Page 88 of Pick Your Spot

Elina held up her tablet. “And that gives me an idea for another comic.”

A thrill ran through Thea. Elina drew an online comic strip that was popular around the world. The fact that the artist, Paxi, was her friend was astonishing.

Elina grinned. “In the meantime, we have a gift for you and Knox.”

A gift? This whole party had been their way of thanking their friends.

Marcus and Troy moved to the center of the group, holding something under a cloth. Marcus smiled. “This is our way of welcoming you to the neighborhood. We’re glad you’re here.”

Elina moved between them and lifted the cloth.

The men held a board that was probably eight feet long and a foot high. The words The Worminator had been carved into it. Happy worms and apples had been added as well. The sign was charming and Thea clapped her hands at the sight of it, then grabbed Knox’s hand. “That’s amazing. It’s absolutely perfect.”

Knox laughed. “It couldn’t be more perfect. This is incredible.”

It didn’t take long for the group to mount the sign on the front of their working compost facility.

When it was up, Thea couldn’t stop smiling. It was truly perfect.

Knox handed her a glass and tapped his to it. The crowd was suddenly silent. He lifted his glass. “To the Worminator and the Queen of Compost.”

The crowd laughed and lifted their own glasses. “To the Worminator and the Queen of Compost.”

Knox watched Thea interact with their new friends with pride. She was an amazing woman, and she was beginning to actually believe that. At least part of the way. He’d spend the rest of his life reminding her she was incredible.

Dodge appeared beside him. “You’re happier than I’ve ever seen you.”

Knox nodded. “You’re right. Being in love will do that for a guy.”

“You told her that yet?”

He nodded and couldn’t contain the grin. They’d celebrated their love in spectacular fashion more than once.

Although Knox didn’t say a word, Ford laughed. “Good for you. It’s good to see you happy, man.”

“Thanks. You happy you came up this way?”

Ford nodded, but the shadow in his eyes didn’t back it up. “This is a good place. I’m happy to be here.”

He was going to ask more, but a whistle had them both turning to where Troy and Marcus wore shit-eating grins. “One more surprise.”

A quick glance at Thea proved she didn’t have a clue what was going on either. He moved to her side and wrapped his arm around her. While she would know their friends would only have a happy surprise in store, she wasn’t used to things that weren’t planned or part of a routine.

She leaned into his side but worried her bottom lip.

Epic didn’t keep them waiting long. “Thanks to Piper, we have a new tradition in Phail. Actually, we have a ton of them, but we’re only focusing on one tonight.”

Knox still didn’t have a clue.

Troy grinned. “We’ve brought that tradition here today.” He waved them around the back of the Worminator. The cloth they’d used to cover up the amazing Worminator sign was now tacked to the back wall.

Rows of lawn chairs had been set up.

“We thought it would be a good night to watch a movie. A classic. A particular favorite of Knox’s. Have a seat, everyone and we’ll get started.”

Oh shit.

He and Thea were shown to the seats in the middle of the front row, and everyone piled onto seats around them.

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