I join her.
Considering how much her grandparents on both sides have embraced my little town and who I am at the core, it’s no surprise they’re all decked out in cowboy gear for the occasion.
They smile at us with a wave.
I tip my head, a grin stretching my lips.
I return my attention to my girl. “What’s your big wish for the year to come?”
She frowns. “Why do you ask? Is it because of the song?”
Randy’s band is rocking their rendition of Florida Georgia Line’s,‘Blessings’. The song isn’t by chance, but she doesn’t need to know. Not yet, anyway.
“It’s a tradition,” I say.
“This is the first I’ve heard of this tradition.”
I tap the tip of her nose. “Because it’s your first birthday since we’ve been together.”
“Makes sense. Who started the tradition? Your ma?”
I nod. “Every year, on my birthday, she’d ask me the question before I blew out the candles. She was a firm believer in setting the intention for the year. I guess it’s the teacher in her. When I was on the road and she’d call me to wish me a happy birthday, it was always her first question. Back then, my intention was always the same, come in first place, secure the top prize, and rush back to Summerville to spend time with her. Even though she’s gone, I keep the tradition alive.”
I swallow the lump in my throat.
I have two sets of parents, and neither of them will ever meet my girl.
That right there breaks my heart.
“Oh, wow,” Carina says. “That’s so purposeful.”
I offer her a warm smile. “It is.”
I shift my gaze over her head and meet Randy’s. He nods his understanding.
I return my attention to my girl. “Do you need a minute to think about it?”
“I don’t.” She shakes her head. “My intention is simple. I want to enjoy my perfect life. I mean, look around. I’m surrounded by the people who mean the most to me and we both know I lucked out in the boyfriend department.”
“So, you like living here in Summerville?”
Her head jerks back, her face contorting in a grimace. “We live together, silly. Iloveit down here.”
“Just checkin’.”
We sway in silence for a bit.
“Enjoying what you already have is a solid intention,” I say.
“Maybe it’s not ambitious enough, but I’m content where I am,” she says after a while, almost second-guessing herself.
“Nothing wrong with wanting a simple life.”
The band fades into a new song.
“I already know what my intention is,” I say.
“Eager beaver.”
