Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78894 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78894 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
“Yes!” Charlie and Palmer said in unison.
Harlee handed each of us a piece of paper. “Here’s your ballot.”
Palmer took one for each of us. “Oh good, there weren’t any left when I got here.”
Harlee’s smile widened. “The turnout this year has been amazing. Especially with it being so cold. And since there’s a chance of snow.”
Palmer sighed. “I’d love for it to start snowing when all the boats come out. How pretty would that be?”
Harlee nodded. “I know, I thought the same thing. Okay, I better get going—it’s going to start soon. Have fun. Don’t forget that we’ll have hot cider and s’mores in the park across the street after!”
Charlie’s eyes widened. “S’mores? Daddy, please tell me we can go!”
I laughed. “Sure, we can go, as long as you’re not cold.”
“I’m not!” Charlie answered.
Palmer and I got the chairs situated and grabbed the blanket. People were lined up down the north side of the pier, as well as along the shore.
“You got great seats, Mason,” Palmer said excitedly as she wrapped the blanket around Charlie.
“Hi, Charlie!”
I turned to see a little girl Charlie’s age standing next to us, along with her mother and father.
“Lily!” Charlie exclaimed, jumping up and going over to his friend.
I stood and reached my hand out to the father as I introduced myself. “Mason Bryan, I’m Charlie’s father.”
“Jace Werther, and this is my wife, Emily.”
“Nice to meet you, Emily.”
Turning, I looked at Palmer, who had also stood up. “This is Palmer Bradley,” I said.
Emily exchanged a smile with Palmer. “Hey, Palmer, how’re you doing?”
“I’m doing well, how are you guys?”
Emily looked at her husband and beamed. “We’re doing great. Expecting another baby in April.”
“Congratulations!” Palmer said.
“That’s wonderful news, congratulations,” I said as I looked over to see Charlie pointing to where the boats would be coming out of the channel and into the bay.
“Lily talks about Charlie a lot,” Emily stated, glancing at the kids. “He’s been an amazing friend to her.”
I smiled. “I’m glad to hear that.”
“He’s a great little boy, and so kind to everyone he meets,” Palmer said.
Emily and Jace both nodded. Then Emily looked at Palmer. “I’m the room mom for Lily and Charlie’s class. If you ever want to help with any parties or events at the school, I wouldn’t turn down the help. A lot of moms volunteer at the school, but most aren’t interested in helping with the parties.”
I was surprised to see how Palmer’s face lit up. “I would love that. Thanks for asking, Emily.”
She nodded then called out for Lily. “Come on, pumpkin, Grandpa and Grandma are waiting for us.”
Lily and Charlie hugged. I snuck a peek over at Palmer, who simply lifted her brows ever so slightly.
“Bye, Lily!” Charlie called out as they started to walk farther down the pier.
“I’ll chat with you soon, Palmer!” Emily sang with a wave of her hand.
When they were out of earshot, Palmer placed her hand on my arm. “You don’t mind, do you? I’d love to help, and I know it’s super hard for you to do it with your job. And I think it’s good for—” She instantly pressed her lips together.
I nodded. “I know what you mean, and of course I don’t mind. Thank you for being there for him, Palmer.”
Even in the darkness of night with only a few lights illuminating the area, I could still see the blush on her face.
“It’s starting!” someone farther up the pier shouted.
“Come on, Charlie, let’s get in our seats and bundle up.” I motioned for Palmer and him to sit. Once we got settled, I wrapped the large blanket around Charlie and Palmer.
“You’re not cold?” she asked as her eyes met mine.
The way my heart felt like it paused in my chest shouldn’t have caught me by surprise. I wasn’t going to deny that I was attracted to Palmer. Very attracted. But my feelings for her beyond that felt as if they were changing, and I wasn’t sure if that was a good or a bad thing.
With a shake of my head, I looked out over the water while Charlie gasped. “Wow! Dad, Ms. Palmer! Look at that boat! It’s my favorite!”
We both laughed.
“Charlie, it’s the first one, buddy,” Palmer said. “You have to see them all first before you decide. But here’s what I do. I put a little tick mark next to the ones I like.”
“Good idea!” Charlie said.
By the end of the parade, each entry on Charlie’s card had a tick mark next to it.
As we gathered up all of our stuff, I said, “Not going to lie, I think Addie and Gannon had the best boat. I’m not sure how they got those lights to look like a Christmas tree with real bulbs on it, but I’m here for it.”
“Me too, Dad!” Charlie announced. “I’m voting for Mrs. Addie and Gannon’s boat.”