He carefully stood, reaching down to adjust his leg. “Before you even start, I cleared it with Steers. A half-mile at a slow jog. Are you up for that? We’re not stopping until the finish line.”
“Let’s do it!”
They left the driveway at an easy jog and rejoined the race. Aldo’s gait was smooth.
“You make this look so easy,” Harper puffed.
“Believe me, it’s anything but easy. But it’s necessary.”
They rounded the next corner together and the noise level exploded. The finish line was two blocks away, a straight shot down Main Street Benevolence. The sight of Aldo running was enough to create a good-natured pandemonium.
“They must think you’re some kind of hero around here,” Harper teased.
Aldo merely grinned and she knew that he was finally home. Elated, she let the cheers of the crowd carry her to the finish line. As they crossed, Aldo grabbed her wrist and raised their joined hands high overhead.
The momentum carried Harper almost into the arms of two older veterans in dress uniforms who were handing out medals.
The two men snapped to attention and saluted Aldo.
“Thank you for your service, Lieutenant.”
Aldo saluted and then accepted a medal.
“And here’s one for you, young lady.” The shorter man with thick glasses and an even thicker head of white hair placed a medal around her neck.
Tickled, Harper couldn’t resist. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you!”
“Luke is going to kick my ass if he sees I let you cast him aside for another soldier,” Aldo laughed, dragging her toward the water.
They were intercepted by Mrs. Moretta and the entire Garrison clan.
“You did it!” Sophie leaned in to hug her. “Ugh, you’re sweaty and disgusting, but I’m still proud of you!”
Harper laughed. “I can’t believe I did it! I don’t think I’m going to be able to move for the rest of the day, but it was worth it!”
“Did you know Aldo was going to ditch his bike?”
“No clue. That was pretty awesome!”
“Aunt Hawpa!” Josh, in a little baseball hat and sunglasses, threw himself at her legs. “Up!”
She picked him up and settled him on her hip. “Hey there, handsome. Are you having fun?”
“We’re going to the pawade,” he announced cheerfully. Josh patted her shoulder. “Sweaty. Ewh!”
She laughed and gave him a hug before putting him back on the ground. “Go tell Aldo he did a good job.”
Josh darted over to him and launched himself into Aldo’s arms. “You sweaty, too!”
Claire approached, banana in hand. “Here you go, kiddo. You’re going to need this after a finish like that! You two had the whole town on its feet.”
Grateful, Harper immediately inhaled the banana. “Did anyone get a picture of Aldo finishing? I think Luke would love to see that.”
Sophie held up her phone. “Only about seven hundred or so shots. I’ll pick out a few good ones and send them to you.”
“Thanks, Soph.” Harper sat down on the curb and took the rest of her congratulations from a seated position.
“Hey, Harper! That was some finish.” Gloria appeared out of the crowd. She was dressed in white shorts and a navy blue tank with a cute red headband tied in her dark hair.
