Chapter 24 #2
“See, I told you. Your salon is already a hit here in town.”
Then, in front of everyone, Skylar stands on his tiptoes, reaches up, pulls my head down, and kisses me right on the lips.
“Oh my god,” Max squees. “You two are the cutest!”
When Skylar lets go, I try not to swoon, my lips still tingling and my body turning floaty all over.
I really love kissing. And Skylar.
“How bold,” Astraea says, and gives Skylar a thumbs-up. “I approve.”
He clears his throat and flashes me a sweet little smirk. “Consider that thanks.”
“For what?” I ask dazedly as I reach up to touch my lips.
“For sending Flo, and probably a whole lot more folks, to my salon.”
I blush. “I just gave them a little nudge of encouragement.”
“And that matters. Hal, they came and gave me a chance because they trust you.” Skylar’s voice becomes hoarse. “Thank you for singing my praises to all your friends.”
I take his hand in mine and squeeze it. “It was my pleasure. I know how amazing you are, and I want others to discover it too.”
A microphone crackles to life.
“Welcome to the Opening Ceremony of this year’s Harvest Festival!”
We turn our attention to the stage set up on the lawn. Jayden Bell stands in the middle of it, holding a microphone, and his students march up the steps to join him, settling into a predetermined formation for their imminent performance.
Finding a comfortable place to sit on the grass, Max and I both spread out the picnic blankets we brought with us, and we all settle in to enjoy the show.
Jayden starts playing a guitar, and the children sing along to the music, show off their choreographed dance moves, and perform their hearts out.
Their youthful exuberance and optimism are a joy to watch.
Skylar snuggles into my side while Elvira curls in my lap. Talk about bliss.
“You know, it’s probably an awkward time to bring this up, but we haven’t talked about a kind of big issue if we’re gonna be life partners,” Skylar murmurs quietly.
My heart speeds up. “What’s that?”
“Kids. Do you want them? Seeing Jayden’s class performing kind of jolted me awake on this subject.”
He’s right. We need to discuss this before we go much further, so even though this is a public space, I answer him as truthfully as possible, if a little nervously.
“I like children,” I whisper back, “but I’ll be honest. I don’t really see them in my life.
A hellhound, sure. But kids are a whole other level of commitment.
I prefer occasionally babysitting my friends’ children, but I don’t think I want the twenty-four-seven job of being a parent.
” I study him, anxiety blooming inside me. “What about you?”
He lets out a huge sigh of relief. “Oh, thank fuck. I was worried you were gonna tell me you want a whole baseball team of rug rats.”
I blink. “So… we’re on the same page?”
He snuggles closer and chuckles. “Yep. I don’t hate kids at all, but raising a kid right is a lot of fucking work.
I’m still working on myself and dealing with my trauma.
I’m not in the headspace to be a parent, and it isn’t something I’ve ever really wanted.
” He takes hold of my hand and entwines our fingers.
“Families come in all shapes and sizes. You, me, and our hellhound make a pretty great family already.”
I sniff back tears. “Yeah, we really do.”
“Vash and I’ve talked, and we agree we don’t want kids either,” Ryder says, evidently having heard part of our conversation.
“Nothing against them, per se, we just don’t see ourselves doing the whole parenting thing.
Also, I’d probably forget to feed and clothe a child on a consistent schedule.
Best leave that to responsible types like Max. ”
“If you ask me, it’s better not to have kids if you’re not committed to being the best parent possible,” Max says.
“Some people have children for foolish or selfish reasons, and it’s the kids who tend to suffer as a result.
Thinking about it beforehand and making an informed decision, rather than jumping in and hoping for the best, is much smarter.
” Max grins at us all. “And Harn and Yara love having so many fun caregiving adults in their lives.”
People all around us start clapping as the children’s show ends, and we join in.
A local group of musicians follows them up on stage and vendors begin selling food and drinks as the crowd grows. Families gather to buy pre-picked bushels of apples from the orchard, and the air is filled with music and laughter.
It’s a good opening for the festival.
After a time, Max gets to his feet and shakes out his blanket. “I’m going to get myself a drink before Targan joins me. That way I can claim I need him to carry me home,” he adds with a giggle.
To my surprise, Skylar jumps up too. “I’ll join you if you don’t mind.” He smiles at me. “Want anything, babe? I’m buying.”
I smile back. “Sure. I’d love some of Laurelis’s apple cider.”
He and Max head off while the rest of us continue enjoying the late afternoon festivities.
About twenty minutes later, Skylar returns alone, holding two disposable cups full of cider.
“Targan found Max and they’re feeding the kids. I guess all that singing and dancing made them hungry.” He hands me my drink. “Sorry it took me so long, but there was a line.”
“It’s okay. Thanks for the cider,” I say, sipping the sweet, crisp drink with pleasure.
Skylar chuckles. “Did you know Max is Grand Marshal of the Harvest Festival parade tomorrow morning?”
“He’s been campaigning for that position since he joined the committee. I’m sure he’ll be fabulous.”
“Well, I know he’ll be memorable,” Skylar says. “He sashays to the beat of his own dance song.”
I laugh. “That’s a lovely way to put it.”
By the time the sun sets, the night air has turned much cooler, and we say our goodbyes to Ryder and Vash, who had worked a late day.
“We’re going back to our motel to crash for a few hours,” Rowan says, looking worryingly pale.
“Everything’s under control here so go get some rest. I won’t call you unless something big happens,” Astraea says.
As I watch Rowan and his familiar head out, Skylar links his arm through mine. “You’re worried about him, aren’t you?”
I bite my bottom lip. “I don’t think he’s well yet. The poor man needs rest.”
Skylar leans into me. “Don’t worry, babe. Rowan and Ange will be moving into the B&B tomorrow and you can fuss over him to your heart’s content.” He grins. “And I’ll get the side benefit of enjoying all the delicious comfort food you’ll whip up for him.”
How did he know I was already planning a whole menu in my head?
“I’m not sure when I’ll be back tonight,” Astraea says, drawing my attention back to her. “I’ve got some things to take care of.” She leans down to give Elvira one last pat on all three heads and takes off.
Once she disappears into the crowd, Skylar and I walk home hand in hand. Along the way, I think about this and the many Harvest Festivals to come—and how we’ll be able to spend them all together.
The future awaiting us is bright and beautiful, I just know it.