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It’sthe day the entire family’s been waiting for—the gym’s grand opening. I arrive early with Dad to help set up the tables with the treats Belinda made for the hundreds of people expected to stop by. Eric joins us too, but he stays out of sight. I’ve almost stopped noticing him around because he’s stealthy as hell. The past nine days have been quiet, but Eric’s convinced this is the calm before the storm. He’s still been keeping watch on Loretta, though she’s not as suspect as she was before. There’s been no sign of Brittany or Anthony, and I’m hoping that means she’s given up and dropped her vendetta. Katie doesn’t believe that’s the case, though, and neither does Eric, so we’ve been extra careful.
Within the hour, most of Lawton Ridge and some of Mobile will arrive to congratulate Tyler and Gemma. Opening a new business around here is a big deal because it doesn’t happen too often. Gemma went all out and hired a DJ, a hot dog truck, and set up arts and crafts booths for the kids. She’s also giving away a ton of prizes, from yearly memberships to big-screen TVs. It’s been the talk of the town all week.
Before the excitement fully commences, Katie arrives looking as gorgeous as ever with her hair pulled to the side. Her lips are ruby red, and she’s dressed in some tight jeans and a top that shows me the softness of her neck. When she comes closer, I pull her into my arms. Owen smiles, and though I’m hesitant to let her go, I create some space between us.
“Sorry,” I whisper, leaning in just so she can hear. “Can’t help myself. You’re so goddamn beautiful.”
When I push away, she laughs and grins. Today’s a big deal for more than one reason. This is the first time we’ve been seen together in a public setting, and I interlock my fingers with hers so everyone knows she’s my girl. Many haven’t forgotten what happened with Gabe, and I’m sure we’ll be fueling the rumor mill until something else gets their attention, but neither of us cares. We no longer want to keep our relationship a secret, so we thought this was a good time. That way, there’s no doubt she’s mine, and I’m hers.
People begin arriving in packs, and the band starts playing a country song. Soon, it seems all of Lawton Ridge is here and in full celebration mode. Some stare while others whisper when I wrap my arm around Katie’s shoulder or hold her hand, but it doesn’t bother us. We’re not ashamed to be together. Anyone who doesn’t agree can fuck off because I don’t care about their opinions. For once in my life, I’m happy and so is Katie. I finally have what I’ve always wanted—her. And I want the whole damn world to know.
“Mom, can I get my face painted?” Owen asks as we pass the booth that has a line of eager kids waiting.
“Sure,” she says, and we go to the end.
“Do you know what you’re gonna get?” I ask Owen. There are at least fifty designs to choose from, way too many for indecisive kids.
“Captain America!” he confirms with a fist pump.
I nod. “That’s a great one!”
Soon, he’s plopping down in the seat, and Katie and I watch as his entire face is covered in red, white, and blue paint. After it’s finished, I give him a high five, and Katie pulls out her phone.
“You two get together. Let’s take a picture.”
Before she can snap it, someone walks by and offers to take one of the three of us. Katie happily stands next to me, and we smile wide.
“It turned out great,” the woman says, handing Katie her phone back.
With a smile, Katie turns the screen around and shows us.
“Our first family photo,” I say, and I think I see her emotions take over for a brief second.
“It’s perfect,” she says.
We stop and grab a hot dog, slathering on the mustard like there’s no more left on the planet, and eat at the picnic tables set up in the parking lot. The sun beats down on us, but honestly, the weather is perfect. A few lingering clouds and a constant breeze help so we don’t bake.
Tyler and Gemma walk around as calm as can be, and they greet everyone who passes them. When they come closer to us, I ask if they need anything, and Tyler shakes his head.
“You’re off the clock today,” he says with a grin, then glances at Katie. “Y’all enjoy yourselves.”
“Yes, sir,” I reply just as Katie’s parents walk over. Owen runs toward them and gives Katie’s mom a big hug. Face paint smears on the side of her shirt, but her smile never fades. It’s obvious how much she loves Owen.
“Hey, kids,” Mrs. Walker says to us.
“Mom, can I hang out with Memaw and Papa?” Owen asks without hesitation.
Katie scrunches her face and looks at her mom for approval.
“Yeah, I’d love to take him around. All the arts and crafts like sand art and necklace making, and I think I saw a dunking booth too,” she says.
“A dunking booth? I must’ve missed that one. Gemma really did go all out,” Katie replies, and I agree.
“Sometimes, she can be alittleextra,” I say with a laugh.
“Call me when you’re exhausted,” Katie tells her mother and gives her dad a hug. Soon, Owen’s leading them through the crowd back toward the kids’ activities.
After the mayor gives a speech about new businesses and the Lawton Ridge community, Tyler’s handed the giant pair of golden scissors and cuts the ribbon in front of the door. The crowd cheers with excitement, and he thanks them all for coming. Soon, Gemma gives people a tour of the inside of the gym.
