The parade had ended with a bang—literally. Twenty-four shots were fired, exploding in successive red, white, and blue bursts as they called out each name, honoring a fallen serviceman. Surprisingly, no women were among the list.
Waiting in nervous anticipation, Tyler’s name was number twenty-one on the list. And although bittersweet, I couldn’t help the soft smile on my lips and the few tears that fell in admiration. It didn’t matter that Tyler was no longer in the physical world, I was proud of him for following his dreams and the man he had become.
My phone vibrated against my palm, and when I checked, it showed Addie had sent a text.
“Addie just sent me a text. Said they’re waiting in the cotton candy line. Did you want to head that way?”
“Sure.”
Easton fell into step behind me, his hand protectively holding on at the nape of my neck. At first, I wondered how I would react if people saw me out with him. Having to get used to all the prying eyes and whispers, I asked myself over and over again, if I would be scrutinized for getting involved with another man so soon. It wasn’t so much that I cared what people thought. My concern was more about whether they would keep their judgments to themselves.
We barely took two steps before Easton wrapped his arm around the front of my chest, roughly pulling me back into him just in time to miss being bulldozed by a trio of cheerleaders on a mission.
“Sorry! Sorry! Sorry!” all three girls chimed in unison, smiling their apologies while keeping their speed, zipping past us.
I dismissed them with a wave, and when I felt I could breathe normal again, I broke out in a fit of giggles.
“What’s so funny?”
“Twenty bucks says those girls are racing to get to their boyfriends. They don’t want to miss a single minute of make-out time.”
“Why?” he teased. “Is that what you used to do?” His warm breath tickled the shell of my ear and the smooth huskiness of his voice made the resident butterflies in my tummy take flight.
“Pretty much.”
Easton took my hand in his and held on tight as we made our way into the throngs of people, most likely afraid he might lose me to the crowd. As I looked around, the more it reminded me of a carnival minus the over-priced games and rides.
White tents were lined with various food booths and the smells were amazing. I snuck a glance up at Easton to find him smiling and taking in whiffs of all the delicious aromas. He was definitely in his element.
“Are you hungry at all?” I asked.
“A little, but we can find your friends first if you’d like.”
That was another thing amongst many that I adored about this man. His ability to always put the needs of others first was nothing short of amazing.
“Okay. Looks like the cotton candy booth is just up ahead.” I pointed.
We strolled past the row of food booths, and when we approached the cotton candy line, my eyes found Addie and RJ. I slacked, giggling to myself with how annoyed she looked in that moment.
“Babe, don’t you think that’s a bit much? You already ate two bags like thirty minutes ago.”
She gave him the eye. “If I want to eat cotton candy—I will eat cotton candy,” she scolded in her thick Southern drawl. It was her one giveaway whenever she got irritated. “Are you trying to tell me I’m fat?”
“What? No. Of course I don’t think you’re fat.”
“Well, I feel fat. And cotton candy makes me feel better, always has.” She popped a piece of pink fluff in her mouth. “So, please do not tell me what I can and cannot eat.” She huffed and at that point, I knew RJ needed saving.
I tapped Addie on the shoulder and smirked.
“Lils!” Her face lit up, and she all but screamed my name. “I was beginning to wonder if you were going to show.” She pulled me in for a tight hug. “God, I’ve missed you,” she whispered.
“I missed you, too.”
We rocked side to side, holding on tight, and I told myself I would never, under no circumstance, ever let time and distance interfere with our friendship again.
Addie finally pulled back, holding my shoulders at arm’s length, smiling. “It really is good to see you.”
“All right. That’s enough hogging our girl,” RJ joked. “It’s my turn.” He gave us both a lopsided grin. Addie stepped to the side, and I walked into RJ’s arms as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He was my husband’s best friend, and I considered him the same. I knew if anything, Tyler would hope RJ would always look after me, and at one time, I hoped for that, too. “Glad to see you, Lils,” he said softly. I nodded against his chest, too emotional to form any kind of words.
It had always been the four of us. No matter where we went, what we did, we were always together. In that moment, I felt the weight of the one person that was missing—who would always be missing.
“Hey. No tears, okay.” RJ ran his hand along the back of my head in a caring, brotherly fashion, and that was when I remembered that Easton was standing behind me.
I pulled away, wiped the few tears from under my eyes, and turned to find Easton standing there, patiently waiting until our reunion had a break. But something about the look on his face and the distance he stood from the three of us had me questioning where his thoughts were.
His jaw was tight, and I couldn’t quite figure why. There was a long pause before he accepted my outstretched hand. I smiled, and his tension dissolved back into that friendly face I had grown accustomed to.
“Hey, guys. I’d like for you to meet Easton. Well, RJ, you two have already met. Addie, this is Easton.” I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to add a label or go into further detail as to what he meant to me, so I left it at that. When I glanced up and noticed something that resembled pained confusion, I was forced to look away. Introducing him to my best friends shouldn’t be that difficult, yet I was left there debating my words.
Easton held his hand out toward Addie first. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you, too.” She smiled and RJ pulled her in to his side.
It took everything in me to not burst out in laughter. No matter who the man might be, I don’t think RJ will ever lose his caveman like tendencies.
“Nice seeing you again.” Easton held his hand out, and after narrowing his eyes for a split second, RJ returned the gesture.
“Yeah, good to see you, too.” RJ forced his words out around a tight smile.
Not wanting to make a scene, I brushed off RJ’s not-so-welcoming attitude and let Easton pull me into his side, mimicking the move RJ had used on Addie. I was just about to ask if they had dinner already when Addie’s phone rang.
“Excuse me for one second?”