That made sense.
We went into two lots that were chock-full before finding a spot in the third one.
“I miss San Diego,” Mom said after we all stepped out of the car.
It was on the tip of my tongue to suggest that they move back, but I didn’t. I needed my parents, but my grandparents needed them even more, and it wasn’t fair for me to make them feel guilty.
“You can come visit us anytime you want,” Griffin offered aswe headed toward the entrance of the fair. Duncan was probably already there because they’d found a parking spot in the previous lot. “You can stay with us or at Hannah’s.”
I instantly saw Dad’s expression change, and I knew that had sealed the deal for him. Griffin was in his good books forever. Dad appreciated generosity just as much as kindness.
At the entrance, we noticed the trio waiting for us. Jeremy waved with both hands, as if he was afraid that we wouldn’t see them.
“All right, what’s the plan?” Griffin asked.
“The band doesn’t start until noon,” Jeremy said. Duncan had a stern expression. Riley was clearly fighting laughter. I suspected neither of them was looking forward to listening to the band, but they were doing it for Jeremy’s sake. “We can head to one of those shooting venues where you can win a prize while we wait.”
“Yes, let’s do that,” I said. “I haven’t done it since I was a kid. I was never any good at it.”
“Don’t worry, babe. I’m good at it,” Griffin said with a devastatingly handsome smile. “I’ll win something for you.”
“I look forward to that.”
He offered me his arm, and I wrapped mine around it, resting my chin on his bicep as we walked. I was smiling from ear to ear. This was a very happy day. I was here with my parents and Griffin and Jeremy, just enjoying life. It really couldn’t get more amazing.
We found the shooting range quickly enough. Honestly, I hadn’t even realized they were still a thing. Granted, it wasn’t exactly a shooting range. You just threw hoops at a target, and if they landed on top of it, you earned a point.
“Are all of you playing?” the guy manning the counter asked.
“Oh no, my husband and I are staying out of it,” Mom said.
“I’m not playing either,” I said, and Riley also shook her head.
“I want to throw,” Jeremy declared.
Jeremy, Duncan, and Griffin took their positions, and the vendor explained the rules briefly. They were very simple: each participant had five hoops. If they could throw three on target, they could choose a gift accordingly. If they hit the target on more than three occasions, they could choose a bigger prize.
The ones on the first shelf were so small that I couldn’t even tell what they were from where we were standing. The gifts got bigger and bigger on the upper shelves. The ones on top were huge teddy bears. I was secretly crossing my fingers for one of those. I’d probably look ridiculous carrying it around, but I couldn’t care less.
It was fun watching the boys play. During the first three rounds, no one threw a hoop even close to the target.
Griffin let out a groan of frustration. I pressed my lips together, biting down the impulse to make fun of him. Nope, I was determined to support my man, even in small things like this.
“I’m sure you’ll do better next time,” I said.
He winked at me as all three of them decided to keep going. Which was probably how the owner could afford buying all the prizes in the first place. People kept paying for more rounds, hoping to win.
This time, Griffin changed his throwing position. He took a step back and angled his shoulders, bending his knees. He looked like he was preparing to break into a run. Somehow, it worked. He landed one ring and then another one. Duncan and Jeremy watched in awe.
After the third reached the target, I was absolutely ecstatic. I’d already narrowed my eyes, looking at the gifts on the lowest shelf. I still couldn’t see anything. Then I focused on Griffin as he was prepping to throw the fourth one. Maybe he’d give me one of those huge teddy bears.
I kept both fingers crossed.
Aaaaand he missed.
I tried to suppress the pang of disappointment. I was still getting a gift, though. Griffin grumbled, but Jeremy was clapping, and so were my parents.
“All right, you’re going to have to win something for Jeremy next,” Duncan said. “I’m no good.”
