“Ring Toss is ready,” he repeated into the walkie-talkie. Ember tried not to let her smile become a laugh. Frank took this seriously – just as he should – but she couldn’t help but wonder what he would have done if she was running late.
Panicked, maybe?
“One of the team will be around with some refreshments soon,” he told her, still holding the walkie-talkie like it was his prized possession. “And we’ll be picking up your cash each hour, letting you have a running total of how much you’re making. Remember, the booth that makes the most money wins a prize.”
She nodded, trying to make her expression serious. “I remember.”
“The best of luck to you.” With that, Frank moved on to the next booth – the fishing hook challenge. A couple of minutes later, Ember saw Brooke, Ally, and Nicholas approaching, and she lifted her hand up to wave at them. Her lips broke into a grin as they rushed over to see her, Brooke and Ally reaching across the counter to give her a huge hug.
“Look at the smile on your face,” Ally said, lifting her head to grin at Ember. “You’re so at home doing this.”
“You always did love Angel Day.” Brooke slung her arms around Nicholas whose eyes were wide with wonder from looking at all the attractions. “It seems right that you’re part of it.”
“Is your mom coming?” Ally asked.
“She said she’d pop in, but I don’t think her heart’s really in it.” Ember shrugged her shoulders. “It was Dad who used to love the fair. Mom’s sad that it’s the first one without him.”
Brooke’s eyes softened with sympathy. “Of course she is. It must be so difficult on her. You, too.” She sighed. “Your first one without your Dad and Will.”
Ember hadn’t thought of that. She hadn’t thought of Will at all, save for a few brief moments at Janice Martin’s house when they’d talked about him. She’d been too busy looking for Lucas Russell to think about her ex-fiancé.
It felt strange and yet relieving too. Like her wound was finally healing over. And right now, she wanted to have fun, not think about the sad times. She leaned across the counter, smiling down at Nicholas. “Do you want to play the ring toss?” she asked him. “There’s a prize every time.”
“What kind of prize?” He sounded suspicious.
“Just a plastic toy,” she said, lifting up a basket full of free gifts. “But you know if you get a ring around all three of the blocks you get one of those giant teddy bears.” She inclined her head at the stuffed toys behind her. “I can’t guarantee you’ll win the bear, but I promise you’ll have some fun trying.”
“Can I, Mom?” Nicholas looked up at Brooke. She nodded and handed a dollar over to Ember, who passed three brightly colored rings to the boy.
“You can stand on that block,” she said, pointing to the crate they’d put there especially for children. “It will give you a better chance.”
When she looked up she saw they weren’t on their own. Behind Nicholas, watching them silently, she saw Lucas. Even with his brightly colored security jacket on, he still looked as good as she remembered. Their eyes caught and for a second her breath was trapped in her chest.
“Can I throw it now?” Nicholas asked.
She tore her eyes from Lucas’. “Yes, of course. Good luck, Nick.”
Ally gave her a strange look, then turned to see Lucas standing behind them. Her eyes widened at the sight of him. When she turned back to Ember there was an enquiring look on her face.
Thank goodness Brooke and Nicholas were there. Hopefully that would stop her friend from making any inappropriate remarks.
“Oh poop, I missed them.” Nicholas frowned.
“You still get a prize, remember?” Ember lifted the consolation basket up. Nicholas tried to hide his disappointment. He was such a good kid. He rarely complained, and always remembered his manners. But Ember couldn’t help but feel bad for him.
“I think you should have another go,” she said. She’d pay for this one herself.
“There’s a trick to throwing the ring.” The deep voice came from behind the little boy.
Ember looked up at Lucas, surprised. But then she saw his eyes soften as he hunkered down and talked to Nicholas. “You don’t want to throw them straight at the blocks. You need to give them a little lift, make them fly in an arc. Then they might land over the blocks and you’ll win.”
Nicholas nodded, his face serious. “Can you show me how?”
“You can’t ask him that, honey,” Brooke said gently. “I’m sorry, Mister.…” her voice trailed off. “He just really wants one of those big stuffed toys.”
“It’s Lucas.” He reached his hand out and Brooke took it, shaking it momentarily. “Lucas Russell, I’m a friend of Ember’s.” He looked up at Ember, a half-smile on his face. She couldn’t help but smile back. From the corner of her eye she could see Brooke staring at them both with interest.
“I can’t play the games since I’m working here,” Lucas said to Nicholas. “But I can help you play. How about you hold the ring and I’ll help you throw it.” He looked up at Brooke. “That’s if it’s okay with you, ma’am.”