Page 34 of Open Arms

“Nice to see you again,” Gray said, nodding at Chloe.

Eryn continued, being the social butterfly she was. “But I don’t think you’ve met his cousins, Damon and Sutton.”

Damon grunted a greeting, attempting to look somewhat congenial, which for him was a whole lot of effort, but Sutton stepped forward and wrapped Chloe in a welcoming hug.

“Don’t mind my brother; he’s a beast of a man. The grumpy, annoying kind. But I’m so happy to finally meet you! We’ve been meaning to set up a girls’ night. Let’s figure out a good date and pin it down.”

“Sutton here owns Campfire Bakerydowntown.”

“Oh, well I believe you’re my new best friend,” Chloe said, making everyone laugh.

I tried to search Chloe’s face for any signs of overwhelm, but she if she was feeling it, she hid it well. We were a big group, and seemed all the bigger when out and about at events like this.

“I’ve got my calendar open, what day do you think, Sut?” Caroline asked.

Eryn held her phone up. “I’ve already sent two invites to you all.”

“Welcome to the madness,” Caroline joked, her bright eyes twinkling under the fairy lights.

“Wouldn’t be Whittier without a little chaos,” Sutton added with a wink.

“Speaking of which . . .” Walker pointed to Abby, who was bouncing on her toes with barely contained energy. “I think someone’s itching to play some games.”

“Can we, Daddy? Please?” Abby tugged on my shirt, her pleading gaze impossible to resist.

“Let’s do it.” I nodded, catching Chloe’s eye. “You good with this?”

“Absolutely,” she said, though her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. But then, that was Chloe. Guarded. A mystery wrapped in blonde curls and soft blue eyes that seemed to hold a world of stories she wasn’t ready to tell.

“Alright, folks. Let’s show Chloe what Whittier Falls’ Fall Festival is all about.” And with that, we plunged into the heart of it all, Abby leading the charge with the rest of us falling in step behind her.

“Welcome to the family, Chloe.” It was a whisper lost in the noise, but from the way she glanced at me, I knew she heard. And for a moment, just a fleeting one, her guard dropped, and hersmile was real.

A mix of country hits and laughter filled the air as I watched Abby skipping ahead, her excitement infectious. I caught Chloe’s gaze, a challenge simmering there.

“Bet you can’t knock down more cans than me at the milk bottle toss,” I teased, nudging her shoulder lightly with mine.

“Is that so?” Chloe’s eyebrow arched, a playful spark in her eyes. “I’ve got a mean throwing arm, Mase. You might be surprised.”

“Color me intrigued.” I grinned. “Winner buys the other a caramel apple?”

“Deal,” she fired back, the corners of her lips turning up. “Prepare to lose.”

“Hey, guys!” Abby’s voice cut through our banter, pulling us toward a ring toss booth. She was practically vibrating with excitement. “Come on! You gotta try this!”

“Looks like our competition will have to wait,” I said, giving Chloe a conspiratorial wink.

“Guess it will,” she agreed, but followed Abby eagerly.

“Chloe, come on! It’ll be fun!” Abby grabbed Chloe’s hand, tugging her forward.

“Lead the way!”

“Here, watch me!” Abby picked up a red plastic ring and tossed it with all the gusto her small body could muster. The ring sailed through the air, spinning, and—missed by a mile. “Oops!”

“Nice try, kiddo,” I encouraged, clapping my hands. “You’ll get it next time.”

“Your turn, Chloe,” Abby said, handing her a blue ring.

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