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“Don’t be a smartass.”

I scoot to the middle and put my head on his shoulder.

“I love you, TayTay.”

“Love you too, Finny.”

Joe’s is quieter than usual at this time of day. Joe is behind the bar when we walk in.

“Boys, what can I get you?”

“We need some emotional support wings and therapy beer,” Taylen says, and Joe laughs.

“Coming right up. Pick a table and settle in. I’ve got you.”

We slide into the booth by the window.

“Hey, Joe, can we have some french fries too?” I ask.

“Sure thing.”

The beer arrives first, followed by the wings and the fries. I haven’t realized how hungry I am until the food is in front of me, and then I’m shoveling it into my mouth like I haven’t eaten in a week. Which, apparently, I mostly haven’t.

Taylen watches me with satisfaction.

“There we go.”

“Shut up.”

“I’m just saying. Someone has to keep you alive.”

“I appreciate you.”

“You should.”

We eat until we probably should have stopped, but the beer is cold, the wings are exactly the right amount of spicy, and for the first time in forever, I’m starting to unwind.

Then Mrs. Peterson comes over.

“Griffin.”

I look up as I wipe my mouth with a napkin. “Mrs. Peterson, how can I help you?”

“I just want to thank you. For everything you’ve done. I know moving the festival must have been such a headache, but the wreath stall placement you sent over yesterday is exactly what I asked for. I just want you to know I appreciate you listening.”

“Of course, Mrs. Peterson. Thank you for your patience.”

She turns to Taylen. “And you. Opening your farm for this. You’re a good boy, Taylen Howard. Your parents must be so proud. Are they coming up from Florida this year?”

Taylen’s ears go slightly pink. “Thank you, Mrs. Peterson. They might come up in the spring.”

She pats his hand and moves on.

Then Mr. Barlow comes over, then Marge, then a bunch of other business owners.

Everyone wants to thank us.

Joe brings over a fresh round of beers we didn’t order. “From table six.” He nods toward a couple across the room. I don’t recognize them. “They said Christmas would have been ruined if you two hadn’t stepped up.”