Page 59 of To Hold and Protect

It wasn’t like she didn’t already know them from kindergarten, but there was no talking her out of it. He’d finally caved under one condition. No birthday presents at this party. There was no way he was going to stand back and allow the entire town to load her up. She’d get her birthday gifts from the family later tonight at home.

She hadn’t been happy about that, nor had she understood why she couldn’t get presents from everyone on her birthday. Then Willow had come up with an idea that had made Everly squeal with excitement. On the invitations and by word of mouth, the word was spread that in lieu of a birthday present, there would be a jar at the party where everyone could drop a dollar bill in, and the proceeds would be donated to the local no-kill animal shelter. The part that excited Everly was that she’d be the one who’d get to take the money they collected to the shelter and give it to them. So, thanks to Willow, a win-win for all.

Since he was the fire chief and Tristan the police chief, they couldn’t selectively invite people, so it had been an open invitation to all, resulting in a packed community center and the town’s matriarch standing in front of him with something clearly on her mind.

“You’re looking especially pretty tonight, Miss Mabel.” He shouldn’t have told her she looked good in orange. And wearing a fascinator in Marsville, especially to a six-year-old’s birthday party? A bit over-the-top. Yet he was strangely fond of the woman.

“I already told her she’s especially lovely tonight,” Kade said.

“As did I as soon as she arrived.” Tristan smirked. “Before either of you two clowns got around to it.”

Miss Mabel giggled. “Silver tongues, the lot of you.” She leaned toward them. “Don’t tell anyone, but you three boys are my favorite people.”

They already knew that, and if they were together when they came across her, it was a game to try to best each other with the compliments.

She glanced to where Willow stood with Skylar and Harper. “What’s that spy to you, Parker?”

“Spy?” Kade said, perking up.

Parker rolled his eyes. “Stand down, soldier. Nothing for you to see here. Willow took some pictures of Miss Mabel’s car to send to her father, who also has a classic Caddy.” He winked at Miss Mabel. “She’s a friend is all. You’re still my favorite lady.” But Willow wasn’t just a friend. She was something more. Exactly what he wasn’t sure.

After Miss Mabel wandered away, they moved to a table and turned their attention to Everly. “I can’t believe she’s six already,” Kade said. “Just so you know, baby brother, I’m going to scare the bejesus out of any boy that comes near her until she’s twenty-six.”

Tristan nodded. “And I’ll help.”

“You won’t hear me saying no to that.” Parker bumped fists with his brothers, drinking coffee and wishing it was a beer.

The kids were having a blast playing a version of pin the tail on the donkey. Playing the part of a donkey was Earl’s goat, and a blindfolded child had to drop a ring of flowers over Billy’s head. Willow, Skylar, and Harper were in the middle of the chaos, also having a blast as they tried to basically herd cats in the guise of children and a goat.

“Aunt Harper!” Everly yelled. “You have to blindfolded Nigel next, ’cause Jeremy got in front of him, but it’s not his turn.”

His brothers chuckled. “Bossy little thing,” Kade said.

“I think women call that being assertive.” Parker smiled, though. His daughter definitely had a bossy streak. And yes, Harper had achieved aunt status after showing up yesterday with an engagement ring on her finger.

“Either of you set a wedding date yet?” he asked.

“Harper wants to elope,” Kade said. “She doesn’t want a big to-do, and I’m all for that.”

“Like to Vegas?” He could see Kade and Harper doing that.

“Yeah. She thinks it would be a riot to get married by an Elvis impersonator, especially if he’ll sing ‘Hound Dog’ but change it to ‘Horn Dog’ as she’s walking down the aisle and looking at me.”

Parker laughed. “That would be perfect for you two.”

“Are you serious about eloping?” Tristan asked.

“We are. It’s what Harper wants, and I couldn’t be happier about that. It’s just a question of when we can both get time off. We’re already taking a week for Parker’s New York show, so sometime later in the year.”

“Can Skye and I elope with you?” Tristan said.

Kade nodded. “You bet. We’ll party down.”

“I’ll come as the best man to both of you.” And try not to be envious.

“Or you could find someone to marry, and we’ll make it a family affair,” Kade said.

“Not getting married.” Yet his gaze sought out Willow. She’d be a beautiful bride.

---