“I guess I’ve felt more like myself the past few days,” she admits, her blush deepening on her cheeks. There’s simple honesty there, a thin thread of hope from her heart to mine. I release her hair and my hand finds hers withoutthinking, trailing up the length of her forearm before sliding back down to link our fingers.
“I’m glad,” I say softly and begin to tug her closer toward me, but I stop when I hear someone approaching us. Annabelle and Zane are looking at us with mischievous grins on their faces. I open my mouth to ask what they are up to but feel the words trap inside my mouth once I feel a gush of cold water splashing against me. Raine squeals, and her hand leaves mine.
I wipe the water from my face, and Zane is laughing so hard he’s gripping his stomach. Annabelle holds a large water balloon in her hands, and I attempt to snatch it from her, but she’s quick and takes off running. I face Zane, my nostrils flaring in frustration, and he holds up his hands in surrender.
“I’m just trying to win Annabelle over.”
Thankfully, I took most of the blow, only a few drops of water having found Raine’s dress and hair. I, however, am soaking wet. I look Raine over one more time and say, “I’ll get you a paper towel.”
I walk over towards the tote Mom brought out that holds some extra supplies like plates and utensils. Thankfully, there’s also paper towels. I grab a roll as Luke walks towards me, pointing in the direction of where Zane and Annabelle took off.
“Some people never grow up.” He shakes his head, a playful smile spreading across his face.
“You’re one to talk.” Olivia shouts from our left and before we can react, she throws a large water balloon at us. Her laughter echoes along with the people around us. Luke races after her, catching up to her quickly. He picks her up, runs towards the dock, and tosses her into the Lake like he used to do when we were teens.
I do my best to dry my shirt and head back to the smoker but don’t find Raine where I had left her. My eyes search through the sea of people until they land on her, helping Edna, Olivia’s elderly neighbor. My heart softens at the sight and recognition that Raine still has a serving heart.
After I check on the brisket, which just needs a few more minutes, my eyes follow Raine closely as she moves through the crowd, talking with several townspeople. I feel like a stalker, so I turn my attention to the lake, at the rolling hills and faded mountains in the background, vibrant green and drenched in the bright-yellow sunshine of the early afternoon. The blinding light that’s shimmering off the lake catches my attention. I look toward the dock and am reminded of the first time Raine and I kissed.
“Is that brisket done yet?” I hear Luke's gruff voice ask from behind me.
I lift up on the lid’s handle, revealing that the brisket is finished. Its sizzling sound brings me back to reality, and I start preparing everything. Luke wraps his arm around his girlfriend, Beckah, before making the announcement that the food is ready, and a line forms around the tables.
After I reach over and wrap Annabelle into my arms, I try to catch a glimpse of Raine but am cut short by August and her husband making small talk with me as we wait in line. I try to stay engaged in the conversation as I make a plate for Annabelle, but my mind is still trapped in the past, on the dock that sits a few feet away. My hands tingle with the memory of Raine’s skin, itching to feel her once again.
“I see that our basket idea was a success,” August leans in and says softly beside me before nudging me with her elbow. “I’m glad Raine was able to make it.”
“Yeah, me too,” I reply.
“You, sir, worked hard on this meal and should be the first one to eat,” she adds.
“We both know this little princess gets to eat first.” I bend down and press my lips to her ear. “Even though you haven’t been listening very well today. I’d like you to eat every bite of the food I give you, okay?”
“Yes, Daddy.” She bats her eyelashes and gives me her most innocent smile.
However, August and I share a look that says,We know she won’t.
I place Annabelle down, her small hand in mine, and she follows closely behind me. After I make Annabelle’s plate, I find her a seat near my mother before returning and making my own. It takes about fifteen minutes before everyone is through the line and stuffing their faces. Raine is sitting a few tables away, and my eyes keep drifting to her. I really need to get a grip on myself. But who can blame me? I’ve spent the last decade wishing I could see her again, and now here she is, only a few feet from me, and every cell in my body is completely drawn to her.
To my surprise, Annabelle finishes her plate. I guess her uncles did a good job of helping her work up an appetite. “Can we go say hi to Raine?” She doesn’t have to ask me twice.
“Yeah, sure,” I reply.
We walk over to where Raine is dumping her empty plate, and her eyes look over my shirt that is still wet, which I notice is revealing the curves of my pecs. Before I can say something to her, Annabelle jumps up and gives her a hug.
“Hey, Raine! Come jump with me,” she insists, tugging Raine toward the trampoline. Raine’s eyes find mine, seeking permission.
“Have fun, ladies.” I wave at them and take a seat in a nearby camping chair.
Raine climbs onto the trampoline and takes Annabelle’s hands into her own before they begin jumping together. Annabelle squeals with glee, and I enjoy watching them play together. It’s the first time I catch myself wondering what it would be like to have a motherly figure in Annabelle’s life and if it could be Raine. The thought feels dangerous for my heart and I remind myself that she’s only visiting Covewood. Her time is limited here.
I try to distract myself by looking around the crowd of mingling people. It’s the kind of day that leaves you feelingnostalgic, like I’ll miss the memory even though it’s still happening.
A few minutes pass, and the sound of a nearby argument catches my attention. I turn my head to the right and see Luke shoving his hands into his pockets, his head hung down, and Beckah shouting angrily at him.
Luke isn’t much for drama or confrontation in his personal life, so he stands still, allowing her to say what she needs to say to him before she stomps away toward the rows of vehicles. Luke stands still for a moment and then seems to sense me watching him. His eyes find mine, and he begins walking my way. I grab a chair that's near me and tug it closer, motioning for him to take a seat.
“What was that about?” I ask and clamp my hand down onto his shoulder. “You okay?”
