Page 43 of Wrecked By You

When she saw us, she opened her arms and hugged the boys. I was grateful that she was only a few streets over. There had been so many times she had saved my bacon by just running over if I had to go somewhere late at night or early in the morning.

She beamed at both me and Isla, walking toward us and giving us a hug. “Happy Fourth.” She handed both of us little flags to wave. “I heard this year is going to be a great parade. I’m excited.”

I put my arm around her and pulled her close. “Thanks for having us. Where is everyone?”

Suddenly, four SUVs came barreling down the side street and parked on various sides of Kayla’s house.

She grinned at me. “Ask and you shall receive.” She turned back to the boys. “Boys, I want you guys to hand out these flags for everyone. We want to always remember that America is great, and we are so blessed to live in this nation.”

The boys eagerly took some flags and waved them.

Kayla gestured to an assortment of camping chairs she’d set out in front of the house. “Will you spread those chairs out better so the adults can fit? I also have bottles of water on the porch, if anyone wants one.”

Immediately, I began arranging the chairs. Isla helped me. We gave each other coy looks, and I decided that it was fun to experience this puppy-dog type of love again.

The rest of our family joined us—my parents, Canyon, Noah, Ella, McCrae, and even Dylan. I gave everyone a hug and held Dylan a little bit longer.

Dylan grinned at Isla. “You’re dating this sorry guy again?” He took Isla into a big hug.

She pulled back and beamed at me, her cheeks going red. “I guess so.”

Dylan leaned into her. “When we were growing up, I had such a big crush on you.”

Isla’s cheeks went even darker. “You’re sweet.”

Dylan turned to me and winked. He murmured into my ear, “I could have a crush on her now.”

My skin prickled with irritation. All of my brothers could be charmers, and I would say that Dylan might be better with words than anyone. He’d only brought two or three girls to meet the family over the years, but they had all been lookers. “Watch it, little brother.”

He laughed.

All of the adults settled in, and the boys went out in front of us.

First came the fire trucks and the sirens. Veterans rode by with a giant flag. We all stood and put our hands over our hearts, listening to the patriotic music playing over the speakers.

After that, it was a montage of people we knew in town. The mayor, Wendy, was riding in a red convertible Mustang. Her kids were in the back, throwing out candy. The mayor yelled out to Isla. “Good to see you, girl!”

Isla waved back and laughed.

Next was the high school band, the cheerleaders, the football team, and the wrestling team. Various businesses rode by in floats.

I ended up standing by the roadside with the boys. Isla joined me. We helped make sure they didn’t get too close to the vehicles while they periodically picked up candy and put it in their sacks.

Isla laughed and looked so beautiful. Her blonde curls and long hair made her seem like she was back in high school. Especially the way she’d been more carefree lately. When she’d first gotten to town, she was very tense. I could see why; she had her ex to worry about.

Her ex. Would we be dealing with him again? I wasn’t sure. I had confided in my parents and brothers and sister. I’d told them to be watching for things. Of course, when it came to family matters, we included each other. We helped each other.

I thought of her father’s parole hearing next week. We needed to talk more about that. I was hoping that maybe at the lake my father could talk to her. He had been part of search and rescue for a long time, but he was also a retired pastor. I wondered if he could have some advice or calming words for her. Something about forgiveness but also about justice. Maybe my mom could encourage her to stand up for herself. I grinned to myself, thinking maybe I should give Kayla the job of encouraging her; she was feisty.

As if Kayla could sense I was thinking about her, she pinched me in the side and nudged me. “Hey.”

I put my arm around her and grinned. “This parade delivers.”

“It sure does.” Kayla moved around to my other side and gave Isla a quick hug. “I’m so glad you’re here this year. Maybe you’ll be here a lot of years.”

Isla seemed to like the suggestion. “I hope so.” Her eyes met mine, and there was that usual sizzle that always happened when we were together.

Canyon and McCrae moved to join us. McCrae asked Kayla, “Was there a secret meeting over here?”