The Bailey Beef float rolled past us. The trailer had a giant brown cow on the back. Square straw bales lined the edges. Tate’s kids, Brinley and Darin, waved from a bale cove and Scarlett tossed candy. Tate gave his mom a little salute from the driver’s seat.
As I took more pictures, a wave of wistfulness crashed over me. The Baileys were such a big family, yet they spent so much time together. They weren’t just related, they were friends.
Once, after Mom had married Bill, I’d asked her when she was having more kids. She’d guffawed.I already gave up my life once. I’m not doing it again when I’m so close to the finish line.
That had stung.
Mae waved one of the little American flags that the grocery store employees were handing out as they walked by the float with a giant paper bag of groceries. A handful of candy was tossed at us, and she laughed.
“You know they’re my favorite, Alma,” she called to the woman tossing goodies.
Mae glanced at the ground between us, then at me. “The apple flavor is my favorite. Go ahead—before the kids find it.”
I found the little wrapped candies that had landed by her water bottle. I tried to hand it to her, but she waved it away. “I’ll sneak some from the kids.” She winked. “The grandma tax.”
I grinned and unwrapped the apple taffy. “It’s been forever since I’ve had one.”
“We’ll get you more.” She threw up an arm. “Hey, Macy. Buddy,” she called to the couple walking behind the hardware store float.
Another handful of candy was tossed our way. It clattered onto the sidewalk at my feet. A mix of mints and fruit taffies.Mae gestured to the candy and I picked it up. I offered her some first.
She took an apple-flavored piece and winked. “Since there’s extra.”
I turned to Tenor and held out a handful of treats. “Your mom’s peddling sugar.”
“She’ll make sure you leave loaded if you want.” He jutted his chin toward the small group of kids holding a local dance group banner. The parents were cruising around with pails of candy, tossing handfuls. “She’s already hitting them up.” He leaned over the arm of his camp chair. “It’s so she can take some without looking like she’s really the one who wants it.”
Grinning, I tucked the candy in the cupholder in the armrest and took out one of the mints. I unwrapped it and popped it into my mouth.
More floats rolled by. More candy was thrown and collected, and I had more fun. Mae would tell me little tidbits. The dance group was run by a family who’d moved here a few years ago. The bank president drove the pickup hauling the bank’s float, and he reserved the tasting room at Copper Summit every year for the Christmas party. She even introduced me to the mayor as she cruised by with small fliers that had beef sticks taped to them.
The end of the parade was in sight. I had no idea it’d be this long for such a small town. My happiness diminished little by little. It’d be time to go. There was no big gathering at Mae’s place, at least not one I was invited to. Everyone would go their separate ways to hang out with family and friends. I’d return to my empty apartment. Me and a romance novel.
Maybe I should try hiking again.
My feet already felt the blisters.
“There’s a street dance tonight,” Tenor said. “If you want to stay.”
I blinked at him. Was he asking me out?
He shrugged, his gaze drifting to the classic Cadillac convertible driving by with a poster for the senior center hanging off the side. On my right, Autumn yelled out, “Hank!” and the driver waved.
Tenor’s attention landed back on me. “Unless you have plans.”
I jolted. “No. No plans. I’d love to stay. I still can’t dance though.”
“You did just fine at the wedding.”
When I’d been in his strong arms, letting him lead me around. That had been mere days ago and I had the chance to do it again. Unless... Tenor was some in-demand dance partner and I’d be left on the sidelines.
We were still pretending to date. So I’d get a few dances with him. That was better than being burrowed in my couch, reading a book, and wondering if Tenor was deciding to date anyone for real. “I’d love to.”
His answering grin almost made it feel like a real date.
Tenor
The bass of the band thumped around us. Sunlight was slowly fading and the streetlights were taking over. People twirled on the dance floor around us. Unlike the wedding, this music was pure country. Nothing but two-step and line dancing all night long.
