Luke straight-armed him, sending Jack listing sideways. He and Quinn sprinted by.
Pumpkins had smashed into the sidewalk, and kids were picking up the pulp and hurling it at people.
“Duck!”
She did, and a handful flew over her head and hit Dylan in the side of the face.
“Sorry, Daddy! I was trying to get Uncle Luke.”
Gracie wore a pumpkin sweater and jeans. On her feet were little leather boots. She looked so cute. Quinn waved to her.
“Don’t wave to her! She just tried to smother me in pumpkin innards.” Luke growled at his niece, which made her giggle.
“I like your family,” Quinn said, waving to Aunt Jess. With her was Nixon. He gave her a nod.
“Me too.”
“Why is Nixon not doing this?”
“He didn’t want to.”
“Give him time, Luke.”
“Yeah, I know.”
They rolled on and passed Ted and Mandy, who were both sitting on their pumpkin talking to some people in the crowd.
“Amateurs!” Luke called. “I blame your shoes!”
Ted flipped him the bird.
“You like winning, Quinn?”
“Who doesn’t?” she said as they passed Rory and Jack, who were arguing about technique.
“Go, Quinn!”
She found her parents standing with the Howards and raised a hand. At least they hadn’t maimed each other yet.
“You did the right thing there.”
“I know. Thanks for giving me that push. But now I’m worried—” Her words were cut off as something hit her from behind.
Luke caught her as she would have fallen. The celery stick and Sam ran by. The latter was smeared in pumpkin.
“Now that could just about be a match made in heaven.” Luke laughed.
“That color suits you, Sam!” Quinn called. He didn’t reply.
Joe and Bailey were on the left, and Fin and Maggie on the right. Sam and Ophelia tried to roll through the middle. They were blocked.
“Left,” Luke said, rolling the pumpkin.
They moved around the couples, who were now arguing, and got a clear sprint in to the finish line.