"Fine," Mac said finally. "I'm planning something. But you'll have to wait until tonight to find out what."
"That's mean."
"That's romantic. There's a difference." Mac kissed her. "Now come on. We have approximately onehour before your mother arrives from the hotel and starts criticizing our apartment organization."
"She's gotten better about that."
"She asked me last night why we don't have a proper spice rack. Rachel, we have exactly five spices. We don't need a rack."
"Mac, everyone needs a proper spice rack—"
"See? You're becoming your mother."
Rachel threw a pillow at him.
Mac
The Evergreen Cove Fall Festival was in full swing by 2 PM. There were booths selling crafts and food, live music on the main stage, kids running around with face paint and balloons.
The entire town had turned out, plus Mac's extended family on his Father’s side who'd driven up from Boston.
"Your family is wonderful," Rachel said, watching Mac's father chat animatedly with Linda Morrison about something involving gardens or maybe animals.
"They're embarrassing."
"They're sweet. Your dad keeps showing me baby pictures of you playing hockey."
"That's because my dad has no sense of boundaries." But Mac was smiling.
The festival was organized chaos, Sophie running between her café booth and helping coordinate events, Jamie with his clipboard managing the schedule, Luke enthusiastically volunteering for everything, Tyler providing running commentary on the statistical improbability of various carnival games.
"MacKenzie!" Cole called from the main stage. "Get up here! They're doing the championship celebration!"
Mac groaned. "Do I have to?"
"Yes. Stop being difficult and get your award." Rachel pushed him toward the stage. "Go be celebrated. I'll be right here."
Mac jogged to the stage where the mayor was presenting the Eagles with their championship trophy. The team gathered, Cole, Jamie, Luke, Tyler, Sanchez and the rest, all grinning as the crowd cheered.
"The Evergreen Cove Eagles!" Mayor Henderson announced. "Division champions! And your MVP, Mac MacKenzie!"
The crowd erupted. Mac accepted the trophy, gave a brief speech thanking the team and the town, and tried not to look at Rachel crying happy tears in the audience.
After the ceremony, Mac's dad cornered him.
"So," Tom MacKenzie said, his expression serious. "You planning to marry that girl?"
Mac glanced at where Rachel stood talking to Ellie and Sophie, laughing at something Ellie had said.
"Yeah, Dad. I am."
"Good. Don't screw it up."
"That's helpful advice. Very specific."
"I'm serious. Rachel's special. Girls like that don't come around often." Tom clapped Mac on the shoulder. "When are you asking her?"
"Tonight."
