Chapter 31
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
It was a week later when the town of Big Cedar hosted a picnic for all its residents.
“What are we celebrating?” Amber asked.
“That you’re home,” Sawyer told her, holding her hand as they walked toward the tables that were set up in the long, wide driveway in front of the firehouse. “And that it’s a beautiful spring day.”
He was right, Amber thought. It sure was. Birds were chirping. The sun was shining. The trees that covered the mountains were alive and green. The scent of blooming flowers was heavy in the air.
It was most definitely a beautiful spring day. Darn near perfect. And what made it even better was that she was with Daddy and all the people she’d grown to love.
She had a family now. And they’d be together forever.
Her focus shifted to Quinn as he held up his hands to get everyone’s attention. It seemed almost everyone in town was there, even some people she hadn’t met yet. She looked forward to making new friends.
But first, the sheriff wanted to speak, so she listened when he said, “Y’all, it’s been a long winter but that’s behind us now. We gathered here to celebrate new and old friends. And the coming tourism season. I’m thankful for you all and thankful to the Almighty that we get to live in Big Cedar.”
Everyone cheered.
Unable to contain herself, Amber yelled, “It’s heaven on earth!”
The crowd cheered and applauded again.
“I couldn’t say it better myself. So, with that in mind,” the sheriff said, “let’s eat!”
As everyone went toward the tables of food, Amber took a moment to hug Sawyer.
“I love you, Daddy.”
“And I love you, too, babygirl. More than anything in this world.”
She sighed. Yes, life was just about perfect.
Until a little green garter snake slithered out of the nearby flower bed and caught her attention.
“Holy shit! Fuck me!” she yelled.
The snake scurried back into the plant life.
Everyone froze, the Littles gasping at the language they’d just heard.
With all eyes on her, Little Amber gasped and covered her mouth. “Sorry. I, uh, say bad words when I’m scared.”
Daddy just laughed, shook his head, and said, “Come on, little one. Let’s get your food.”
It was a beautiful evening in Big Cedar.
The End