Where did you get that? she asked. Is there somewhere new in town?
He raised both eyebrows. Im wounded. Youre assuming I bought it.
He shrugged out of his coat as he spoke. Underneath he wore a blue sweater the same color as his eyes. A white shirt peeked out from underneath. He had on jeans and boots. He was big and masculine and being this close to him made her thighs a little trembly.
She forced her attention back to his words. You baked a pie?
Uh-huh.
Not possible.
It is. Ill have you know Im an expert pie-maker.
Kenny? Ruggedly handsome, football star Kenny? When did you learn?
When I was a kid. We were in Sweden and had a housekeeper who made the best pies. Her crust was a family recipe. He shrugged. I was her favorite and for my ninth birthday she taught me how to make it. Once you have that down, the rest of the pie is easy.
Chloe scooted close to him and grinned. I can earn a cooking bead when Im a Sapling. Can you teach me?
Sure thing, munchkin.
He ruffled Chloes hair.
The combination of the pet name and the affectionate gesture was nearly as bone-melty as the mans big hands, Bailey thought, aware that being around Kenny was like playing with fire. Exciting and ultimately dangerous. But it was just one day, right? And a holiday. Didnt everyone deserve a little something special on Thanksgiving?
CHAPTER FOUR
WE HAVE A specific corner, Bailey told Kenny as they walked along with everyone else heading toward the center of town and the parade. Chloe had already spotted Layla and her mom and run ahead. On Sixth between Frank and Katie Lanes.
Okay, he said easily. Why?
Were meeting the other Sprouts there. Chloe wants to watch the parade with her friends.
He nodded. Shes a bright, outgoing girl. I would guess shes popular.
Bailey stared at him.
What? he asked. What did I say?
Nothing, she said, turning away, fighting unexpected tears.
Bailey.
Kenny pulled her onto a driveway and stared at her. Are you crying?
She shook her head and sniffed. No, she said firmly as she looked at him. Youre right. Shes popular. She has sleepovers nearly every weekend and friends coming by and parties... She stared at him, hoping her crush would distract her from her emotions, but for once Kenny was simply a friend.
When Will died, she was devastated. Shed been counting the days until he got home. Shed been so excited to learn to read and write because she wanted to keep a diary for her dad. It was a list of things to tell him. What had happened to her in her day. Every night I helped her write a sentence or two so she could share it with him. Only he never came back.
She remembered the shock for both of them. The pain. And for her, the guilt.
She started not doing as well in school. She was quiet and had nightmares. I was so scared for her. I took her to a child psychologist, who said she would come out of it, but I wasnt sure. She felt her eyes fill with tears again, and she tried to blink them away.
Then I heard about the FWM. I signed up Chloe and she became an Acorn. She brushed the moisture from her cheek. She blossomed and now my best girl is back. Im so grateful.
Kenny cleared his throat. Im glad, he said, and then pulled her close.
The embrace was unexpected and warm and comforting and just a little exciting. Bailey let herself lean against him for a second. He was a lot taller than her and he held her easily. He smelled good, too, she thought. Now if only he would confess his undying lust for her, the moment would be complete.
But he didnt and soon they were walking toward the parade route again.
Chloe found her friends and Bailey greeted the other parents. She introduced Kenny and did her best to avoid the questioning looks. At the bin-decorating party, Kenny had explained he was filling in for Taryn. No one had thought they were together. And they werent, Bailey reminded herself. He was just a friend coming over for Thanksgiving.
Fortunately the parade started before anyone could pull her aside and ask about things she couldnt answer. The first entry was a banner carried by two high school kids from the marching band. The annual Fools Gold Thanksgiving parade had begun.
Mayor Marsha rode by in an old convertible, followed by several smaller versions of the famous balloons from the Macys parade.
Chloes going to watch the repeat of that later, Bailey told Kenny. Just so youre prepared.
I look forward to it.
All the right words, she thought with a sigh. No doubt he had plenty of practice.
The marching band came next, loudly playing their version of Jingle Bells. Farther up the street came murmurs. Bailey grinned at Kenny.
Its Priscilla, she said happily, remembering the only part of the parade that had made Chloe smile last year. Shes an elephant. Shell be dressed as Santa.
He looked over her head, then frowned. How do they do that?
I heard the costume was in sections and held together with Velcro.
He looked over the crowd and shook his head. Well, Ill be da He glanced at the Sprouts crowding around and pointing. Ill be, ah...
Let it go, she told him. Theres no good substitute.