Page 4 of A Moment In Time

Mayor Bessler’s speech was long and over-zealous, as it usually was. The man loved an audience. Gage got some shots of him in action. And some wider shots of the crowd’s reactions. They were especially enthusiastic when they sensed he was wrapping it up.

The mayor gave a final wave, then exited the platform in Gage’s direction.

“Good afternoon, Gage. I hope you got some good shots.”

“I took a lot, so I’m sure there are a few.”

“What’s the theme this year?”

Gage pointed at him. “You know that’s a secret until the cover story comes out.”

“Right, of course. You don’t want the citizens anticipating your moves.”

“That’s exactly right, sir.”

The mayor clapped Gage on the shoulder. “Keep up the good work, son.”

He left before Gage could give a response. Which was fine, because he really didn’t have one. He took a few shots of the audience leaving the area and heading for the bonfire. When someone came up behind him, he turned to see Cabe and Jovie.

Gage turned to them. “Hey, it’s my nice brother.”

Cabe laughed. “What do you mean?”

“Nothing. Remy and Pax were being…Remy and Pax.”

“Gotcha.” Cabe looked at Jovie. “Believe it or not, this is Jovie’s first Winter Festival.”

“Really? How did you manage that?”

“I’ve been a loner for almost twenty-eight years.”

Gage smiled. “I really don’t see anything wrong with that.”

Cabe shook his head. “Yeah. You wouldn’t.” He took Jovie’s hand. “We’re going to go get warm by the fire.”

“Have fun.” He watched them go and took a few shots of them walking away. A cowboy and his cowgirl. They were the quintessential couple of Calaway Crossing.

Gage spent the next two hours talking to people when he couldn’t avoid it, and going through several rolls of film. He ran into all of his brothers and his parents. Clementine and Booker were the only family he didn’t see, aside from his grandparents, who didn’t attend. Greer had a cold and Lillian didn’t want him out in the weather. It was the first year they missed the bonfire. They were in attendance at the first one, and every year since.

When his hands were so cold he couldn’t properly work his camera, he decided he’d had enough. He spotted Sydney on the other side of the clearing and he walked over to her.

“Hey boss.”

“Are you as cold as I am?”

“I’m sure I am. I lost feeling in my fingers thirty minutes ago.” She handed him the camera, and he put it in the bag, then took her arm.

“Let’s go get a cider for the road.”

They went to the tavern’s booth and found Remington and Brynlee. Gage looked around.

“Did Pax leave you to fend for yourself?”

Remington smiled. “He took Elaina home.” He put his arm around Brynlee. “And I’m not alone.”

“I can see that. Where’s the youngest Calaway?”

“Adisyn is with Mom. They took her to the house. It’s much too cold out here for her.”

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