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Westbrook, a town of about 30,000, and the closest urban area to Downing and Thousand Acres, bustled with a surprising amount of activity for a Friday afternoon. The holiday season vibes were well underway, and excitement filled the air. Tinsel and greenery were everywhere, lights and holly hung from the streetlamps, and a towering tree loomed large in the small, square park in front of City Hall, a classic Greek-revival building.
The main drag of town was as cute as they came, the road packed with businesses and townhomes. Just being there was enough to make memories of my childhood come flooding back.
“Busy,” Mac said as he glanced over his shoulder at the scene while helping Hattie out of the truck.
Henry in my arms, I stepped over to a nearby telephone pole and read a flyer attached to it.
“Oh, wow. I totally spaced on what was going on down here.”
“Winter farmer’s market,” Mac nodded, seemingly remembering at the same time as me. “Last chance of the year to offload your goods before the market shuts down for the winter.”
“Aggie’s down here running our booth. Lots of llama wool, if you’re interested.” I followed my words up with a smile.
Mac chuckled. “Think we’re good on that.”
I loved his laugh. Mac was rough and gruff as they came, making it even more noteworthy when he cracked a smile or allowed himself a little laugh. I savored it whenever it happened.
“Alright,” I said. “Sam’s Pizza is just down the block. You guys ready?”
“Yeah!” They said in unison.
“What do you guys want to get?”
“Cheese!” Hattie exclaimed.
“Pepperoni!” Henry added. “And green peppers!”
I cocked my head to the side. “Peppers, huh?”
He grinned. “They’re crunchy.”
“Kid’s got unusual taste,” Mac said with a shrug. “Don’t know where he gets it from.”
“You know whatIlike?” I asked, deciding to have some fun with the kids.
“What?” Hattie asked.
“Mushrooms. Lots and lots andlotsof mushrooms. So many mushrooms that the pizza is just onebigmushroom!”
“Eww!” they said in unison.
I gave both of their arms a gentle squeeze before standing up. Mac stood there, a strangely warm expression on his face.
“Thanks,” he said, leaning in. “Don’t think I say this often enough, but you’re so damn great with them. Appreciate it like hell.”
His words warmed my heart. It took all the restraint I had to hold back the big grin that he’d just inspired.
“Hard not to have fun with great kids like these.”
As I spoke, Mac reached back and pulled his thick wallet of worn leather out of his back pocket.
“Here. For the pizza.”
“You’re not coming with?”
“I’ll join you in a few. Adam hired a crew to work the market and I want to check in on them while we’re here. I’ll meet the three of you there in a little bit.” He opened his wallet to reveal an inch-deep stack of hundreds, taking one out and handing it to me.
“You don’t need to do that. You guys give me enough to treat the kids; I can handle the occasional slice of pizza.”
