“I wasn’t aware we were fighting at all,” her mother whispered in a worried tone. “I suspect we need to have a long talk, but it can wait.” She smiled, turning her attention to the newcomers. “Deputy, it’s so good to see you. Mr. Blanchard, I’m Diane Pearson, Brynn’s mother. It’s so lovely to meet you.”
Her mom could turn on the charm when she wanted to. Of course, she tended to use it only on those she felt compassion for.
“It’s nice to meet you as well.” Nelson Blanchard wore khakis and a golf shirt. He held a hand out, introducing himself to Gavin as well before turning to Brynn. His smile widened and he opened his arms. “It’s good to see you again, Brynn.”
In the days since she and Major had decided to be together while she was here, she’d spent some time with his father and found him as charming and kind as his son. The night before, they’d ordered pizza and played a couple of board games while Nelson had answered all her questions about Major’s childhood. He’d been charming and seemed truly in the moment. It had only been late at night that he’d gotten confused. He’d said it was time to go to bed so he could take his meds in the morning and have another lovely day.
She wanted the evening to be perfect for him.
She hugged him. “Good to see you, too. Thanks for letting us crash your festival. Major told me you’ve always enjoyed the town parties.”
Nelson stepped back. “Papillon knows how to throw a festival. It’s one of the best things about small-town living. I know there are bigger festivals, but everyone knows everyone else here. It can be quite amusing.”
“He knows all the best booths. Dad’s been coming to this festival for years,” Major said.
“Though it appears to have grown.” Nelson looked out over the fairgrounds, a smile on his face. “Our mayor seems to be working hard to bring new people in. This is the biggest crowd I’ve seen in a long time.”
“The film crew has been trickling in all week,” Brynn explained. “They’re sure to come out and enjoy the festivities. It’s good timing because they’ll all have to work next week.”
“Sylvie is a shrewd planner,” Nelson said. “We usually schedule this festival later in the month. She’s a smart one.”
Sylvie had talked about the fact that she was using the movie to bring jobs and money into the community. She’d negotiated tax write-offs to make it easy to film here in Papillon, and it seemed to already be paying off for the town.
Major leaned in and kissed her. “I missed you while you were gone.”
“I don’t see how you could possibly have missed her. She was only gone a few hours. She’s spent the last several nights at your place.” Her mom managed to make it sound like an accusation. “She won’t be able to do that when she starts working. By the way, they’re bringing in your trailer tomorrow. I managed to get you one. That way you can take a nap and be comfortable while you have to stay close to the set.”
She didn’t want to leave Major’s place. It was nice and comfy, and she’d even gotten used to his neighbor leaving flyers about the wages of sin on their doorstep. They made for good scratch paper. She kept some in her bag in case she needed to write something down.
Duke and Dolly had even gotten used to each other. She caught them cuddling down on Dolly’s big, fluffy bed from time to time. Would Duke miss the big pup?
Major seemed completely unfazed by her mother. “I guess I’ll get used to hanging around your trailer, then.”
The dogs seemed to have calmed and were doing the ritual canine greeting of sniffing each other’s backsides.
“Trailers aren’t so bad. Mine is quite comfortable. Sometimes it’s the only place with any kind of air-conditioning.” Gavin started leading the group onto the fairgrounds. “And it’s got a lock so you can shut out any unwelcome visitors.”
Her mom gently slapped at Gavin’s chest. “I know you’re talking about me, and you should remember that I’m good at breaking down doors that I find unwelcoming.”
“Mom.” She couldn’t take their bickering tonight.
Major’s hand found hers, weaving their fingers together and giving her a squeeze. “Everything will be fine once we get your momma a strawberry wine. A couple of glasses and she’ll be in a much better mood.”
Her mom frowned. “Does it come in a skinny version?”
Nelson chuckled. “Absolutely not. There is very little that is skinny on the bayou. The wine is delicious, and you’ll love the food, too. Why don’t you allow me to show you around?”
“I would love that.” Her mother slid her arm into Nelson’s offered one, allowing him the courtly gesture. “Perhaps we can talk about our kids.”