Page 105 of Biker Orc Baby Daddy
"As you should be. It's wonderful. A modern family." She picks up a brochure. "Now tell me about these retirement accounts."
The next hour blurs. People stop. Ask questions. Compliment Orry. A few give uslooksof curiosity, judgment, the usual mix, but most are genuinely warm. Cecie does a face-painting demo on a little girl who wants to be a butterfly. I help an older man calculate compound interest on a napkin.
Orry sits in his playpen between us, perfectly content.
"You're good with kids," Cecie murmurs during a lull.
"I've had practice."
"You've had a week."
"Fast learner."
She laughs. Quiet. The sound does something to my chest.
Colum appears at ten-thirty, megaphone in hand.
"Attention Poplar Springs. The parade starts in fifteen minutes. Line up at the north end. Floats. Costumes. Enthusiasm mandatory."
"We're not in the parade," Cecie says flatly.
"You absolutely are. I signed you up."
"Colum—"
"Third float. Right behind the fire brigade. You'll love it."
He vanishes before we can argue.
"I'm going to kill him," Cecie says.
"Get in line."
We abandon the booth. Colum's already stationed a volunteer to watch it. The float turns out to be a flatbed truck decorated with streamers and a hand-painted signreadingSparkle Beauty & Fishborn Financial: Building Futures Together.
"I hate everything about this," Cecie mutters.
"It's very. Pink."
"He used my entire glitter stock."
Orry, however, is delighted. He claps when we lift him onto the float. I steady Cecie as she climbs up. Her hand grips mine longer than necessary.
The parade route winds through downtown. People line the streets. Waving. Cheering. A group of kids shouts for the fire truck. Another group shouts forus.
"Wave," Cecie hisses.
"I am waving."
"Wave like you mean it."
I wave harder. Orry mimics me, flapping both hands. The crowdlovesit.
Cecie starts tossing sample lipsticks. They arc through the air, little tubes of glitter catching the sun. Someone catches one and shrieks with joy.
"You're a natural," I say.
"Shut up and smile."
