Cami, Vince and Sage were met by a man holding onto two leashes with huge brown and black dogs straining for Vince. Gage’s brown hair was not nearly as long as his friend’s. While Vince was all rough edges, hard palms, and scruffy goodness, Cami found Gage’s appeal to be somewhat more refined, though the day’s growth on his chin and the strong angles of his face were still alluring—in a general sense. He was leaner, with a glint of laughter in his eyes which came across as good humor. Cami wondered if the assessment was apt, or if his appearance was all façade as Trent’s had been.
Either way, she nearly melted when she saw the excited joy in the dogs’ eyes as they greeted the trio. “Hey there, sweeties. Are you friendly?” She sought confirmation from Gage.
“Yes, but don’t go thinking these mutts are mine. They belong to Vince.” Despite his words, the tone held warmth and amusement. “Say hello to Smith and Wesson.” He gestured to each in turn.
The names made Cami laugh. She had no doubt the bruisers could be lethal if they felt pushed to it, but at the moment they were more like happy puppies out on holiday. “They’re beautiful.” She greeted Wesson, rubbed the soft fur around the dog’s bear-like head and giggled when a huge tongue lathered slobber all over her lower arm. The dog jumped up on back legs, propping enormous paws on Cami’s shoulders.
“Hold on there, girl.” Vince took hold of the dog’s collar and pulled her off when Cami took two steps back to keep from falling over. “Sorry. They’re still puppies, despite their size, and I haven’t had much time to train them this spring.”
Not at all put off, Cami smiled, then reached out a hand to rub Smith’s face—this time keeping her distance better. “It’s fine. I love dogs, but I’m not home enough to keep any of my own. They look almost like Akitas, except the ears.”
Vince smiled in surprise. “Part Akita, yes, and part Bullmastiff. Sweet as sugar and not done growing yet.” He gave both dogs a good rub, and with a few hand signs, had them sitting on their haunches, quivering with excitement. Then he introduced Sage and Cami to Gage.
“I’m not sure why you were willing to spend time with this joker,” Gage said when he held Cami’s hand. “But I guess I can’t complain, considering.”
“Back off, Matthews, this one’s all mine.” Vince’s warm hand enveloped Cami’s free one.
The declaration caught Cami by surprise, left her torn between irritation and amusement. For the day, she opted for amusement.
Gage released her. “So noted. It’s a pleasure to meet you, anyway.” He turned to Sage. “And if the rest of the sisters are as pretty as you two are, our community owes your father a great debt of gratitude.” He took her hand and lifted it to his lips.
“You’re a smooth one, aren’t you?” Sage asked, appearing amused. His lips quirked. “I try. Do I succeed?”
“I’ll let you know.” Sage glanced down the street to the oncoming horde of young ones. “Do you have family in the parade?”
Vince answered, “My niece. She’s been talking, planning and decorating for weeks. Expect something as spectacular as Barnum and Bailey when she pedals by.”
“You don’t have any kids or nieces in it?” Cami asked Gage.
“I’m an only child and unencumbered.” His smile flashed. “I prefer it that way, but the Talmadges always drag me to join them for stuff like this. I guess I’m a glutton for punishment.”
Conversation shifted to the kids and Cami studied the crowd. She’d expected two or three dozen kids on bikes or tricycles with a few streamers in red, white and blue. The number of entries was far more than she’d anticipated, though the decorations weren’t impressive. A few young girls in matching leotards tried twirling their batons in sync, and failed; boys in top hats and colonial costumes walked by; and the crowds of watchers grew.
Vince’s niece, Hannah, rode by on her bike, a red wagon towed behind. Flags erupted from her handlebars, patriotic streamers and metallic ribbons fluttered in the breeze. The wagon held a large, seated teddy bear wearing a dust cap with a flag draped over the wagon and several inches below the sides. A sign touted Betsy Ross’s patriotism as she sewed the first flag.
Putting two fingers in her mouth, Cami whistled long and loud for the little girl with brown pigtails. “Go, Hannah!”
Hannah grinned like she couldn’t stop.
Cami had always been proud to be from Chicago, of the city’s wonders, sounds and excitement. She’d been pleased to know everyone of note, to have contacts everywhere, to get hotel guests exactly what they needed, especially if said needs took some serious wheedling. She’d never realized how much she missed out on, though, living in a city with so many people who were focused on number one. Hotel guests were, by definition, self-absorbed. They weren’t part of the community, the history, the area. This was different. This was community.
When the youngsters finished, Hannah rode over on her bike and put up the kickstand, beaming as she accepted hugs and compliments.
“I love the decorations, kiddo,” Vince said as Hannah wrapped her arms around his waist. He hauled her up for a bear hug.
“Thanks. You liked it, even though I didn’t use your idea of purple mountains majesty?”
“Of course. How could I not?” He tipped his forehead against hers. “Your idea was better.”
She giggled again and he set her down, then introduced her to Cami and Sage.
“Is that your real name?” Hannah asked. “I thought you were all supposed to be flowers.”
“My name is actually Camellia, but it’s a mouthful, don’t you think? Not like Hannah which is so pretty.” The girl was adorable.
“I like Camellia. Did you like my bike?”
“It was awesome. Definitely the best one out there.” Cami could say that in good conscience, since it was true. “I bet you had to do a lot of research.”
“Yeah. Usually they show the flag with a circle of stars, but you know they used to put them in squares and other shapes too.” The girl was off and chattering and only stopped when her mom pulled her away ten minutes later to grab some dinner in the park.
“Thanks for being so patient with her,” Vince said after they’d cleaned up their things and headed into the fray. He held tightly to his dogs’ leashes.
“It’s no problem. She’s a sweetheart.” A huge tent covered a stage and chairs and a mediocre country band was already in full swing when Vince’s group arrived. “Interesting blend of music styles,” Cami commented when the band switched to a rendition of Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life” with a heavy western twang.
“What can we say? We’re a colorful people. Are you hungry?” Vince asked.
“Oh, yeah. Cami wouldn’t let me near the kitchen—she was anxious about whatever food would be available here,” Sage said.
“It’s our responsibility to support the locals, which means filling up from the food booths,” Cami justified.
“I like your line of thinking, and while you’re at it, I think there are a few changes you ought to make to the landscaping at your place,” Vince said with a twinkle in his eye.
Cami elbowed him playfully and he shifted away before she made contact, laughing. “Let’s focus on dinner for now, okay?” she said. “I’m starving.”
They wandered through the thoroughfare, then headed back, stopping at a Navajo taco booth for dinner. While they waited in the long line, Joel, the security guy from the hotel whom they’d met during their tour, approached them. “How are you all doing tonight?”
Though she wasn’t interested herself, Cami couldn’t help but notice the warm look Sage gave him. Joel was at least six-foot-four, shaved bald, and was easily 250 pounds of solid muscle—not surprising once she learned he was a former Navy SEAL. Even smiling, he could be one intimidating guy.
“We’re great. Are you here by yourself today?” Sage asked him.
Joel’s lips curved. “Not anymore. At least not if you don’t mind me crashing your party.” Though the words were uncertain, his attitude wasn’t. He fully intended to join them, and if Sage’s answering smile was anything to go by, she didn’t mind in the least.
“The more the merrier,” Vince said. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Vince Talmadge.” He and his friends went through the round of introductions and Joel settled into line with them.
They rejoined the family, and Cami was happy to meet Jeremy, Vince’s other best friend. He’d been busy snapping photos of happy children during the parade. He had a brunette on his arm, Krissa, who claimed to be just a friend, but the way she clung to him sent a different message.
When Krissa jumped up to greet a couple of friends, Sage looked at Jeremy, whose gaze had been following his date. “She’s not the one, you know.”
Surprise filled his face. “Who says I’m looking for the right woman? I enjoy my single life.”
Sage’s brows lifted. “Yeah. You keep saying that, but the woman you’ll marry is just around the corner.” She tipped her head a little, studying him, making him squirm a little.
Joel shifted a little closer to Sage, his gaze darting around the park. He didn’t seem to think the comment weird at all.
Cami was surprised by Sage’s comment. She chuckled, trying to wave away the odd behavior—what was with this woman, anyway? “She’s making all kinds of interesting predictions today. I wouldn’t take all that woo-woo stuff too seriously.”
A flash of hurt crossed Sage’s face before it disappeared. “Obviously I’m just joking with you. No one can know stuff like that.” She turned back to talk with Joel as if to shut the rest of them out, leaving Cami to feel guilty about the comment.
There was a moment of silence before Hannah ran over to cajole Vince into dancing with her. Almost as one, the group stood and headed for the music tent.