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He’d already complimented her this morning, but there was something about how he looked at her that made her cheeks feel hot, like he’d devour her if they weren’t at a family friendly event, but that would probably scare the kids.
Too bad.
“Porter!” That was one of his nephews. He’d found his way over.
Turning, Porter grinned down at the older one. Lily had told her that the boy’s mother and her son had divorced long ago, but her ex’s family still seemed very close. “Charlie, where’s your squirt gun?” Porter asked. “Once the fire truck comes at the end of the parade, the water fight is on!”
Charlie skipped up. “Mommy has mine! She says I can’t have it if I cry.”
Porter nodded solemnly. “Liv is right, kid. I got your back, but youwillget wet. It’s a man’s lot in this war, so no crying this time.”
Charlie nodded eagerly. Apparently he needed the pep talk to keep from giving in to his tears this year. Cadence kept in a chuckle, remembering that Porter was the town’s reigning water fight champion… if Pastor Brown could be believed. She doubted Porter really planned to go up against a bunch of little kids, and looking around, she noticed that the men had tucked water cannons against their blankets. Their smirks told her exactly what mischief was going down later.
“Where’syourweapon?” she asked Porter.
He grinned. “Ah no, no. The best kind of squirt guns are the ones you earn, little miss.”
That sounded hardcore. She had a feeling that the town’s water fight was going to be epic.
Charlie turned to her, looking shy. “Who’s she?”
“Angel—isn’t she as beautiful as one?”
His nephew nodded solemnly. “You want to come to my birthday party?” he asked Cadence. “I’m turning eight.”
“Oh really?” That was an impressive age to reach, considering how dangerous the water fights were around here. “I would love to come to your party if your mother is okay with that.”
“She is! She is!”
Porter pressed his nephew’s shoulder, his eyes going to Liv, who worked on fixing Pip’s pinwheel. Her dark hair swung over a pale face, already glistening with sweat in the morning heat. “How’s your mommy doing?” he asked.
Liv glanced up over Pip’s head, clearly not deaf. “Eight months pregnant!” she answered with a weary chuckle. She straightened, her hand supporting her tired back in a gesture that Cadence was sure that she’d be familiar with in a few months. “Porter, are you giving Charlie grand ideas about this water fight?”
Porter threw up his hands at the same time his nephew did. They looked like carbon copies of the other in their feigned innocence. “No, never!”
“Uh huh.” Judging by Liv’s tone, she didn’t look like she believed either of them. Her eyes swept over Cadence. “First rule of the Slades—they might’ve inherited Lily’s innocent blue eyes, but don’t let them fool you.”
Cadence didn’t sense any resentment behind the statement, despite the fact that Liv was married to one in the past. But of course, she’d have a soft spot for the Slades, since her sons had their blood. Clearly! Their eyes were so vivid, they almost glowed.
“Lucky for you,” Liv called over to Cadence, “you’re holding onto the sweetest brother there. How’s Nash doing by the way?”
“Well… not that great probably. You know he’s staying with…” Porter trailed off and glanced over at Cadence. “Oh wait, have you met Angel yet?”
“Not formally,” Liv said.
“She’s coming to my birthday party!” Charlie announced, like it was already a done deal. “Right, Mommy?”
Liv beamed at them. “Lily’s in charge, but I’m sure it’s fine if she wants to come.”
Charlie grabbed Cadence’s hand, looking up at her with the same pleading eyes that belonged to Porter—eyes that she could never refuse. “Mompa will let you. You have to come. Please!”
Charlie’s mother waddled over to them, clutching Pip’s hand. She waved as she came closer. “I saw you at church, Angel. Sorry, I didn’t introduce myself. I was running late.” Liv made being pregnant look adorable, though Cadence supposed it also seemed super uncomfortable. Either way, Liv held herself up with grace, though she was breathing hard by the time she reached them… only after a few feet of travel.
“Liv!” Porter’s expression held a storm of concern. “Why don’t you sit down? I’ll take your little demons.”
She threw her head back in a laugh. “There’s no hiding behind the children this time. Pastor Brown has been smuggling water cannons to everyone. You are so paying for what you did last year.”
Porter didn’t look worried. “Let’s hope those weapons don’t get into the wrong hands.”Like his?He released Cadence to tug a chair from a line of them set against the grass. “Sit down. Sit down. My momma would have my head for keeping you on your feet like this.”
