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He closed the liftgate and joined Sage and Dallen. They started the trek to the path that led through the park to the concert area, and Sage said, “Lauren and Blake have a spot staked out for us.”
“Don’t you guys sit in the same place every year?” Ty asked.
“I guess so,” Sage said. “I’m never the first one here, so I don’t know.”
Ty liked having someone else be in charge at things like this, and he was more than content to go along. They found their group easily, as they sat just off the path near the clearing so they could enjoy the shade until darkness fell, and then move out into the open area to see the fireworks beyond the tree limbs.
“Ty, hey,” Blake said as they arrived. “Wow, you brought all the dogs.”
They all panted already, and Ty grinned at them. “They’ll just lay right on down. Won’t you, guys?”
“Let me help you with the chairs,” Grant said, ever the people-person. “I’m Grant.”
“Oh, this is my son,” Sage said. “Dallen. Dallen, that’s Grant. His wife is my friend, Bea. Remember her?”
Bea got to her feet, her grin absolutely huge and infectious. “Look how old you are, Dallen.”
“Ma’am.” He chuckled as he stepped into her for a hug.
“I met you when you were ten years old,” Bea said, and Ty couldn’t imagine having that kind of history with someone.
“Cass,” Sage said, indicating her as she lined up to hug Dallen. “She married Harry.”
“Howdy,” Harry said, and Ty noticed his thumb had a far smaller bandage on it than before.
Introductions continued to go around, and all of the women knew Dallen, of course. He and Sage weren’t the last to arrive, and Bessie and Oliver took some of the spotlight from them when they got there.
Ty set up his chair on the end next to Scott, who’d brought Ghost to the park that evening. The three canines with him knew Ghost but smelled him anyway, and then they all found a spot on the grass to lie down.
Sage sat beside him, and Dallen next to her. The sky held a shade of blue that could only be produced in July, and Ty sighed into the evening breeze. “This is nice,” he said.
“I love this park,” Sage said.
Ty leaned closer to her, glad when she edged toward him, dipping her head so his mouth lingered right at her ear. “I’m falling in love with you.” He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss there while she giggled and ducked her head the way he’d seen her son do.
“Thank you, Ty,” she whispered, and he settled in for an amazing night of music, food, and fireworks.
27
Bea watched her husband reach up and press the button to close the back of their SUV. “Ready?” he asked and she could only smile.
“Ready.”
Shelby already sat in the back seat, and she’d put her backpack up there with her, along with a blanket and a pillow, as they were settling in for several hours of driving today.
“Congaree National Park or bust.” Grant wrapped her in his arms, causing Bea to stumble. She laughed as he did, and she sure did love this man.
“Thank you,” she said as they sobered. “I know this is a big deal for you, leaving your management company for this long.” She knew he was doing it for her too, as she’d once putVisit 10 National Parkson her love list.
She still hadn’t crossed that one off, though she’d been to seven now. With Shelby moving away to college in just a couple of months, Grant had come up with this idea of the three of them going on “the most epic road trip ever,” and that had included the remaining National Parks that Bea needed to finish her list item.
“I’d do anything for you, my love.” Grant kissed her, but he didn’t linger for long. “Now come on, or we might lose Shelby before we get out of the driveway.” He grinned at Bea and led her around to the passenger seat.
“Dad,” Shelby said. “Can we stop for drinks and snacks before we get going?”
“That’s a given, sugar,” he said as Bea sat down. Grant closed her door and went to get behind the wheel.
“I want some boiled peanuts,” Bea said.
