When we arrived, we walked around back to find everyone mingling and talking.
"Here they are." Alice was the first to greet us with Emmie following closely behind.
"Hi, Alice. Happy Fourth of July,” I said.
"Same to you, Payton. Don't you look pretty."
"Thank you. It's going to be a challenge to keep this all-white sundress free from barbecue sauce."
"Oh, I'm sure you'll manage just fine."
She went on to say hello to my parents and find a cool spot for my dad to sit.
"Emmie, look at you all color-coordinated red, white, and blue from head to toe."
She wore the cutest bathing suit top with color-coordinated shorts. All of the kids were in their swimwear and looked like they were ready to hit the beach.
"My tongue is color coordinated too. See." She stuck out her tongue to show me the evidence of red and blue popsicles. My niece and nephew did the same.
"I used to love eating the Firecracker popsicles when I was a little girl. I hope you saved one for me."
"We did. There's extra in the freezer."
Cole came over and welcomed me with a kiss and brushed my hair into place with his fingers. I always loved it when he showed affection.
"Eww, gross,” the kids said in total disgust.
"Hey, you say that now, but I bet you'll change your tune when you're my age," Cole said.
We kissed one more time before sneaking a peek at my mother's strawberry shortcake.
"Mmm, what do we have here?"
Mom was quick to answer as she secured the dish, "It's my signature strawberry shortcake. I made plenty for everyone to enjoy after dinner."
"She doesn't play around with her desserts, Cole. She usually has to keep a close watch, so dessert doesn't disappear before dinner is served,” Rebecca warned.
"That's because we have two dessert thieves in our midst," Abby said.
"Who…me?" I pointed to myself, pretending not to know what she was talking about.
"Yes, you and Rebecca. It never fails. Mom puts the dessert out on the table for everyone to enjoy, and these two go back for seconds and thirds. Before you know it, it's all gone, and they're standing around blaming each other."
"I plead the fifth," Rebecca said.
"Okay, Miss Lawyer A.K.A dessert thief," I said.
Just as we were teasing each other and having fun, I heard a knocking sound on the deck.
"Hello, everybody!" Ethan said.
My mouth opened at the site of Ethan, walking over to give Rebecca a hug. I hadn't seen him in ages. He looked good in his docker shorts and beach sandals. She was always a sucker for the preppy type, and Ethan definitely fit the bill.
"That's her old high school sweetheart," I whispered to Cole.
Cole didn't really know the history behind Ethan and Rebecca. I'd have to fill him in on the whole story later on.
Ethan walked around and said hello to all of the family. Dad couldn't remember him but played along as best as he could. My mother just about cried. In her heart of hearts, Ethan was supposed to become a future son in law after their college graduation.
"Payton, I understand congratulations are in order." He headed towards me with his arms wide open. Before I could clarify what he was talking about, Rebecca started clearing her throat so loud I almost forgot my trend of thought.
"Are you alright?" I asked her.
"Oh, I'm fine. Something must've gone down the wrong pipe." She gave Ethan a funny look.
I refocused my attention on Ethan. "I'm sorry. What were you saying?"
"Ethan was congratulating you on opening up your new store. I told him all about it,” Rebecca answered.
"Ohhhh, the store. Yes, of course. Thank you. How have you been, Ethan?"
"I've been well. My time in California was pretty nice, but as they say, there's no place like home."
"Well, I'm so glad you're back. It's really good to see you. Allow me to introduce you to Cole."
Cole shook Ethan's hand.
"Cole, nice to meet you. Thanks for extending an invitation."
"Likewise, I'm glad to have you."
Alice tapped her glass with a fork to get everyone's attention.
"Welcome, everyone. Although this is officially my son's gathering, he called upon me to help in the catering department."
Everyone laughed. I think by now, it was common knowledge that Cole couldn't cook.
"I did elicit a little help from him. And by help, I mean that he turned on the grill and set up the ice bucket."
Wyatt shouted, "Come on, man, you can do better than that. At least put the meat on the grill."
Again there was more laughter.
"You tell him, Wyatt." Mom teased.
"But seriously, there's corn on the cob, potato salad, and plenty of food from the grill for everyone. And don't forget to leave room for Helen's strawberry shortcake when you're done. Please dig in and enjoy!"
It felt so good to spend the day with the family. We all ate and laughed and then ate and laughed some more. We took the kids down to the shore and let them play until their hearts were content. I even took a few photos to capture the occasion and add to my family album.
Around sunset, Cole came to the kitchen to make an announcement.
"Alright, everyone. Every year it's a tradition that Emmie and I have a front-row seat on the beach to see the spectacular fireworks. This year we've planned something extra special that you don't want to miss."
"Payton, if you will join me, I have a front-row seat planned especially for you."
I took his hand and followed his lead. The family followed behind us. On the beach, we entered a path of tiki torches that were beautifully lit.
"Cole, this is so pretty."
"I'm glad you like it. There's more at the end of the path,” he said.
I looked behind me to see everyone following a few feet behind. Several of them had cameras in hand recording Cole and me. He started to speak.
"It wasn't long ago that I walked into the Inn at Pelican Beach. I can close my eyes and see you standing at the front desk just
