Chapter 19
CHAPTER NINETEEN
The day of the wildflower festival dawned with the sun shining and a nice breeze to keep the air circulating. Brodie had dragged himself away from Cerise’s warm bed and arrived at the Hunt VFD to meet up with the rest of his team so they could go through the logistics of the event.
As far as he knew, he was going to be doing a couple of shifts directing people to correct parking locations and manning the VFD stand in the hopes of raising some money and getting more people involved with the organization.
Life changed on a dime for people and sometimes they had to relinquish their volunteer duties.
It had been a crazy week since he and Cerise had proclaimed their love for each other.
He’d spoken to Mitch’s parents who in turn introduced him to the Crabtrees.
He’d looked over their property and liked what he’d seen.
The main ranch house and the barn needed to be updated but he had the means to do that.
Before he finalized anything he wanted to show Cerise the house and see what she thought about living there.
He hoped she and Finn liked the idea of living on the ranch.
It wasn’t too far away from Kerrville so it should work in well with Finn’s school as well as Cerise’s job.
When they got married, she wouldn’t have to worry about giving up the job she loved to take something that would fit in with Finn’s school schedule. He’d be there when she wasn’t.
He smiled when he thought about the word “marriage” now. He had no plans to propose just yet, but he’d found his soulmate. He was complete.
“What are you looking so happy about?” Eric asked as he walked into headquarters.
“Life.”
“Oh fuck, I recognize that look. You’re in love.”
“I am.”
“With Cerise?”
“Yep, with the glitter queen herself. And I love it.”
Eric slapped him on the back. “Happy for you, man.”
Over the next couple of hours everyone went over everything they needed to do. Brodie had plans to meet Cerise and Finn for lunch. He couldn’t wait until they got there, although he was sure she’d text him when she arrived and walk over to where he was.
“You ready, Big John.” Brodie and Big John had first shift on directing traffic where to park.
The big man nodded and smiled. “Yep, let me get another donut and we’ll be on our way.”
Doing the same, Brodie grabbed a chocolate-iced donut and a couple of bottles of water.
As they made their way to the parking lot, he noticed the vendors were all setting up their tents to show their wares.
The weekend-long festival was a popular event in Hunt and attracted people from surrounding counties, including San Antonio, and as far away as Houston.
He had to admit the carpet of blue from the fields of bluebonnets was pretty spectacular.
Seemed a shame that the flowers were going to get trampled by the visitors and their need for the perfect photo.
Although he couldn’t deny that a picture of Cerise and Finn surrounded by flowers was something he could get on board with. Finn would probably call it gross or something.
Spending time with the young lad over the last week had been amazing too.
He and the boy had laughed and teased Cerise, and they’d even made her dinner, which had brightened her day so much.
It was obvious to him that no one had done anything nice for her and he was determined to change that for her.
“How busy do you think this is going to be?” Brodie asked, figuring Big John had worked the event before.
“It can get really crazy, seeing as the festival is only for this weekend. Last year we had to break up a fight between two women because they both wanted their kids to have photos at the exact same spot. It’s flowers, there’s plenty of places where they could take photos.
” Big John chuckled. “It was pretty funny actually.”
Brodie shook his head. “The lengths people will go through to get a photo. Let’s hope we don’t have another situation like that and not too many assholes trying to ignore our directions.”
“That may be asking too much, but we can always hope.”
When they reached the lot, he and Big John took up their positions on either side of the entryway. He glanced at his watch. Only a couple hours and he could get to see Cerise.
“We’d love to have more people join the Volunteer Fire Department.
It’s a great way to give back to the community.
” Brodie smiled and handed the teenager a pamphlet.
The chances of him following through and joining were probably slim, but perhaps he had an older brother or father that would like to give back to the community.
“Brodie! Hi.” Finn was waving excitedly as he dragged Cerise up to the booth table.
“Hey, you two.” He crooked his finger in Cerise’s direction and when she got close enough, he leaned over the table and was pleased when she met him halfway.
As much as he wanted to lose himself in their kiss, he was aware of where they were and who was watching.
He pulled away and smiled at his little family.
Of course, they weren’t a family yet, but they would be.
He wouldn’t let himself think of the alternative—Poppy coming back and snatching Finn away from them.
He wouldn’t let that thought take up any space in his mind.
“How’s it going?” Cerise asked as she squeezed his hand.
“Busy. We’ve got lots of interest from people about the fire department which is good. But who knows who will actually come to the information night we’ll be running soon.”
“You guys do an awful lot of good for the community. I hope they do come and support you.”
“We can only hope. What are you two going to do?”
“Cerise wants me to have a picture among the bluebonnets. Can you believe it? I’m nine, not four.” Finn shook his head in what Brodie assumed was disgust, but he could also see the little bit of longing in his eyes, that maybe he did want to take a photo.
“I thought you didn’t understand why people did it,” he teased Cerise.
“I’m a woman. I’m allowed to change my mind,” she said with an impish grin.
“You know, I was thinking earlier that it would be good to have a photo taken. Maybe a group one of us all.”
“I like the sound of that.” Cerise turned to Finn who was trying hard to keep his I’m too old for wildflower portraits face in place, but Brodie could see it slipping as the idea seemed to sink in. “How about you, Finn? What say we make it a family thing?”
“A family photo?” He echoed, his eyes widening.
Crap, had he said the wrong thing? It wasn’t like they’d talked to Finn about them being a family.
As far as the boy knew, he was still just being fostered by Cerise.
He’d also seen the way Finn had seemed to straighten and get a look of worry on his face every time Cerise’s phone rang.
He only lost the scared look when he worked out that it wasn’t someone saying that he would have to leave.
“Yep, a family.”
“Awesome. I mean, sure, that sounds like fun.”
Brodie bit back the laugh and the way Cerise’s shoulders were shaking he could see she was trying hard not to bust out laughing at the way Finn was trying to play it cool.
“Great, well, my shift finishes at one. How about we meet up at the taco stand, grab something to eat, and then go find someone who will take a photo of us?”
“Perfect plan.” Cerise walked around the table and hugged him. “We’ll see you about fifteen after one, in case you get caught up.”
“I won’t be able to miss you wearing your hat.” He pointed to the sparkly pink cowboy hat on top of her head.
“You know I never go anywhere without my signature sparkle.” She winked and his body twitched behind the zipper of his pants.
“I know. I love it. See you soon.” He dropped another quick kiss on her lips and then fist bumped Finn. He watched them walk away, his heart feeling light and full.
“Good to see you looking so happy, son.” Gene’s gruff voice sounded behind him and Brodie turned to face the man.
“Thanks. I am happy. I can say that I’ve found myself here in Hunt.
I had so much success when I was younger and thought I was happy then.
Now I know that what I was feeling back then was shallow compared to what I feel when I’m with Cerise and Finn.
” He waited to see if Gene picked up on his slip of the tongue about his past, but the other man didn’t seem to notice.
“There’s nothing like the love of a good woman. I didn’t think I was going to find it again, but I did with Daphne. Don’t let it go, and don’t do anything to let her down.” Some might think Gene was lecturing, but the man had a heart of gold, and everyone listened because his words were wise.
“I don’t plan on it.”
Gene slapped him on the back and then went to speak to some people that had come up to the table.
A quick glance at his watch showed he only had ninety minutes until he got to see Cerise again. Time couldn’t go quick enough for him.
The day was beautiful and the crowds had gathered in Hunt.
There was lots of laughter and the smell of funnel cakes and popcorn filled the air.
It reminded Cerise of the community event that had been held on the same field the previous year.
Only this time there weren’t any carnival rides, nor was there going to be a presentation.
She didn’t think there was going to be a band either, which was a shame because she would’ve loved to have danced in Brodie’s arms.
“So where to now, Finn?”
“Umm, I don’t know. I think I saw a tent where someone was selling model airplanes and trains kits. Maybe I can get one and build it with Brodie?”
“Sure, why not? Let’s go have a look.”
They’d taken two steps when the feeling that she was being watched swept over her. Glancing over her shoulder, she couldn’t see anyone who was fixated on her. Then again, there was a crowd, so pinpointing who could be watching her was difficult.