Page 85 of Just Act Natural

August leans closer to Grant. “Are you going to marry Lila like that guy’s going to marry Hope?”

And that’s why every event should be child-free.

TWENTY-SIX

GRANT

It turnsout there’s something to be said for engagement parties. Or maybe I just enjoy any place I’m given the freedom to wander around holding Lila against me.

We mingle through the yard, and she introduces me to her friends and neighbors. It’s obvious she’s liked and admired. Everyone has something to say about the part she played in the last Christmas festival or their high expectations for the upcoming Fourth Fest. She’s asked for her opinion on everything from current fashion trends, to cozy bedroom paint colors, to where to buy earrings like hers. And every time, she finds a way to direct them to a shop in town like she’s already Sunshine’s tourism director.

She’s energetic and open, but it’s her smile that gets me. She’s not stingy with it. After the slight awkwardness with her parents, she relaxes into the evening. She’s full of laughter and heart, and she’s the brightest star in the night.

Clearly, I’m ready for someone else to ask what drew me to her.

When we’ve made our rounds and evening casts long shadows through the yard, she leads us over to the fire pit.August dances around the crackling flames holding a marshmallow on a stick that hovers just over the fire. Lila and I sit on one of the outdoor sofas, and her sister and friends take up the others next to Tess.

“Is another marshmallow going to be too much for his blood sugar?” Wren asks her sister.

“I’m toasting it for that guy.” August throws a hand toward where Griffin cuddles Hope.

Griffin groans, but Hope consoles him with a pat on his chest.

August stops his jig. “I meanGriffin. I’m toasting this one especially for you.”

I’m very much enjoying the way his l-sounds are more like extra ys.Especiayee.

“He’s the toastmaster general tonight.” Tess smiles at her son from across the raised metal fire pit. “How many is that?”

“Eight. But—oops.”

The marshmallow’s engulfed in flames. He blows it out, grinning away.

“But some caught fire,” he finishes.

“I like a toasty marshmallow.” Griffin has a graham cracker and a piece of chocolate ready. “Bring it here, buddy.”

They work together to slide the molten marshmallow onto the little stack.

“Perfect!” Griffin offers him a hand, which he slaps. “What’s my name?”

“Griffin!”

“Atta boy.”

August yawns massively but holds up his toasting stick. “Who wants one?”

“I think it’s time for us to go, honey. We’ve got to get you to bed.” Tess helps direct him to put the s’mores supplies away and encourages him to wish us all goodnight.

He goes around the group offering goodbyes. Lila gets another huge hug. Then, he turns to me. “Goodnight, guy!”

Griffin nods, wiping melted chocolate from his mouth. “The torch has been passed.”

Tess and August wave one last time and make their way to the side gate to disappear into the night.

Wren sits with her ankles tucked up under her nibbling on a loose graham cracker. “You throw a good party.”

“Five stars on Yelp,” Hope says.

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