He circled his arms around the woman he loved and wanted to be his bride. Only one thing that would make this moment even better. To kiss her and let her know how much he loved her.
El loved having Gabe’s arms around her, but she suddenly remembered they were in public. She leaned back and peered up at this handsome man she couldn’t wait to marry.
“Hey,” he said. “Don’t pull away. We haven’t had much time alone this past month, and this is nice.”
“We’re not actually alone,” she said. “Just look at all the kids on the play structure.”
“They really aren’t paying us any attention. So, before things get crazy here, I want to do this.” He lowered his head, and their lips connected.
The same jolt of love she experienced every time he kissed her raced through her. He drew her closer with one arm, eliminating all space between them, and plunged the other hand into her hair. She reveled in how confident he was about his love for her.
She kissed him back, hopefully showing him she felt the same way. She lost track of time. Of place. Of everything.
“Hey now,” a male voice in falsetto came from behind them.
She spun out of Gabe’s arms. A tall person completely hidden by a giant Bluey costume stood there.
“You’re early, Jude,” Gabe said. “You’ll be burning hot by the time the kids get here.”
He lifted off the head. “No kidding, I’m already sweating.”
“Jude? Oh my goodness. It is you.” El started laughing. “What does Gabe have on you that you agreed to do this?”
“It’s that kid.” Jude shook his head. “I know you feel it too. You can’t help but love the little squirt. But if you tell anyone I admitted it…” He chuckled, carefree as she’d seen of late.
She loved getting to know the off-duty Jude. He was a great guy, and he’d been spending a lot of time with Lucy. The whole team had devoted themselves to her, but him more than others, taking her fishing, to the batting cages, and watchingBlueywith her, something he seemed to enjoy far too much for a man his age.
“It’s not a good idea to walk around here as a headless Bluey,” Gabe said. “You’ll scare the kids.”
Jude turned his back to them. “Then unhook me so I can get out of this and put it back in my truck for later.”
El undid the Velcro in the back, and Gabe helped him out of the suit.
“What I do for that little squirt.” Shaking his head, he marched across the grass carrying his furry costume.
“Now, where were we?” Gabe asked.
“We were about to set the tables because we don’t have much time until people get here.”
He grumbled good-naturedly and opened the box. Denise and Brad returned with a giant package that took both of them to carry. They wouldn’t tell them what was in the box, and helped them put out tablecloths and set the table with Bluey-themed items.
“Hey, I need you to check this out!” Reece called from the grass. She carried a sheet cake and set it on the food table. “I’ve never made a Bluey cake before. What do you think?”
El took a look at it. “It’s wonderful. Is there anything you can’t do?”
“Oh my goodness, yes. Don’t get me started on the list or we’ll be here all night.” She laughed.
Gabe turned to his mom and Brad. “Reece is one of the team. There’ll be more coming, but I’ll introduce you to everyone once they’re all here.”
El turned to see Abby and her fiancé, Burke, stroll across the grass. He balanced a large open box in one arm, his other arm around petite Abby’s shoulders.
“Goodie bags,” Abby said. “Filled, and ready to go. Where do you want them?”
Reece stepped forward. “Give them to me. I want to reorganize this table anyway.”
Gabe rolled his eyes. “Mama Reece is here to take over.”
She wrinkled her nose at him, but didn’t dispute his comment. Neither did anyone else.
