Worth It All(28)

Everything about her captured him. The way she watched out for Casey with an eagle eye, but forced herself to step back when he knew she’d rather help. She ignored any staring or odd looks, and Casey didn’t seem to notice it either. That was a true gift. She answered Casey’s myriad of questions as fast as she could fire them off. She had a quick laugh, and an even quicker smile. Too often it faded just as quickly, replaced by a film of worry and responsibility.

“Maybe you could talk to her for me? About the letters?” Casey said, calling back his attention.

“I’ll do my best.”

Paige searched the crowd and he raised his hand to get her attention. When she found them, her eyes met his and there it was again, that punch to his gut. He picked up Casey and all their stuff and started toward her.

“Hey,” Paige said, reaching them. “Sorry, long line. Where’s Jenny?”

“Jenny and Simon decided to hit the beer tent on the other side of the festival grounds.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. They said they’d catch up with us later. What’s wrong?”

Paige narrowed her eyes in the direction he’d pointed. “Nothing. I just…I can’t believe she left me.”

“Why?” he asked, confused by her somewhat-panicked expression.

“Maybe ’cause Jenny said you’re too hot and I’m not big enough to chap-a-rone,” Casey told him. “I’m not hot. Are you?”

Paige’s sweet mouth dropped open in a perfect O and her eyes went wide at her daughter. “Thank you, Casey Marie.”

His face broke into a wide grin at the blush staining Paige’s cheeks, and the way she’d turned her head hoping he wouldn’t see it.

“You’re welcome,” Casey answered sweetly, then pointed to a ride. “Can we go on that?”

“Sure.” They started toward the ride, Paige falling in beside him. He didn’t understand all he was feeling, but at least it wasn’t completely one-sided.

They walked over well-worn grass littered with crushed tickets and candy-apple sticks. It brought a sudden memory of being young, his feet pounding dry fairground dirt, an abandoned chunk of cotton candy stuck to the bottom of his shoe. He’d run on both feet that day, from ride to ride, booth to booth.

It struck him that today he was doing something he’d done before the accident and enjoying it just as much. Maybe more. There was something about Casey looking at him with her sky-blue eyes and Paige’s rare, carefree moments that made him feel not quite so knocked down. Enough that the tight bands of guilt around his heart loosened just a bit.

From their place in line, the three of them watched the ride. As it picked up speed, the small seats hanging from chains flew out from a center that was lit up with gold lights.

“This one’s just for kids,” Paige was saying. “You’ll have to go by yourself, Case.”

Casey studied the ride for a long moment, then turned her gaze to him for reassurance that warmed his heart.

“Looks fun to me,” he said.

“Me too. I can do it.”

Paige didn’t look so sure as they shuffled closer to the front. Their turn came and he let Casey point out the seat she wanted and he helped her in. He’d never given much thought to fair-ride inspections. Until now.

He checked the chains and how they were attached, pressed hard against the seatback and looked up to the top.

Paige waited beside him. “Is it okay?”

“Yeah. It’s good. Just wanted to make sure she was in.” They stepped back and a young attendant made his rounds, checking that each child was secure. When the employee moved to the next kid, JT went back to Casey.

“I checked it,” the guy said.

“Right,” JT answered. “And I’m checking it again.”

“Parents have to wait there. Behind that rail.”

“I got that.” He turned his attention back to Casey. “You good?” She nodded and bumped knuckles with him. “Stay here when it stops and I’ll come and get you.”

He and Paige moved to their designated spot among a line of parents holding up their phones for pictures or videos. A few of them even had real cameras. He noticed Paige had neither. His mom hadn’t gone anywhere without hers. Maybe he’d get Paige a camera.

Casey waved as the ride started a slow rotation until she was out of sight.

Paige leaned to the right and left. “I don’t see her, do you?”

“Not yet.” They were so close her shoulder brushed his arm. Her side pressed against his every time she leaned to the left.

Seconds passed.

“I still don’t see her,” she said. The ride turned so slowly it seemed forever before she came back into view. Casey smiled and waved, her foot dangling two feet off the ground now.