“How busy do you think this is going to be?” Brodie asked, figuring Big John had worked the event before.
“It can get really crazy, seeing as the festival is only for this weekend. Last year we had to break up a fight between two women because they both wanted their kids to have photos at the exact same spot. It’s flowers, there’s plenty of places where they could take photos.” Big John chuckled. “It was pretty funny actually.”
Brodie shook his head. “The lengths people will go through to get a photo. Let’s hope we don’t have another situation like that and not too many assholes trying to ignore our directions.”
“That may be asking too much, but we can always hope.”
When they reached the lot, he and Big John took up their positions on either side of the entryway. He glanced at his watch. Only a couple hours and he could get to see Cerise.
“We’d loveto have more people join the Volunteer Fire Department. It’s a great way to give back to the community.” Brodie smiled and handed the teenager a pamphlet. The chancesof him following through and joining were probably slim, but perhaps he had an older brother or father that would like to give back to the community.
“Brodie! Hi.” Finn was waving excitedly as he dragged Cerise up to the booth table.
“Hey, you two.” He crooked his finger in Cerise’s direction and when she got close enough, he leaned over the table and was pleased when she met him halfway.
As much as he wanted to lose himself in their kiss, he was aware of where they were and who was watching. He pulled away and smiled at his little family. Of course, they weren’t a family yet, but they would be. He wouldn’t let himself think of the alternative—Poppy coming back and snatching Finn away from them. He wouldn’t let that thought take up any space in his mind.
“How’s it going?” Cerise asked as she squeezed his hand.
“Busy. We’ve got lots of interest from people about the fire department which is good. But who knows who will actually come to the information night we’ll be running soon.”
“You guys do an awful lot of good for the community. I hope they do come and support you.”
“We can only hope. What are you two going to do?”
“Cerise wants me to have a picture among the bluebonnets. Can you believe it? I’m nine, not four.” Finn shook his head in what Brodie assumed was disgust, but he could also see the little bit of longing in his eyes, that maybe he did want to take a photo.
“I thought you didn’t understand why people did it,” he teased Cerise.
“I’m a woman. I’m allowed to change my mind,” she said with an impish grin.
“You know, I was thinking earlier that it would be good to have a photo taken. Maybe a group one of us all.”
“I like the sound of that.” Cerise turned to Finn who was trying hard to keep hisI’m too old for wildflower portraits facein place, but Brodie could see it slipping as the idea seemed to sink in. “How about you, Finn? What say we make it a family thing?”
“A family photo?” He echoed, his eyes widening.
Crap, had he said the wrong thing? It wasn’t like they’d talked to Finn about them being a family. As far as the boy knew, he was still just being fostered by Cerise. He’d also seen the way Finn had seemed to straighten and get a look of worry on his face every time Cerise’s phone rang. He only lost the scared look when he worked out that it wasn’t someone saying that he would have to leave.
“Yep, a family.”
“Awesome. I mean, sure, that sounds like fun.”
Brodie bit back the laugh and the way Cerise’s shoulders were shaking he could see she was trying hard not to bust out laughing at the way Finn was trying to play it cool.
“Great, well, my shift finishes at one. How about we meet up at the taco stand, grab something to eat, and then go find someone who will take a photo of us?”
“Perfect plan.” Cerise walked around the table and hugged him. “We’ll see you about fifteen after one, in case you get caught up.”
“I won’t be able to miss you wearing your hat.” He pointed to the sparkly pink cowboy hat on top of her head.
“You know I never go anywhere without my signature sparkle.” She winked and his body twitched behind the zipper of his pants.
“I know. I love it. See you soon.” He dropped another quick kiss on her lips and then fist bumped Finn. He watched them walk away, his heart feeling light and full.
“Good to see you looking so happy, son.” Gene’s gruff voice sounded behind him and Brodie turned to face the man.
“Thanks. I am happy. I can say that I’ve found myself here in Hunt. I had so much success when I was younger and thought I was happy then. Now I know that what I was feeling back then was shallow compared to what I feel when I’m with Cerise and Finn.” He waited to see if Gene picked up on his slip of the tongue about his past, but the other man didn’t seem to notice.
