“I need to finish up and get everything home to Mom,” Josiah excuses himself. But not without throwing over his shoulder, “Don’t forget to stop by the YIG tent at the fair.”
I share a look with the women before we all giggle softly. Bolt rolls his eyes but doesn’t comment. Probably for the best.
Adam might have been my student, but I won’t let Bolt be an asshole to one of my kids. I wouldn’t let anyone get away with it, whether they’re wearing a leather cut or not.
With a glance at my phone, I cringe slightly and then give quick hug to Opal. “I’m sorry, but I need to get going, I have a whole list of things to get done before the fair to make sure everything goes smoothly,” I tell them.
“If you need any help, just let us know,” Opal offers when I pull back from her. I give her a nod and smile while knowing I’m not going to ask for help.
I’m sure she’d be a huge help, but we’re so close to the end and I’ve come this far. The kids are really doing most of the heavy lifting when it comes to the fundraiser. Still, I want it to be successful for them.
When I hug Graycie, I whisper, “I really am so happy for you. You’re glowing from the inside out.”
She gives me an extra squeeze, like she knows I need it. And I do. But I don’t get to linger with the feeling for too long.
“Thank you,” she whispers back. When we hold each other at arm’s length, she winks at me before stepping back. “I’ll see you at the fair. I wasn’t here for it last year, so it’ll be a first for me. I’m looking forward to it.”
“It’s not thestatefair,” I tell her, wanting to temper her expectations a little. When her eyebrows pull together slightly, it’s clear she doesn’t understand what I’m saying. With a wave of my hand, the gesture dismissive, I tell her, “Don’t worry about it. The fair is fun.”
I don’t mention how some of the carnies are a little creepy. Or how I wouldn’t trust them to put a ride together, let alone repair one and run it single-handedly. Honestly, I try not to think about it.
It’s not like anything tragic has happened.
Yet.
With a quick wave, and a grunt from Bolt, I’m headed down the aisle to finish up my grocery shopping. A few minutes later, I hear Opal and Graycie laughing. It makes me smile while my chest constricts a little bit.
For a long time, it was hard to have genuine friends because of who my dad is. But my circle is getting a little larger. And that’s enough for me.
Now to get through the fair and make sure the kids raise enough money for everyone to go to Nashville to take over the capital. Then I’ll worry about what comes next.
Like maybe a date.
Nope, I don’t see it happening any time soon. I’d rather get lost in my books than waste my time.
I have more than enough on my plate right now.
CHAPTER 4
RYKER
The Monroe County Fair is always busy on the first night. Honestly, it’s busy the entire time. That’s partially because of the tradition of heading to the fair every summer, but I’m sure it helps that there’s not a lot to keep you busy and out of trouble in Dogwood Ridge. The fair is a big deal.
And it usually is a lot of fun.
Sometimes you just need to lose money at a carnival game and indulge in all the fried food you could ever want while surrounded by too many people and the laughter of children.
My brothers are somewhere around here. I think more than a few of them were lured toward the food and it’s not like I can blame them. I’ll make my way over to the food soon enough, but I needed to do a walk around the fair first to get the lay of the land.
I always keep my eyes open to make sure my brothers and the people in town are safe. That means I rarely let my guard down, especially at places like this where there are so many fucking people.
Following the path, I walk around the bend and find Ezra’s tents and tables set up next to where the game booths, with their flashing lights and the prizes filling the rafters, are all set-up just waiting for their victims. Every year, I try my hand at the ring toss because I can’t help myself.
It’s the same game I always tried with my dad when I was growing up.
Fuck, maybe I’m more sentimental than I’m willing to admit to myself.
Across from Ezra’s school club, I let the shadows, which are just starting to find purchase, settle around me as dusk bleeds into night. I can’t help it. I’ve made it my mission to keep an eye on the woman.
