Page 20 of One Lustful Summer
Rowan walks out of his closet, his chest still bare as he carries his shirt in his hands and heads towards me. He looks at me, the same way he always does. Like I hold his heart, that I’m the person he wants to see every morning and every evening. It’s the same for me, too.
“I love you,” I blurt out. And while it is the truth, I didn’t intend to just reveal it like that.
Rowan pulls me in close. His lips on mine as he whispers, “Say it again.”
“I love you. And I love Jodi.”
A huge smile graces his face as he repeats the words to me, “I love you, Maggie.” He steps back and says it again, loud enough to be heard throughout the entire house.
His hands frame my face as he leans in for a kiss, his tongue rubbing between my lips, but the pitter patterof feet running down the hall has us breaking apart.
“What are you yelling about, Daddy? Jodi asks as she climbs into the bed and leans against me.
“I was telling Maggie how much I love her,”. Rowan replies.
Jodi’s eyes get big, and she looks at me. “I love you too, Maggie. “
“Oh, sweet girl. I love you too. You are the best,” I tell her as I engulf her in a hug. Rowan comes and places his arms around both of us. At this moment, my heart is full for the man I love and his daughter.
Jodi starts bouncing in between our arms. “Is it time, daddy? Is it time? “
Rowan backs away, looking at Jodi with confusion. “Is it time? Time for what?”
“The parade,” she deadpans.
“Yes, it’s time to get ready for the parade. Go get your clothes on, and we’ll be out in a moment.” Jodi runs out of the room to get ready.
Rowan puts on his shirt and gives me a wink as he walks out to help his daughter. I get out of bed and gather my outfit for the day.
We’re headed to spend the day downtown for the Fourth of July activities. There’ll be a parade at eleven o’clock, and then everyone sets up on the courthouse lawn for a picnic. The afternoon will consist of games and different activities.
And later this evening, we’ll head down to an open field where everyone will set up and watch the fireworks that are presented by the fire department.
I quickly get dressed and head to the kitchen to pack what we will need for the picnic. Mia said we didn’t need to being anything, but I refuse to show up empty-handed. so I offered to bring a broccoli salad and some cookies.
As we head into town, cars line the road further back than I would have imagined. It seems that everyone who lives in Paulding will be in attendance. Rowan drives up to the square and drops Jodi and I off while he heads to find the parking spot.
With the cooler in one hand and Jodi’s hand clutched in the other, we search to find Mia and Coe. We find our spot and there are already chairs waiting for us. After saying a quick hello and giving hugs, we wait for the festivities to start. Rowan joins about ten minutes later and we get comfortable as we wait.
While the square isn’t that large, I’m informed that the parade will make a loop around the square twice to give everyone time to see everything.
The high school band plays off in the distance, and Jodi’s excitement is clear as she bounces in her seat. While it’s a small parade compared to what I’ve seen in the city. It’s the hometown feel where everyone knows everybody that’s different from the city.
As the band approaches, the music becomes louder; I watch Jodi and Rowan stand and walk towards the edge of the sidewalk. With her plastic bag ready, Jodi prepares to collect all the candy that will be tossed out.
There are floats for almost every business in the area. All the businesses in the square, different politicians, and different farms in the area. Everyone’s showing off, showing up to take part.
After the parade finishes, Jodi and I walk over to the boutique to take a quick peek while Rowan and his dad set up the table. While we walk around, I see the cutest little sundress that would fit Jodi, and one that’s in my size as well.
Jodi must see it too, because she runs over and says, “Look, Maggie, we can be twins.” And I can’t deny this little girl, so I make the purchase excited for when she and I can wear it together.
We return to the courtyard lawn and find our table full with Rowan’s family. Lauren and Dean and their parents, his cousins, Chris and Thomas and their parents all gather around the table.
Lunch is a boisterous time. Families having conversations at their tables and others walking around with plates of food and stopping to talk at other tables.
It’s an entire community feel, and I know I made the right decision to move here. While the house was not what I initially pictured. It’s helped me grow into the person I wanted to be. I’ve learned new things, and I found an amazing man that loves me, for me, and not for what my family can do for him.
I still talk to my mom at least once a week, but the calls are usually cold and one sided. Nothing like the calls I get here and there from Mia. Her calls are warm and she is interested in what I’m doing.
