Page 97 of When Sparks Fly

“Well, let’s go spend your money!” At Izzy’s insistence, we pile into my Jeep and head to the only lawn and garden store in town.

Two hours and several hundred dollars later, the three of us return to Nana’s with a firepit and a million boxes of string lights in tow.

Leah is giddy with excitement. “This is going to be gorgeous!”

Her energy is infectious as if I wasn’t thrilled already. “I’m going to check Nana’s garage for a ladder. Will you two start unloading?”

“You just don’t want to help with the fire pit,” Izzy jests. She flicks one eyebrow at me.

“You aren’t entirely off base there.” I laugh, heading in the opposite direction of the house.

With the ladder, we make our way around the vast yard, stringing Edison-style bulbs from tree to tree. For tonight, the rectangular fire pit is stationed in the middle of the yard. I already have a plan to situate it somewhere else with new chairs, once the transition for the bed and breakfast happens. We set out lawn chairs from Leah’s that we picked up on the way back and call it done.

I’m not even sure if Sutton will be able to come by. So caught up in the emotions of the day and preparing everything for a celebration, I haven’t reached out yet.

Sweaty and satisfied, the three of us hang our arms around each other’s shoulders, taking in the made-over space. “This turned out really cute,” Izzy admires.

“It’s not the end goal, but it’ll do for now.”

“Of course, it’s not.” Leah shakes her head, playfully. “You’re such a perfectionist.”

“It’s not even that,” I argue. “I have a picture in mind.”

“Ohhh, apicturein mind.” Izzy snickers next to me.

“Both of you can shut up.” Snaking my arms off their shoulders on either side of me, I twist quickly and start tickling them both instead. We become awild tangle of arms and twisting bodies, laughing and sucking in air when we can before we crash to the ground together in a heap. Our laughter continues until our faces are tear-streaked and we can’t breathe.

When our breathing has evened out, I squeeze their hands where they lie on either side of me. “Thank you for your help.”

“No thanks necessary.” Izzy squeezes back.

“Ride or die.” Leah’s voice is quiet and serious.

“What happened with your sister?” I look at Leah.

She sighs. “She’s mad, but I can’t have her and three kids in my one bedroom place.”

“I’m sorry. I know it’s hard.”

“It’s just Lily.” She shrugs dismissively.

“Guess you need to see about a cowboy.” Izzy sits up and brushes off her shirt. “Tell us all about it.”

Heat rushes to my face. This is really happening. Giving each of my best friends one more tight hug, we say our goodbyes and they leave. When the yard is silent again, minus the occasional whisper of the wind, I pull out my phone and text Sutton.

Me:

Hey, Cowboy. I know you’re busy this week. If you can get away tonight, I’ll be hanging out in the backyard at Nana’s. Just come on back.

A few minutes goes by and no bubbles appear. I’m sure he’s busy, so I pocket my phone and set to starting the fire.

I think the assumption is I’ll be back at his place tonight since he’s feeling protective again. Even if he can’t get away, I want to enjoy this yard and the new things on the horizon for a bit.

Chapter 41

Colt

My fucking nose is throbbing when I wake up. I’m going to repay that bitch in kind.

---