“I figuredas much.” Josh shook his head. He looked so handsome in his half zip sweater. “The things that they put on shirts.”
Sam didn’t ask what it said. If this were the Army, she’d be asking for active duty pay. That’s how stressful the day had been, but Josh seemed pleased. And Mia was happy. Double win. They were headed to a restaurant on Walloon Lake. An evening coolness had fallen and shadows engulfed the woodsy areas they passed. The knots in her neck eased.
During her years in advertising, she’d known plenty of stressful days. Winning an account was cause for celebration. But nothing had felt as gratifying as euphoria that lifted her now. After the tension of the shopping trip, Sam was surprised to find that she was ravenous.
Chapter 22
Isabel
Before Izzy knew it, Memorial Day was upon them. The weekend had always been so special for her, full of good food, a fun parade and bands blasting patriotic music. How she wanted that experience to be the same for Holly. The night before the parade, Skipper helped her decorate Holly’s stroller with red and blue streamers. As a crowning touch Mrs. Malone dug out two red pinwheels that Skipper taped to the front, although Holly immediately tried to eat them.
Coffee and Cupcakes was bound to be packed, with more tourists arriving every day. Skipper had baked a backlog of cupcakes for the freezer. Patricia and Debbie were both working the front counter so that Izzy could go to the festivities. The night beforeSkipper had been cute, asking if she minded if he came too.
“Of course not. Holly will love having you with us.” And that was the truth. Izzy’s baby was sitting on Skipper’s lap as they watched the movie “Moana” on TV. Although some of it seemed lost on Holly, Mrs. Malone was captivated. Skipper’s mother sat in the chair across the room, knitting another sweater for Holly. She was very excited about the parade the next day and the picnic Seth had planned at the house on Horton Bay.
“Do you think your mom will be too tired?” Izzy whispered. “You know, for the parade and the picnic tomorrow?”
“Who’s tired?” Mrs. Malone perked up.
“The baby.” Skipper spoke up. “We hope she won’t get too tired tomorrow.”
“Seth has that Pack and Play,” Izzy said. “So I think we’re good. Holly can always take a nap at Seth’s.”
“Good man.” Skipper held up a hand for Holly. They loved to do that together. “High five. Right, Holly?”
Her precious girl bobbed her head. “Five!” she said offering her tiny fist. They were all working with Holly on her numbers.
That night they’d all gone to bed early. Thankgoodness the day dawned sunny and not too hot. As they stood at the cemetery the following morning under a blue sky while the band played, Izzy was so happy. Charlevoix was very proud of the men and women who’d served their country. Wreaths were laid on every grave while the band played. Skipper had brought his mother to see the parade, while Izzy had Holly in a stroller. After the graveside ceremony was finished, they headed downtown, where Marlowe joined them.
“No Brad today?” Izzy looked around.
Marlowe stared out at the crowd. “No, why?”
“Oh, nothing.” Sometimes it was hard to figure out her sisters. Across the crowd, she noticed Sam, standing with Josh, but his kids weren’t around. Aunt Cate had mentioned that Josh and his family were joining them for the barbecue at Seth’s later in the day.
Dressed in a red and white striped romper, Holly was so excited by the band playing in East Park. Skipper had brought a folding chair for his mom and there she was, seated on the edge of the curb, with the stroller right next to her. Pumping her little legs in the stroller, Holly’s head swiveled. There was just so much to take in. The red and blue bucket hat Irene Malone had bought her was darling.
The smell of hot dogs and brats was in the air and an ice cream truck was parked next to the paraderoute. Izzy hoped people would drift down to the bakery when the parade finished up. Since she’d hired Patricia, Debbie’s cousin, things weren’t as crazy. Izzy was considering hiring another temp this summer for the front.
The excitement of the parade and all the business coming through the door had kept Izzy occupied. She didn’t have time to think about Sunnycrest and the work being done there, which was a good thing. When Seth invited everyone to come to the cottage in Horton Bay for a barbecue that day, his offer was a big hit. Mrs. Malone was so excited, and Josh was bringing Mia and Hayden.
The parade came rolling past with more marching bands, their instruments gleaming as they moved to the music. Civic groups marched along, tossing candy to the crowd. Holly clapped and tried to reach for the candy. Maybe she was too young to remember this day as she grew older. But there would be other summers and that brought comfort to Izzy. She hated to think too far ahead. Planning had never been her strong suit.
When the high school band moved past, Izzy glanced across the street. Was that Camille? She tried not to stare and was grateful for her heart-shaped sunglasses. She crouched a bit, hoping Camille wouldn’t see her. Dressed in a glittery red top and white jeans, Camille stood out from the crowd. Her long legs were tucked into red cowboy boots. Standingbeside her was a tall guy with a scarf around his neck and a slouch hat on his head. His linen ensemble had a casual Armani look to it. Were they a couple?
Camille tried to catch Skipper’s eye but he was busy. Crouched next to Holly, he was pointing out the clown. Dressed in a bright red, white and blue outfit and wearing a bulbous artificial nose, the clown danced over to blow up a balloon for Holly. Within seconds he’d fashioned an animal for Izzy’s delighted baby girl. Clutching it in her arms, Holly kissed it. Skipper caught Izzy’s eye and smiled before turning his attention back to the parade. Family. They felt like a family and she had to think about that.
But Camille was still standing there. Izzy elbowed her sister and nodded toward the other side of the street. “Camille,” she mouthed, watching her sister’s eyes scan the crowd on the other side until Marlowe’s mouth fell open.
“Who’s the hot guy with her?” she said, close to Izzy’s ear.
“Who knows? But the hotter the better.” All this was said without moving their lips.
“Definitely into each other,” Marlowe said with a grin.
“Yep, looks that way.”
The last band was passing by when Skipper finally noticed his French friend. “Oh look, there’s Camillewith her fiancé.”
