Page 84 of The Mountain Man's Mail-Order Mafia Princess

The sky deepened from blue to violet.

I checked the perimeter again, then returned to the public side before the display began.

Talia stood near the edge of the crowd with her face lifted toward the launch area.

“You should be farther back,” I said.

“I’m behind the line.”

“You’re close to it.”

“That’s still behind it.”

I moved half a step nearer.

She glanced at me. “Are you protecting me or supervising the grass?”

“Both.”

“That’s acceptable.”

The first firework climbed into the dark and opened above Promise Ridge in a burst of red light.

Talia’s hand found mine.

White and blue sparks followed while the crowd cheered. Light flashed across Talia’s face and caught in her diamonds.

She watched the sky. I watched her.

The display lasted less than twenty minutes. When the final burst faded, smoke drifted above the launch area and applause spread across the field.

I kissed Talia’s temple. “I have to work.”

“I know.”

“Stay outside the markers.”

“I remember the rule.”

“I’ll be back when the area is clear.”

“I’ll be here.”

I joined the fireworks crew beyond the line.

We walked the perimeter with flashlights and checked the dry grass, brush line, and cleared ground. One smoking scrap had landed within the open area. The crew soaked it before it did more than darken a patch of dirt.

The wind had settled. No sparks had reached the trees.

People packed chairs and gathered children while vendors closed their stands. The field emptied to scattered voices and vehicle lights.

Talia waited near my truck.

She’d removed one boot and rested her foot on the running board while drinking water.

“You survived the dangerous social event,” I said.

“I also survived your work.”