Page 18 of Stone
“I guess I can wait. Who else has an update?” Regina shrugged, listening as the updates continued.
Stone listened with half an ear just to make sure he didn’t get volunteered for anything else. He didn’t see the pickleballtournament last year, but how hard could it be to make a bracket and keep track of who won?
Regina went over where camping was going to be available, and Stone perked up when she started talking about who was in charge.
“Jake Bremerton has graciously loaned all three of his pastures closest to town. He suggested that the closest one be campers only because there’s a large amount of cactus in it and using a tent would not be advised,” Regina said, pausing because of the laughter. Stone chuckled too. Watching Rachel’s ex be dragged in a deer sled across the field had been enjoyable, but Stone had wished they would have gone a little harder on the jerk.
“Frankie, I had you listed as helping Jake if that’s all right? You have great organizational skills, and with your background, I thought you could draw a map of the different campsites with numbers. Flick and Stella requested we add that this year if someone needed to call for medical services,” Regina said.
With the fireworks Stone had seen with Jake and Frankie, Stone couldn’t wait to hear Frankie’s response. The bug-eyed look she was sporting right now was taking everything inside Stone to not laugh.
“I guess I could do that,” Frankie conceded after a couple seconds.
“I appreciate it. With all of us working together, it should be a fantastic weekend. If history repeats itself, who knows, we might have some new couples by the end of the weekend,” Regina mused, chuckling.
“Hey, I just realized that I need to be out of town that weekend,” Dex muttered.
“Good try, Dex, but War has already assured me that everyone is available for the commemoration. I have down that the range will be open Friday until the pickleball tournament andclosed on Saturday. It looks like you’re free and clear to help. Renae from Cider Creek will be up with Brew to help. I’m thinking Chloe, Renae, and you, Dex, could be in charge of the kids’ petting zoo in the park on Saturday morning before the ceremony. Does that work for you?” Regina outlined, staring at Dex.
The wave of terror then acceptance that washed over Dex’s face was quite funny to watch, but Stone was not going to laugh. He was perfectly fine with his pickleball assignment, and Regina was looking a tad irritated.
“Yes, it does,” Dex agreed, defeated.
“Ben and Finn, I’m going to need your help with a special project. Are you up for it?” she asked.
“Anything you want,” Ben said.
“Whatever you need,” Finn answered.
“I think that’s all for now unless War has something. I am so thankful we’re continuing this tradition. I think it’s very important not to forget the sacrifices people have made,” Regina said, her voice cracking as tears filled her eyes.
Baron stood up and wrapped an arm around her. “I agree. You’ve been working hard. Let’s go for a ride,” Baron soothed.
Stone watched Baron lead his wife and Ol’ Lady out of the room. Every day, Stone saw such a different dynamic between the couples of Bluff Creek than he’d seen growing up. He was grateful that Pit, the President of the Saint’s Outlaws MC, Kansas City, had put a good word in for his family and him.
Bluff Creek had become home.
“Hey, Stone, I’m excited to organize the pickleball tournament with you,” Naomi beamed, coming over to him.
“Me too. Should we meet with Rascal to hear what they did last year?” Stone asked.
“I think so. My schedule is more open than yours. What works for you?” she questioned, stepping closer. Stone wasn’t sure ifit was her lotion or perfume, but Naomi always smelled fresh, clean, with a vanilla scent, even her hair. He found it very hard to concentrate when she was close by.
“Let me look at the shop’s schedule,” Stone said, pulling up their scheduling app. “It looks like the first time that Rascal and I would both be available is Friday evening after five. He’s over there. Let’s ask him if it works,” he suggested, leading the way over. Naomi followed, which was great because then her scent couldn’t screw with his head.
“Hey Rascal, Naomi and I were wanting to discuss how the tournament worked last year. Friday after five is the first time you and I both have free time. Naomi said it works for her if it works for you,” Stone explained.
“Five sounds good. Why don’t you both and the girls come to our house for supper? Meg and I will feed you, then we can discuss the tournament. Meg would love to hang out with the girls while we iron things out,” Rascal offered.
“You don’t have to feed us,” Naomi said.
“Well, we have to eat, and it will give us a chance to spend more time with all of you. See you Friday at five,” Rascal insisted, walking off.
Stone turned to Naomi, chuckling. “I guess we’re discussing it after supper Friday.”
Naomi smiled. “The girls will be thrilled. They’ve been hearing all about the animals here at Bluff Creek. They haven’t met Blaze and Maisie, Rascal and Meg’s cats, yet.”
“Someone cooking is always a treat for me. I’ve started working on your design, but I got to thinking. You said you liked the idea of the butterfly, but I wondered if you wanted me to include a small caterpillar. Caterpillars go through a big change to become a butterfly, and you’ve gone through a huge change. I wanted to ask if you wanted the girls’ names woven into the design too or if you wanted only illustrations, no words,”Stone asked. Maybe if he kept them talking about work, then he wouldn’t think about how much he enjoyed being around Naomi.
