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“Oh look at you two,” Claudine practically squealed .
Evan cleared his throat. “Evening Claudine. Lexi .”
“Your float is beautiful,” Cami added. “I love all the greenery .”
“Thank you, honey. I designed it myself and Lottie did the work. With you two onboard, I could get first prize.” She squeezed her hands together. “I’ve been chasing that first place ribbon the past three years .”
Evan ignored the comment and stepped on the bow, carefully walking to the stern where he could better help Cami board the boat. She was wearing boots with high heels. Not exactly what he considered ship wear .
She took his hand and he helped lower her to the floor .
“Good evening, Mayor,” Kyle Collins greeted them. “I’m your captain this evening .”
“Thanks, Kyle.” He slapped him on the back. Kyle ran the marina’s boat shop .
“Hi, Kyle.” Cami smiled .
“Haven’t seen you in a while. Not since you ran off to be a big singer .”
Her eyes lowered, and Evan quickly took her hand. “We’ll sit up front, Kyle.” He pointed to the bow. “Just take her slow .”
“Got it, Mayor .”
Claudine shouted from the docks, “There are lots of blankets and a full thermos of hot cocoa .”
“Thanks, Claudine.” They waved as Kyle shoved them off and backed out of the slip .
The breeze off the water was frigid. Cami shivered next to him .
“Here, let’s get you wrapped up .”
He dove into the bag Claudine had packed and pulled out a red and white plaid blanket lined with fleece. He placed it over Cami’s lap .
“And some hot chocolate?” He held up the thermos and a couple of mugs with reindeer on them. He saw Claudine’s logo on the opposite side .
“Yes, please.” She rubbed her hands together .
He sat next to her, wrapping an arm against her shoulder. “Better ?”
She nodded. “I think I can at least pretend I’m warm now .”
He chuckled. “Don’t worry. Kyle has to take it slow for the flotilla. It will barely feel like we’re moving .”
“Holy shit .”
“What? What is it?” he asked .
Cami pointed. “Look .”
As they steered away from the marina on their way to the flotilla line up beyond the point, they passed rows and rows of piers. People were already waiting for the parade to start, huddled on the docks with blankets. Kids were laughing and twirling in front on anxious parents. Neighbors waved as they sailed by .
“I thought everyone would be watching from the marina .”
Evan squeezed her arm. ?
??I think people like to watch the flotilla from wherever they can find a spot .”
He didn’t care where other people watched the parade. He knew he had the best view in Harpers Point. He was next to Cami .
