“You’re so sweet.” I bend to kiss her cheek. “I’m sure I’ll love whatever you got.”
Vivian beams.
Grant gives Ames a smiling nod. “How’s the arm, kiddo?”
“Good.” Ames rotates his right shoulder in demonstration. “Healing up.”
Ames and I are both healing, in our own ways. Ames with PT, me by processing Mike’s arrest and upcoming trial with Dr. Colburn. It’s been hard and painful for both of us, but necessary.
And Ames has been there for me every step of the way, listening, holding me, and reminding me that Mike’s choices aren’t my responsibility.
We’ve been there foreach other.
“You’re letting Robbie help you stretch out your morning stiffness, right?” Vivian asks worriedly.
Ames rolls his eyes. “Yes, Mom.”
“What? Don’t give me that look,” she says. “You’re the worst at asking for help, and you know it.”
I grin. “Don’t worry, Vivian. I know all his tricks,” I tell her.
Ames shoots me a look.
I cough to cover a laugh.Mind out of the gutter, Axford.
His face goes red, and suddenly, I’m dying to kiss him again.
“Of course you do.” Vivian pats my arm. She watches indulgently as a group of kids runs past, leaving a trail of popcorn and dripping maple creemees in their wake. “What an absolutely lovely day. And I can’t believe how many new people have come to visit! Griffin’s friend Milo even came up from the city for the weekend and brought a friend. Griffin and the others on the tourism board have outdone themselves. I can’t wait to congratulate him.” She frowns around, like she might miss her tall, imposing son in the crowd. “I thought Beckett said he and Griffin would be in this area.”
Ames shakes his head. “We haven’t seen any of them yet. We just got here a few minutes ago.”
And we’re hoping to disappear for a few minutes more.
But all four of us are looking around now, so we all notice when the oldest Axford brother walks down the row of booths right beside us. He’s got his arm draped over Griffin’s shoulder like some kind of lumberjack bodyguard. The two men are so deep in conversation, I doubt they even notice we’re there.
Beckett looks more relaxed than I’ve seen him in years. He’s wearing shorts and a soft blue button-down with the sleeves rolled up. His hair’s long enough to tuck behind his ears, and he’s smiling softly behind his beard.
Griffin, on the other hand, looks like he’s about to have a breakdown.
“—it’s a simple question, Beckett. Because the whole goal was to create an atmosphere. Avibe. But if the music’s too loud?—”
Beckett forces Griffin to stop and sets his big hands on either side of Griffin’s neck so Griffin has to look up at him. “Baby, take a breath.”
“I am! I’m breathing! I’m also simultaneously panicking. It’s called multitasking.”
“Look around you,” Beckett says, sounding amused. “See all these Winsomefolk talking and laughing and enjoying the sunshine? This is the best Spring Fling in years, with more tourists visiting than ever before.Youdid this.You.”
All of us watch as Griffin’s eyes dart side to side, over the crowds of families and couples strolling through the booth, before coming to rest on the four of us. He gives us a sheepish smile, and his cheeks turn pink.
“Uh, hey, guys,” he says with a little wave. “Sorry. Just… having a minor freak-out. It’s fine.”
Beckett turns to nod at us but doesn’t take his hands off his boyfriend. “Itisfine,” he says firmly. “Better than fine. It’samazing.Because you’re brilliant and because you care so damn much.”
Griffin lets out a breath, and his shoulders drop from his ears. “Thanks, babe,” he says softly.
Beckett slaps his face gently and follows that up with a quick, hard kiss to his lips. “Always. Now… let’s go get you something deep-fried.” He turns toward us, his arm over Griffin’s shoulder again. “Dad. I’m guessing you know what’s good. Anyone else want anything?”
Somehow, in the span of ten seconds, Beckett manages to take the huge tote bag from Grant without a word, deliver Griffin to Vivian for a quick hug and congratulations, then steer both GriffinandGrant toward the food booths.
