Page 80 of The Lighthouse at the Cove
She smiled and threaded her fingers with his. “Wedid.”
“Lieutenant Turner,” the mayor called as she walked over to them. “Looks like everything’s off to a great start. Everyone’sbuzzing about the lighthouse and the fireworks. Plus the shopping that’s happening—it’s off the charts!” She shook Reid’s hand and then Kaiah’s. “Thank you for your help with the festival. Truly.”
“You’re welcome,” Reid said.
Kaiah nodded. “I’m relieved it all came together.”
The mayor made a sweeping gesture toward the vendors. “You guys have put in the work, and now’s the time to enjoy it. Go have some fun,” she said before moving on to talk to more folks milling about near the lighthouse.
Kaiah grinned up at Reid. “You heard the mayor. Let’s go.”
They wandered through the market and soon found Sue and Piper. The six-year-old was holding a giant bag of popcorn in one hand while licking a chocolate ice cream cone in the other. Reid laughed and shook his head as he admired his daughter’s palate.
Piper held the bag up to Kaiah. “Want some kettle corn?”
“Absolutely I do.” Kaiah took the bag. “Kettle corn is my favorite.” She pointed to a nearby bench. “Let’s sit down while you finish your cone.”
Piper handed her kettle corn to Kaiah, and the foursome sat on the bench and ate their treats, watching people walk and talk, dance and shop.
After snack time Reid visited different vendors with Becca and Astrid, and Kaiah spotted him paying for something before he rejoined them at the bench. He sank down beside Piper and began wiping her hands with a napkin. “It’s almost eleven, kiddo. It’s way past your bedtime.”
Piper shook her head and yawned. “But I’m not even tired.”
Kaiah and Reid exchanged smirks.
Kaiah had almost forgotten Reid was still working his shift. “Becca and I will take her home,” she offered.
“Thanks. I owe you one,” he said before tossing the napkins into a nearby trash can.
Becca and Cash walked over to them. Cash held a sleeping Astrid in his arms.
“I think it’s time for us to head home,” Becca said.
“Yeah,” Kaiah agreed. “This night went by too quickly.”
“I’ll carry her to the car.” Reid lifted Piper into his arms, and she rested her head on his shoulder while they waded through the sea of people toward the parking lot.
When they reached Becca’s SUV, she unlocked the doors, and Reid and Cash loaded the two girls into their booster seats. Instantly Piper closed her eyes, and both girls’ heads lolled to the side as they slept.
Reid kissed his daughter’s head, and she snored softly.
Kaiah smiled at the two of them. She loved watching Reid interact with his daughter.
When Reid straightened up and started toward Kaiah, his radio crackled.
“All available units respond to 1742 Glenn Avenue, Coral Cove, seventy-four-year-old man,” the voice over the radio blared. “Head injury. Possible concussion.”
Cash kissed Becca. “Duty calls. See you tomorrow, babe,” he told her before giving her a quick peck.
Reid said good night to his sister and parents and then turned his attention to Kaiah. “I’ll see you bright and early for the beach cleanup.” He pulled something out of his pocket and folded it into her palm.
“What’s this?”
“Something to help you remember Coral Cove.” He kissed her, and her heart skipped a beat as he and Cash double-timed it toward the fire engine.
Kaiah slipped the little bag into her pocket. She couldn’t wait to open it after she tucked Piper into bed.
“Thank you for the ride,” Kaiah told Becca after she’d parked in Reid’s driveway.
