Page 46 of Flick

“The new lifeguard’s sons. They’re there every time we go,” Benji whispered.

Beth decided to see how this played out. Elijah and Morgan had been angry teenagers who only cared for themselves when they’d come with Ellie to Bluff Creek. They’d changed a lot over the last six months. She wanted to know how they’d handle it. If needed, she’d step in.

“Okay. Well, the next time you go, plan on us going too. Not only will we chat with the boys, but we’ll also have a talk with the lifeguard. If it doesn’t solve the problem, then we’ll bring in the adults. Does that sound like a good plan, or is there something else you think we should do?” Morgan asked, crouching down close to Benji’s chair.

Oh, these boys were going to make her cry. Seeing them mature and care about someone else was a joy to see. Beth had always thought Bluff Creek was a special place, but this here screamed to her that she was right.

“It’s a good plan,” Benji said, nodding at Morgan and Elijah.

“Thank you, Morgan and Elijah, for sticking up for the kids, and I agree, it’s a good plan,” Beth said, wandering around watching the kids make the bracelets and crowns.

She couldn’t wait to see her sisters’ faces when she told them.

“Say what?” Winnie asked.

Beth grinned. When Winnie and Jesse had come to pick up their kids, Beth had texted Remi and Sarah to come by too.

Beth had decided to let the kids tell her sisters why they’d made the crowns.

Phoebe rolled her eyes at her mom, holding up the crown. “Aunt Beth and Flick are getting married today. We made flower crowns and bracelets so we could help walk her down the aisle with Papa Locks.”

At her words, Sarah handed a ten-dollar bill to Remi.

“You guys bet on me?” Beth asked.

“Only Remi and I did. We were hanging out, lamenting not being able to see our toes, and Remi brought up you and Flick. She was positive you’d do a wedding on the Fourth of July since it’s your favorite holiday. I thought it couldn’t happen so soon, so I bet against her,” Sarah whined.

“It is my favorite holiday, and I didn’t want this huge planning thing of what type of food and what type of flowers. We’re already having my favorite foods, and I’ve got a casual, pretty dress for today with my sandals and a crown of flowers. I want today to be fun because I’m marrying my best friend and theman I love. Plus, I didn’t want anyone to have to stand up with me because you guys are miserable enough today without putting on some dress you’ll never wear again.”

“Oh, thank you so much. It was all I could do to get into these maternity shorts and top. Scoop had to hold the shorts and have me step into them,” Sarah said.

Despite their bellies, her sisters all crowded around her in a group hug.

“This feels like such a momentous occasion. By tonight, we’ll all be married. Soon, most of us will have kids,” Jesse said, sniffling a little.

“Oh well, don’t be looking at me for any kids any time soon. Flick and I have plans for some businesses, and we’re going to go on some trips. I want to enjoy my man a little before we have kids,” Beth said.

Remi kissed her cheek, and Beth smiled at her oldest sister, who had taught her so much.

“There’s no hurry. I’m so happy for you. Do you need us to do anything?” Remi asked.

“Hmm, if you could hold off going into labor until after the ceremony, I’d appreciate it,” Beth said.

The giggling of her sisters had her smiling. They’d always been by her side, and she couldn’t imagine this day without them.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Flick stood at the end of the path waiting on Beth. He breathed deeply, trying to calm down a little. He was rethinking not having any attendants because there was no one standing up with him. His knees were weak, and he wasn’t going to faint.

Gunner smiled at him from the row of seats. Brody had said he was coming and would probably arrive before the wedding, but Flick was getting concerned. He wanted his family here, and he needed to lay eyes on Brody. Gunner and he agreed that something had been off in Brody’s voice.

Flick had spent a couple hours today getting a tattoo that he was sure Beth was going to get a kick out of. He’d had to get a little up close and personal with Stone, one of the new tattoo artists, but he’d do anything for his woman. She was everything to him.

A commotion toward the back of the seats had him glancing at the side-by-side driving up to the area. Rascal got out andwalked around to the other side of the vehicle and put his arm out to help someone.

Flick started running toward the vehicle, with Gunner on his heels. Brody was holding onto Rascal as he stood. Flick rounded the vehicle and then paused, not knowing where he could touch Brody without hurting him. Brody had a bandage on his left cheek toward his jaw. His left arm was wrapped in gauze, and he was leaning against Rascal along with having a cane.

“Surprise! I got a little boo-boo,” Brody joked.

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