Page 69 of The Story We Wrote

“Come on down!” he yelled. “Two dollars a ball or three for five to watch Miss Aspen Westgrove get wet!” He turned around to me, winking in my direction. “All proceeds go to the local library funds!” Boone repeated it over and over, hoping to bring more players over.

Most people gave five dollars for the three balls, because it was easier than having to dig out two singles.

“Here we go again,” I muttered, holding my nose for impact.

Up next was a little boy, I had faith he wasn’t going to hit the target. When all three balls missed, I let out a breath. The little boy was upset, which made me feel like shit for being relieved. He began to cry and turned towards his mom, hugging her legs.

Boone crouched down to the boy, putting a hand on his shoulder. The little boy wiped his tears with the back of his hand and nodded at whatever Boone was saying. With a smile, Boone picked up the little boy and ran towards the tank. They both were laughing as the little boy held out a hand and smacked the target, sending me into the water.

I came up and gasped; the little boy had the biggest smile on his face as he hugged Boone. My heart melted watching him with the little boy was magical. I was right when I said he would make a great father one day.

When the boy and his family walked away, Boone came to the opening of the tank.

“Sorry about that. He wanted to dunk you so bad, I had to do it.” He smirked, leaning up against the edge. Today, he didn’t wear his cowboy hat, instead a backward trucker hat. A new Boone has been unlocked and I couldn’t complain one bit.

“No hard feelings. I would’ve done the same thing.”

“Boone!” Penny yells from a distance. “Get back to work! Quit flirting with your girlfriend and make me some money!” She came up to us and grabbed Boone by the shoulders, pushing him away.

The day got busier as more people started to arrive at the event. It was an all-day affair so people would show up throughout the day. Different events were happening up and down Main Street which called for many different types of people. Right now, at the main stand, there was a lesson on lassoing.

Moments like this were why I knew I needed to stay in Faircloud. I loved the community and the people who genuinely cared about everyone who lived here. I felt secure knowing if I ever needed help, the town would rally behind me.

Looking at our goal board Penny created, I saw we were close and it was only mid-afternoon. I’d been sitting here for hours. I needed a snack and some tea. I couldn’t look at a bottle of water right now.

I climbed down the back and grabbed the towel Boone set aside for me. Moving under the canopy, I plopped down in the lawn chair set up behind the table. Savoring the shade, I closed my eyes and exhaled. I needed to reapply my sunscreen.

“I can’t believe how well we are doing!” Penny squealed from the seat next to me. She sat with her big framed sunglasses covering her eyes.

“I know!” I said back. “Honestly, I’m pretty sure Boone donated a decent chunk just to see me get dunked.”

Penny laughed. “That man is walking around trying to get anyone he can to come and spend money here. He’s amazing.”

Boone was passionate about everything he did. There was no task he wouldn’t give one hundred percent. The whole Cassidyfamily had proven to be selfless and kind over the last few months.

Speaking of family, in the distance, I watched mine get closer to our table. I was glad they came to see me.

“Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Westgrove,” Penny said, standing up to greet them. I remained seated, this was the first time I’d seen them face to face since our fight.

“Hi, honey!” My mom sang, smiling.

I stood up and waved at my parents.

“I’m glad you two could make it,” I said, trying to put on my best, “everything is okay” face. My dad didn’t say a word to me; he nodded and turned to Penny.

“I’ll take a pack of the meat sticks, a jar of muffin mix, some of that honey,” he said, pointing to the jars on the table. “And a carton of eggs.”

Penny was adding everything up in the register while I helped to bag everything. Seeing my dad buy things was a shock, because coming to see me was one thing, but spending money was another.

Handing my bag to my dad, he finally spoke to me, “Can I steal you for a second?”

Looking at Penny, she shooed me away and began talking to my mom. I nodded and walked around the table with him.

In silence, we headed over to the bench facing the busy street. There was no way I was going to speak first, so I waited for him.

“I want to say I’m sorry for how I reacted,” he began, and I let him continue. “There’s a lot about your mother and me that you may not know. I want the best for my children, and the best was always what I envisioned for me, not you. I’m sorry for not giving you the chance to explain yourself or stick up for what you want. I’m also sorry for being so quick to judge Boone.”

Looking down at the towel wrapped around me, I picked at the fabric. “I appreciate you saying that. I’m sorry too. I should’ve listened to you and tried to understand where you’re coming from.”

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