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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 y’all 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. “I actually think I want some chili cheese curly fries.”
“That does sound good.”
“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’re 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.”
