Andrew pointed across the festival fairway and then turned to look at Mandy. He said, “They’ve got cotton candy down there. Should we go get a big bunch of it?”

Mandy frowned, “Cotton candy? Seriously? I’m not a little girl anymore, Andrew.”

Andrew sighed and said, “But I still like cotton candy.”

Vincent raised his hands and said, “Could you all just quiet down a little bit. I don’t want to be mean or caustic, but today could make or break our future fourth store.”

Cathy stepped forward and asked, “I didn’t know there were such big stakes here for this little summer festival.”

Vincent said, “It’s not so much the festival. Dana’s parents said they would put in an appearance. Her mom enjoys small city festivals. Their funding was instrumental in starting the chain, and they are considering a sizable chunk of cash for the new store. I want everyone to be on their best, polite behavior. If you see anything out of place in our displays, just quietly fix it and don’t make a big deal out of anything.”

Mandy stepped up to Vincent and gave him a big hug. She said, “Dad, you’re ready for this. There’s nothing to make you worry. Grandma and Grandpa will love everything.”

“Do they know about the new house?” asked Andrew.

“Not yet,” said Vincent. “I thought that I would tell them about it today, and tomorrow they can see it. Dana’s mom is a loving woman, but she is meticulous about everything. That’s just a warning.”

Andrew turned to Mandy and said, “There are funnel cakes over there, too. Are those still acceptable for a young woman?”

Mandy laughed and said, “I love funnel cakes.”

“Let’s go get some,” said Andrew. “I’m buying. They will be at their best in the morning when the oil is still fresh.”

“We’ll be right back, Dad,” said Mandy.

Vincent nodded. As they stepped away, he said to Cathy, “They are getting along really well.”

Cathy said, “That’s obvious, and I’m not surprised. Andrew is very charming and fun to be around. How are you holding up?”

“I thought this would be just an easy summer festival. We do these all the time, but it has my nerves a little frazzled.”

“You’ve got a lot going on,” said Cathy. “Take deep breaths, and think about two days from now when it’s all over.”

Vincent stared out into the crowd beyond Cathy’s shoulder and said, “Here they come.”

Dana’s parents were both in their late 70s, and they were in good health. They were both slim like Dana and dressed elegantly in contemporary fashion. Dana’s father wore khakis and an ocean blue polo. Her mother wore a simple yellow sun dress with a large floral print.

Cathy whispered, “Wow, I hope I look that good when I’m their age.”

Vincent stepped out from behind a table at the grocery chain’s booth and offered a hug saying, “Charlotte, it’s such a pleasure to see you!”

He wrapped her gently in his arms as she said, “We thought this was a perfect opportunity to say hello and find out more about the current state of the stores. Henry mentioned that you are thinking about a fourth.”

Vincent shook hands with Henry and said, “Yes, I am. A perfect location became available unexpectedly.”

Henry said, “An expert businessman always jumps when an opportunity comes knocking.”

“Grandma!” Mandy handed the plate of funnel cake to Andrew and ran up to her grandmother throwing hands with slightly sticky fingers around the yellow dress.

Charlotte stroked her granddaughter’s dark hair and said, “You are growing up so fast, Mandy. You’re turning into such a marvelous young woman.”

Mandy clung tight and said, “Thank you, Grandma.”

Vincent gestured toward Cathy and said, “I think you both know Cathy Riggs.”

Henry said, “Why, yes, Cathy. Dana mentioned you many times…” He paused and in a whispered tone of voice finished the thought, “In the end.”

Cathy shook his hand and said, “I’ve never had a friend quite like Dana. You raised such a warm, caring daughter.”

Charlotte gestured toward Andrew and asked, “Who is this man? Does he work for you, Vincent?”

Andrew smiled while Vincent laughed softly. He said, “No, this is Andrew McCall, and he is one of the most talented interior designers in the city. I have even more news for you. I’ve purchased a new home for Mandy and me. Andrew is leading the renovation team, and he has helped turn it into a perfect home for us.”

Charlotte said, “That sounds exciting. Dana hoped that you would find a house with even more space for Mandy.”

Vincent said, “I’m sorry that I can’t continue talking for now. The crowds should be arriving soon, and I have a few last minute items to set up.”

Charlotte said, “That’s quite alright. We would like to look around before the throngs are so thick that we get jostled about.”

“I’m not sure they will be that bad,” said Vincent, “But yes, check things out. I’m sure Mandy will be happy to join you.”

As the grandparents headed for the next booth with Mandy at their side, Cathy said, “It is good to see them again. Charlotte is positively glowing. She is always completely put together.”

Andrew said, “They don’t seem so intimidating to me.” He stepped up close to Vincent and gave a quick pinch on Vincent’s back end.

Vincent let out a tiny yelp and growled at Andrew. “That doesn’t help, and I’m sorry I didn’t introduce you as my boyfriend. I think we need to take that slowly. As friendly as they seem, both Charlotte and Henry are a little on the conservative side.”

“I can handle it,” said Andrew. “Is there anything we can help you out with here?”

Vincent glanced around and said, “I think my managers have everything under control, but why don’t you both just look around imagining that you are just ordinary people here at the festival. Check everything out and let me know if we should shift anything around.”

Andrew offered his elbow to Cathy and said, “I’ll pretend that this lovely woman is my wife.”

Cathy laughed and said, “Don’t worry, Vincent, he’s still your boyfriend.”

Vincent bustled around nervously moving stacks of brochures six inches in one direction on a table and then six inches back the other way while Andrew and Cathy made a circle around the tent. He didn’t know why he was so nervous, but the tension wouldn’t let go.

When Andrew returned with Cathy, he stepped closer to Vincent and said, “Everything looks great, but I have one thing to show you. It’s behind this tall display over here.”

Vincent scrunched up his face in confusion. He asked, “Behind the display?”

“Just follow me,” said Andrew.

The space behind a tall display on guidelines for a healthy diet was out of view of Vincent’s employees. They were busy talking and preparing for the crowds. As soon as he ducked out of sight with Vincent, Andrew gripped Vincent’s chin and shared a quick kiss. He said, “This is for good luck as if you even need it.”

Vincent smiled and said, “Thank you. I’m sorry that I’m so nervous and not quite myself.”

“Maybe one more will do the trick.” Andrew kissed Vincent again and lingered just a little bit longer. Vincent closed his eyes to savor the kiss. When he opened them again, he was shocked to see Charlotte two booths away but with an unobstructed sight line. She was standing alone, and her mouth was open. Seconds later she disappeared.

“Oh my God,” whispered Vincent.

“It was that good?” asked Andrew.

“Charlotte. She saw us.”

“How could she see us? She’s not even here.”

Vincent pointed in the direction where she stood. “She was right over there.”

Andrew turned to gaze in the direction the finger pointed, and he said, “Well, I guess she will know sooner instead of later. Maybe that’s not such a bad thing. Secrets are hard to keep.”

They both heard Cathy’s voice. “Welcome back Charlotte, Henry. Did you have fun looking around, Mandy?”

Vincent closed his eyes, took three long deep breaths, and then re-emerged to say hello to his former in-laws.

Charlotte said, “The festival is quite charming, Vincent, but I’m sorry to say that we must leave. We have other matters on our schedule. It is a busy weekend.” She didn’t make eye contact as she spoke.

Henry looked confused. He started to say, “I don’t think…,” but his voice faded off when Charlotte gripped his arm.

She reached out for Mandy to share another hug and said, “We will be in touch again soon, Mandy. It’s important to be a big part of our granddaughter’s life.”

Vincent choked out polite words. He said, “I’m sorry to see you go so soon. Henry, maybe we can have lunch to talk about the fourth store.”

Henry began, “I don’t see why…” Charlotte squeezed his arm again, and he said, “Yes, I will be in touch.”

Through pinched lips, Charlotte said, “Our best wishes, Vincent. You will hear from us soon.”