Page 71 of Nate

Chapter Ten

Nate picked up his phone and sent Markie a text. The upcoming July fourth festival was the talk of the town, and he wanted her to go with him.

Do you want to go to the festival this weekend?

I would love to. Tess told me all about it. Sounds fun.

It always is. I’ll pick you up Saturday around one.

Can’t wait. See you then.

When Saturday arrived, the heat seemed to wrap itself around Nate like a suffocating blanket. He had been hoping for a cooler day, especially since it had rained the day before. But as he climbed the stairs to Markie’s apartment, his thoughts were solely focused on spending the day with her at the festival. He’d deal with the heat for that.

He knocked on her door and it opened to reveal her smiling face. His eyes traveled down her figure, taking in every detail of her outfit; a sleeveless white blouse tucked into denim shorts, with white flip-flops adorning her feet. He couldn’t help but stare at her red toenails before meeting her gaze.

“Hi,” he said, leaning forward and pressing his lips to hers in a brief kiss.

“Hi yourself. Do you want to come inside?” she asked, gesturing toward her door.

“Not if you’re ready to go.”

“I am. Just let me grab my purse.”

“I’ll be right here.”

Markie smiled at him before turning to retrieve her purse and walking out onto the stoop. After she locked the door, Nate took her hand as they descended the stairs together.

“I’m excited to go. I can’t believe they close Main Street,” Markie exclaimed as they made their way through the bustling crowds.

“There are too many people to keep it open. Everyone from the three towns show up, plus most of the tourists,” Nate replied, his eyes scanning the colorful booths and eager vendors selling everything from homemade jewelry to freshly baked goods.

“That’s true,” Markie nodded in agreement as they continued down Main Street, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells of the lively festival. “The food smells amazing.”

“You can get just about anything you want here.”

“Funnel cake?”

“Yep.”

“Great. I love that.”

They held hands as they continued along the street. Markie stopped at every booth. She ended up buying a few pieces of jewelry and baked goods. Nate bought some homemade bread, but other than that, he just enjoyed being with her. He grinned when he saw Bonner and Stephanie Gentry. Bonner was carrying their son. He smiled when he noticed Nate. They shook hands and Nate introduced Markie to them.

“When are you due, Stephanie?” Markie asked.

“How did you know I was pregnant?” Stephanie grinned, making Markie laugh.

“Just a guess,” she said as she nodded toward Stephanie’s swollen belly.

“I’m due any day now.”

“Well, congratulations. Do you know what it is?”

“It’s a girl and I am going to spoil the hell out of her,” Bonner said with a grin.

After talking for a while, they parted ways, and Markie shook her head, making Nate frown.

“What?”

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