32. Coraline
32
Coraline
Everything is ready to go, and it’s time to make our way to the kick-off party. We’ve had a wonderful week of camping so far.
Jesse's visited the campsite every evening and has played with both of the kids. I had to leave to go to work every day for a couple of hours, but the kids have had a wonderful time with Granna and Pappy.
The Camp Willowbrooke 100th year celebration is being held at the entrance to the golf course. We all opt to ride our bikes down together instead of driving because we’re so close to the location. It would almost be silly to drive down and have to fight for a place to park. Even Granna and Pappy are riding their bikes this time.
As soon as the party comes into view, my jaw drops. Jesse and his crew have gone above and beyond. This looks like something straight out of a movie.
There are carnival-style lights twinkling everywhere, and the entire area is filled with excitement. A Ferris wheel spins lazily in the distance, a carousel plays its cheerful tune, a fun slide waits for brave adventurers, and off to the side, I spot a Gravitron. I can’t help but giggle to myself when I see it. Jesse and I got stuck inside of one of those at the county fair when we were in middle school.
There are multiple vendor tents, food trucks, and inflatables for the kids. I notice that the Scottsdale Diner has its own tent full of desserts made by no one other than Pamela.
Most of the vendors here run their own small businesses. Events like this give them a chance to really promote their products and establish more customers. The small company that sells my favorite candle, Spice of Life , is set up here too. I’ll have to come back later and buy a few to stock up.
As we park our bikes in the bike rack, the smell of a kettle corn stand makes my mouth water. There's not many things that are better than good ol’ kettle corn. I make a mental note to hit it up later too.
They have a main stage set up for music with a crowd already forming. Pappy starts making his way down through the crowd to get to the stage. He’s supposed to open the ceremony in prayer before the first band performs.
“Mom, can we go ride some rides?” Harrison asks, his eyes wide with excitement.
“Please, Mama?” Michael adds, his face contorting into his best puppy-dog look.
I smile at them but shake my head. “Not yet, boys," I say gently. “I want to listen to Pappy open the ceremony, and then we can go play.”
Granna steps up behind me, placing a hand on my shoulder. “I can take them, Coraline.”
I glance back at her, a little relieved. “Are you sure you don’t mind?” I ask.
Granna smiles warmly, her eyes twinkling. “Not at all. You enjoy the ceremony. I’ll make sure they don’t get into too much trouble.”
“Thank you, Granna." I sigh in relief. "Boys, you all have to stay together. I'll come and find you after the band plays their first song.”
“Thanks Mom!” They each take one of Granna’s hands and off they go.
She waves me off with a wink, taking both boys’ hands and leading them towards the rides. I watch them go, feeling a sense of calm wash over me as I turn back to the front of the celebration, ready for Pappy’s speech to begin.
There are three bands total for tonight. The first band that’s supposed to go on is a local church band. They’re an old time bluegrass band that sings gospel music, but we love them anyway.
I look towards the crowd and my eyes crash with Jesse's. He’s got his curly, dark hair styled and is rocking a five o'clock shadow. He’s wearing a Camp Willowbrooke t-shirt with matching basketball shorts.
Charlie and John are standing beside of Jesse with their arms folded over their chests, both sporting smirks. Jesse rolls his eyes at them.
I’m a little surprised to see John here. Shae still hasn't told me anything yet. I’ve been trying to support her privacy as much as I can but I know that something has happened.
"Hello boys," I say with a wave, my voice light and playful.
"Hi Coraline," they respond in unison, a smile tugging at the corners of their mouths. "Hi Gemma."
"Hey, boys," Gemma replies and quickly looks away. Her cheeks tinged with a hint of pink. It’s subtle, but I catch it.
“Excuse me, everyone. If I could please have your attention. We are going to be opening this celebration with prayer.” The announcer steps back, and Pappy walks onto the stage.
We all bow our heads, and I listen intently to his opening prayer. His words are familiar, comforting, and grounding, but it’s the quiet stillness that surrounds me that brings me the most peace.
As Pappy prays, I feel my heart swell with joy, and a sense of serenity I’ve been missing for so long fills me completely.
Tears prick at my eyes. I don’t try to hold them back. Instead, I embrace them as a sign of gratitude—a reminder of how blessed I am to be standing here, to feel God’s presence so strongly. He can show up anywhere and anytime and I’m so for thankful that.
Just as I let myself lean into the peace of the prayer, I feel Jesse’s hand brush against mine. His touch is gentle and reassuring, a quiet anchor amidst the emotions swirling inside me. His hand closes around mine, giving me a tender squeeze.
I am so blessed to have a second chance, with my first love.