“Alice,” I say, my words catching for just a second. “It’s really good to see you.”
She steps forward, and before I can even think about it, she wraps me in a hug. It’s a slow, intense embrace, and it’s a balm to all the rawness I’ve been carrying around.
“I’m so glad you’re back,” Alice says softly as she pulls away, holding me at arm’s length to look me over. “We’ve all missed you here, Dakota.”
I nod, blinking away the unexpected mist in my eyes. “I’ve missed you all, too.”
She looks down at Charlie, who’s holding his toy truck up for her to see.
“And this must be Charlie,” she says, crouching down to his level. “It’s so nice to finally meet you, sweet boy.”
Charlie smiles, holding out the truck proudly. “Mama says this was hers when she was little.”
Alice’s eyes twinkle with warmth as she takes the toy truck in her hand. “Well, I’m sure your mama was quite the little cowboy herself.”
She winks at Charlie, and his face lights up even more.
I smile. Alice has always had a way of making people feel at ease, and seeing her here now, like no time has passed, makes everything seem just a little bit easier.
“Are you planning on coming to the Harvest Parade today?” Violet asks, a bright grin tugging at the corners of her mouth.
I blink, surprised by the sudden mention of it. The Harvest Parade.
It’s something I used to look forward to every year. The excitement of the town coming together, the bands playing, the smell of funnel cakes and fresh popcorn wafting in the air.
It’s been so long since I’ve even thought about it.
“Wow, I forgot it was today,” I say, looking over at Charlie. He’s already jumping around with excitement, clearly thrilled at the thought of something festive. “I guess… maybe?”
“You can’t miss it!” Violet says, practically bouncing. “It’s the best day of the year in Colter Creek. We used to go every year, remember?”
“I want to go!” Charlie bellows. “A parade!”
I laugh. His enthusiasm is contagious, and I feel myself melting just a little. “Alright, alright. Looks like we’re going. Let’s get ready, Charlie.”
Violet and I walk behind Charlie and Alice, since he’s so keen to hold her hand. He’s clearly already adopted her as family.
“He’s just like you, huh?” Violet laughs. “He loves my mom.”
“How could he not? She’s awesome.”
We reach the town quickly, and the streets are already filling with people—families, kids with balloons, and couples strolling hand in hand. It’s like the entire town has come alive, and I can’t help but feel a little swept up in it.
Charlie’s pointing at everything. “Look! Look, Mama! There’s a float! There’s the band! And candy! Can we get candy?”
I chuckle, nodding. “Sure, kiddo, we’ll get some candy.”
As we wander into the main square, I feel a twinge of nostalgia. The town feels different, but still the same. The smell of popcorn, the sound of the marching band playing in the distance.
This is Colter Creek in its full parade glory.
Charlie is vibrating with excitement as the music picks up. The first float starts moving, and the parade gets into full swing.
Violet leans toward me. “Remember when we used to argue about which float was the best? You always said the cowboy float was the best, and I said the one with the animals.”
I grin, my mind slipping back to those carefree days. “You’re still wrong. The cowboy float is the best.”
But I have to admit, it’s all pretty good. Sure, New York has its own fun. There’s always a lot to do, a lot going on, and parades too, but Colter Creek will always have a place in my heart.
