Page 30 of Easton Island

With Morgan on one side and Brett on the other, they lifted Tristan’s volcano from her rear cargo area and set it on the cart.

“I can carry the water.” The boy grabbed the jug from the back seat floor.

Moving at a slow and steady pace, the trio made their way into the school. Following the signs to the gymnasium, they found a crowd of students, parents, and instructors already setting up for the fair.

“I’m at table eight,” Tristan said.

“I see it over there.” Brett skirted the clusters of people, wheeling the volcano to their designated location.

Another student, maybe a year or two younger than Tristan, greeted him. “Your volcano is cool.”

“Thanks. Your hot-air balloon looks awesome too.” With the boy on one side and his father on the other, they carried the volcano from the cart to the folding table.

Deeming what he found to be the perfect spot, he began adding accessories—the trees, fake grass, and miniature plastic people.

“What time is Quinn coming by?” Morgan asked.

“She isn’t. She’s covering at the art gallery.” Brett pulled his sister aside. “Grandmother wanted to surprise Tristan so Quinn offered to work.”

“That was nice of her.”

“We forgot the paper towels,” Tristan said.

“I’ll go grab them.” Morgan backtracked to her vehicle and found the bag of cleaning supplies she’d packed to sop up the mess an erupting volcano created.

She returned to find father and son tweaking the project, making sure the pieces were in the perfect location per Tristan. They had just finished when the science teacher announced the fair was officially underway.

He proudly stood behind his volcano while other students, parents, and guests made their rounds.

Ben and Mrs. Arnsby arrived, oohing and aahing over Tristan’s project as well as his tablemate’s creation. They lingered for a short time to chat before heading out to return to Easton Estate.

Through the sea of people, Morgan spied a familiar face. Elizabeth, with head held high and shoulders back, walked across the gymnasium to Tristan’s table. “I hope I’m not late.”

Tristan’s face lit when he saw her. “Great Grandmother, you made it.”

“I wouldn’t miss your science project premiere. It looks spiffy, young man.” Elizabeth turned to the boy standing next to him. “What a clever hot-air balloon.”

The boy’s father hurried around the table. “Mrs. Easton?”

“Easton-Ainsworth now.” Elizabeth shook his hand. “And you are?”

“Craig Stout. It’s nice to finally meet you.” The man explained that he worked for Denver Coates over at the airport. “Thanks to you, I have a job on the island, which means I have more time to spend with my son.”

“Wonderful. I love to hear the airport is making people's lives better,” she replied.

Tristan’s classmate turned to him, his eyes wide. “You’re an Easton?”

“I…uh…yes.”

“Your last name is Blakely.”

Morgan held her breath, wondering what Tristan would say.

“I’m an Easton and a Blakely.”

Seeming to accept his simple explanation, the boy nodded. The moment passed, and they began showing a new group of visitors their projects. A half-hour, then an hour ticked by. Finally, the judges began making rounds.

Elizabeth, Brett, and Morgan stood behind Tristan, watching as he explained to the judges how he’d constructed the volcano, giving credit to Brett and Jax for their help, and then poured water into the crater.