“You can’t get me,” Pastor Chris chanted and then stuck out his tongue.
Delilah furrowed her eyebrows and squinted at the target. Then she bent her arm back, “Step… and throw!”
Chase watched the ball fly through the air, but it soon became obvious that it was not heading toward the target. The ball arched in the direction of Lawson Porter—who was using a towel to dry off his face. He didn’t even see it coming. Chase braced himself anticipating the impact.
“Uh!” Lawson crumbled to the ground.
“Whoa! Nut shot!” Banjo shouted. “Uncle Case, that’s a nut shot!” Banjo repeated, tugging on his arm excitedly.
Chase looked at Maggie and Delilah. Their hands were draped over their mouths. Suddenly, Chase saw Amber waddling toward Lawson, a very visible baby bump protruding. His heartbeat quickened seeing his first love. For a long time, he thought of her as the one that got away. Did he still feel that way?
“Babe, what happened? Are you okay?” Amber asked. Lawson grimaced in pain and pointed in their direction.
Delilah squeaked, “Sorry!”
“And, I think that’s our cue to leave. Who wants cotton candy?” Chase asked as he quickly pivoted.
“I do! But, I wanna turn first,” Banjo pouted.
“Maybe next time, bud.”
“No!” Banjo sprinted toward the target and shoved it with his hand. Pastor Chris crashed into the water.
“Hell’s bells… We better go.” Chase corralled the group away from the commotion, which had now attracted the attention of almost everyone at the carnival. “How bout we take our cotton candy to go?”
Maggie pursed her lips holding back a smirk and nodded in agreement.
On the ride home, the kids were quiet as they shoved their faces full of blue and pink fluff.
“Want some?” Chase offered his stick of blue cotton candy to Maggie. “It’s amazing.”
Maggie peeled off a small piece. “It’s been a good twenty years since I’ve had cotton candy. I snuck some from a friend when we were at the county fair one time. Here goes nothing…” She popped the spun sugar into her mouth, “Wow, that isnotgood. You like that? I feel like I need to brush my teeth immediately.” She wiped her teeth with her tongue.
Chase laughed, “You’re off your rocker. Cotton candy is the best, right ya’ll?” Chase looked in the rearview mirror.
“Mmmhhhmm…” Delilah agreed. Banjo was busy licking his fingers.
“Uncle Chase?”
“Yes Delilah Jayne?”
“Are you gonna marry Maggie?”
The truck swerved slightly. Chase tightened his grip on the steering wheel and snuck a glance over at Maggie who was staring straight ahead, eyes wide.
“Why do you ask?”
“Well, you shared your cotton candy with her. Mama says sharing is a loving thing to do. And if you love Maggie, you should marry her.”
“Oh boy…” Nervous laughter escaped from Chase. “You are a very smart girl Delilah Jayne. Maybe too smart…”
Delilah put her hand on her hip, “You didn’t answer my question.”
Oh man… this is getting complicated.
“Look at that, we’re almost home.” Chase turned into their driveway, relieved. “Ya’ll will have to tell your mom and dad about the carnival.”
“I’m gonna tell them about the duck tank and Delilah’s nut shot! That was cool!” Banjo bounced excitedly.
