“I would love to do it. And think how well they’ll sleep.”
“There’s car seats to worry about and Robbie is allergic to bees ...”
Harper could sense she was wavering. “I’ll have them home fifteen minutes after the fireworks and I won’t let them have any soda after seven.”
“If you’re sure ...”
***
She was knew it would take some creative maneuvering to cram three kids plus a stroller into her Volkswagen, so she invited Claire, Joni, and Gloria to join her. Between two vehicles and four adults, Harper felt reasonably confident they could manage the evening.
“Fireworks!” Henry shouted as he sprinted toward the park.
“Slow down, crazy,” Harper laughed after him.
“Fwoks!” Ava, in her hot pink sunglasses, chirped from the stroller.
Robbie retrieved his brother and gave him a piggyback ride back to the group. “You’re a good big brother, Robbie,” Claire said, playfully adjusting his baseball hat.
His freckled nose wrinkled. “They’re okay, I guess. When they’re not annoying me all the time.”
“Obbie piggyback!” Ava held out her arms to her brother.
Robbie rolled his eyes. “Everyone always wants something,” he sighed.
“Wise beyond his years, that one is,” Joni laughed.
They took a poll of the kids and prioritized the route through the carnival to hit the highlights before claiming their spot for the fireworks display.
Gloria and Harper shared a funnel cake while Robbie and Henry did the goldfish toss.
“Mrs. Agosta is going to kill me if the kids come home with fish,” Harper moaned.
Robbie hooted in victory as his ping pong ball landed in a fish bowl.
“Crap. Looks like Max and Lola have a new sister.”
Henry whooped and did a victory dance.
“For the love of — Claire! Stop giving them money! Joni! Don’t think I don’t see you slipping him that dollar!”
“Guess you’re going aquarium shopping tomorrow,” Gloria teased.
“Laugh all you want, because here comes trouble for you,” Harper nodded.
Aldo was striding toward them. Clean-shaven now, he was sporting cargo shorts and boat shoes. His aviators were tucked into the neck of his fitted navy t-shirt.
“Why do I have this reaction to him?” Gloria whispered in a panic. She brought her hands to cool her flushed cheeks.
“Just enjoy it,” Harper hissed. “Ask him if he wants to watch the fireworks with us.” She gave Gloria a little shove forward and hurried back to the goldfish stand to give them some privacy ... and stop the diabolical Claire and Joni from feeding the kids more fish cash.
***
As dusk fell, Aldo sprang for a round of lemonade for the fireworks. They let the kids choose a spot in the open field by the lake where they spread out blankets and set up chairs. Harper, snuggling sleepy Ava, smiled when Aldo made himself comfortable on the blanket next to Gloria.
Robbie and Henry took turns asking Aldo questions about his new leg while Joni and Claire caught up on any tidbits of town gossip that had spread since the parade. Harper noticed them sneaking peeks at Aldo and Gloria — who were covertly holding hands — and knew they were probably the topic of speculation.
There were no secrets that could be kept in Benevolence. Sooner or later, everything was brought to light.
