Page 31 of More Than a Helping Hand

Wrapped in a towel, Bailey yanks off her flippers and goggles. Others at the party are packing up to head to the county park for the big fireworks display. Based on what Primrose mentioned about Bailey disliking the loud bangs, I doubt they are planning to attend, but I’d love to spend more time with them.

I’ve been trying to think of a solution to the loud problem for days, and last night, the lightbulb finally went off. And that’s part of the reason I was a bit late to the party.

Primrose glances at me, then focuses on the pool bag. “I think that’s everything. Are you ready to go, Bailey?”

Bailey bobs her head, but there is none of her usual fervor in the action. “Yeah. We can go.”

I squat beside her. “I heard you don’t like hearing the fireworks.”

“Because they’re loud. And it hurts my ears.” She uses the corner of her towel to wipe water off her forehead.

“They are loud. Will you do me a big favor?”

Bailey cocks her head. “What?”

“In that cooler over there are popsicles. Will you grab one for me?”

Nodding, she turns to look at her mom. “Do you want one, Mom?”

“No thanks, but you may have one if you’d like.”

“Thanks.” Bailey rushes toward the cooler.

“That was an excuse for us to be alone. I wanted to ask if it would be okay to offer Bailey some noise-canceling headphones so that she can see the fireworks at the park without hearing them.” As much as I want to be closer to Primrose, I keep space between us because of the others still around. And mostly because of Bailey.

She slides her finger along her bottom lip. “Sure. That’s fine, but you didn’t have to do that.”

“And I should’ve asked you before sending her for popsicles. I’m sorry.”

“You’re good. But thank you. For thinking of her. For being considerate of my feelings. I appreciate it.”

“I care a whole lot about how you feel.” After the words are out of my mouth, I realize how it could sound like something I didn’t intend, but I lean into that and wink. “But we aren’t there yet. That is after middle names, I think.”

Bailey runs up before Primrose gets a chance to reply. “They have all kinds. I got you a green one, DeeDee. And I got a watermelon for me.”

“Beau gets these paletas that are sooo good.” I tear the plastic off mine. “Want a taste?”

A blush floods Primrose’s cheeks. “No thank you.”

I truly meant a taste of the paleta, but seeing her blush always sends my heart racing. So I don’t completely regret asking the question. Bailey is busy devouring hers when I lean down.

“If you didn’t have to hear the fireworks, would you like to see them?”

Her eyes narrow. “You mean like being inside and looking out the window?”

“I mean being at the park with everyone else, but wearing headphones that make the fireworks really quiet.”

She drags her tongue up the side of her frozen treat. “I don’t have those.”

“I have some in my truck.” I stand because my knees can only take that position for so long. “And I talked to your mom, and she said it was fine if you wanted to go to the park and try them out.”

Primrose rubs Bailey’s back. “Do you want to go to the park?”

“Yes.” Her voice comes out as a whisper. Then a smile spreads across her face. “DeeDee, go get those, and you can ride with us to the park. Right, Mom?”

“Of course.”

“Or we could take my truck. I have blankets and snacks ready. We can lie down in the bed and look up at the sky.” I turn toward Primrose. “Would that be good with you?”

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