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Wrapping her robe over her knees, she scooted over to the last box and opened it to find shoes—lots and lots of shoes. Oh, Porter! How had he figured out her size? Although Skyhadquizzed her when she borrowed her clothes for painting. That must be it.
Cadence tugged out the orange sandals. Those would be perfect for the church barbecue. Lily had practically tricked her into coming by mentioning that she was bringing her prize peanut butter bars that she was dying for Cadence to try, but she was grateful for the excuse.
She needed friends besides Porter. She wanted to be a part of this quaint town, be involved with their projects and meet good people.
WhiteBoulder is buying up their land.
She gulped.
One thing at a time. Cadence wasn’t sure how to go up against Lacy’s multi-billion-dollar investment company. She already couldn’t face him after he’d told her that he didn’t want their baby. The last thing she wanted to do was to let him know where she was at, and he would if she inquired about his plans for Harvest Ranch.
But Porter could…
His brother, West, had connections to Trout, and Lacy had already tried to wine and dine Porter in his office before she came. What were they talking about in there anyway?
She’d bring that up later… when she let Porter tell her what he needed to say so badly.
For now, she was going to enjoy this holiday. Cadence could already hear firecrackers going off outside while everyone got ready for the spectacular light show tonight. The preacher wasn’t kidding when he said that they liked to celebrate their liberty to the fullest.
And so would she!
Sliding on her new shorts, she was thrilled to feel how much breathing room they gave her, and they were adorable too. They made her legs look very long, which she was sure that Porter had in mind when he’d picked them out… with Sky’s help, of course. There was a feminine touch to all this. The shirt was just as cute and flirty as it was lightweight. It would be the perfect outfit for this hot summer day.
It had been too long since she’d celebrated the Fourth of July. The sounds of car engines as more people showed up at the park across the street didn’t quite cover the animated chatter and laughter outside. Somewhere a loudspeaker blasted patriotic tunes. Harvest Ranch was alive with excited anticipation for the festivities.
After getting ready to go and eating a meal that was sure to get her through the afternoon, Cadence headed outside to experience the adventure for herself. Families had set up blankets in Maple Park to await the parade that would be coming down Main.
The savory scent of grilled meat permeated the air. The birds were loud—especially the hummingbirds. A few children had bought miniature hummingbird feeders from local vendors and were now holding them up to the tiny racing creatures. Their beaks dipped into the sweet honeyed mixture. The kids shouted with joy, both flinching and laughing as the birds drank from their hands.
Cadence’s heart melted. She could imagine her child amongst them, staring up at each new wonder of this world as she introduced each magical spectacle of life for the first time.
She turned when she recognized the two little boys that Porter had been sitting next to at church. These were Lily’s two grandchildren. What were their names? Charlie and Pip?
They stood next to their very pregnant mother, pointing at the birds. The youngest held a red-white-and-blue pinwheel that spun in the breeze.
Porter should be nearby. She searched the gathering crowd for his broad shoulders and mischievous grin. And like she’d wished him into appearing, she felt a hand on her arm. She swiveled. His vivid blue eyes were electrifying as she stared up at him. “Porter!” she cried.
He was quick to hug her close and slow to release her. He studied her face. “Just as beautiful as I remember.”
She laughed, thoroughly embarrassed and thoroughly pleased. “It hasn’t been that long since we’ve seen each other!”
“Oh yes, it really has!” He drank her in like a starving man. He looked great in his usual worn jeans and gray shirt—missing its sleeves, of course. She was beginning to get used to his redneck ways, though he’d dropped the boots this time around and wore flipflops. “A day is too long. Let’s never do that again.”
She couldn’t help the giggles that erupted through her at his silliness, though she was almost startled by the foreign feeling of giddiness. Cadence almost didn’t sound like herself… or feel like herself. She was too happy, considering her troubles. What was that about?
“How are you feeling today?” he asked.
An embarrassed flutter tossed her already unbalanced stomach as she remembered her dizzy spell from Saturday morning. “Much better.”
“Did you find a doctor yet?”
She lowered her voice, not wanting anyone to overhear. “Soon, soon, it’s really notthatbig of a deal. I’ll be fine.” He looked relieved. Cadence squeezed his hand, desperate to change the subject to less complicated matters. “Thank you for the clothes.” The parade was coming and she had to shout through the noise, strangely not ashamed for anyone to overhear what a lifesaver he was. “You’re wonderful.” The children flocked to the edge of the street, their shoulders stiff with anticipation as they waited for the first of the floats.
Porter’s eyes were only on her. “What clothes?” he asked.
Of course he’d play it off as not coming from him. “Very funny. Whatever you say.” She let her voice drip with sarcasm so he’d know that he wasn’t fooling her. “It wasn’tyou.”She swayed, showing him how the shirt flowed over the stylish shorts. “But they’re really cute. What do you think?”
“Lovely.”
