of lemonade for the fireworks. They let the kids choose a spot in the open field by the lake where they spread out blankets and set up chairs. Harper, snuggling sleepy Ava, smiled when Aldo made himself comfortable on the blanket next to Gloria.
Robbie and Henry took turns asking Aldo questions about his new leg while Joni and Claire caught up on any tidbits of town gossip that had spread since the parade. Harper noticed them sneaking peeks at Aldo and Gloria — who were covertly holding hands — and knew they were probably the topic of speculation.
There were no secrets that could be kept in Benevolence. Sooner or later, everything was brought to light.
The first volley of fireworks lit up the sky, and the crowd oohed as the colors sparkled and shimmered before winking out.
Ava squirmed to sit higher and Harper was worried she might cry, but the toddler pointed to the sky in awe.
“Boom,” she whispered.
“Boom.” Harper nodded.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
To:
[email protected]
From:
[email protected]
Subject: Again?
What does a guy have to do to keep you away from other men?
Attached was a picture of Harper kissing the man handing out medals at the 5k.
To:
[email protected]
From:
[email protected]
Re: Again?
I wasn’t kissing him. I needed oxygen after rocking my first 5k. I’d rather be kissing this guy.
She attached a picture of Luke making a fish face at Josh.
To:
[email protected]
From:
[email protected]
Re: Again?
He looks awesome. You should definitely make out with him.
When Harper checked her email later that day, she got unexpected good news.
To:
[email protected]
From:
[email protected]
Subject: Miss your face
I’ve gone Harper-free for too long. I’m starting to forget what your face looks like. So, if you’re free this weekend, I’m heading your way! Break out the facial masks and pizza because we’re having a sleepover!
Xoxo,
Hannah
To:
[email protected]
From:
[email protected]
Re: Miss your face
Are you serious?? You wouldn’t tease me about this would you? This isn’t some cruel joke?
Don’t destroy my fragile heart,
Harper
To:
[email protected]
From:
[email protected]
Re: Miss your face
My bag is already packed! Finn’s heading to the cabin with some friends and it’s the perfect opportunity for me to come meet your new friends, check out your house, and hug your dogs. Finn promises to have bail money ready if we need it. It’s going to be awesome!
It was guaranteed.
***
Friday night, Harper’s friends, new and old, crowded into the kitchen in their comfiest summer pajamas to launch the festivities with a drink.