Chapter Six

Just Floating, Honey

Meg

"Isn't it crazy how it can get this damn hot during the day, and not even a couple of hours from now, we'll be wrapped up in blankets around the campfire?" Karmen mused.

The pool had been our sanctuary for the past three hours, a perfect retreat from the sweltering summer heat. We'd managed to snag three tables in the shade, and the pool's deep end had been blissfully quiet. Most of the campers seemed to have migrated to the lake on the other side of the campground or the other inground pool with the swim-up tiki bar, leaving this pool nearly empty except for a few families in the shallow end. The deep end was our domain, a place to float and relax in peace.

Greta had been a bit disappointed we weren't at the swim-up bar, but we had all taken turns running to the bar when we needed a refill.

"You just described Wisconsin to a T, Karmen," I chuckled, responding to her comment. "It's one of the things I love. Being hot is not my favorite thing, so with it cooling off most nights, I manage to survive until my favorite season—fall."

Karmen sat on the edge of the pool, her feet dangling in the water. I leaned forward, my hand swirling in the cool, refreshing pool. The temperature was perfect, just right for a lazy summer afternoon. Greta was passed out on a half-deflated floatie on the other side of the pool, her relaxed form a picture of contentment. Raven sat next to her with her feet in the water, scrolling through her phone.

Lennox and Paige had driven back to the campsite about an hour ago, promising to return and pick us up when we were done baking in the sun. For now, it was just the core of us, enjoying the last bits of sunshine before we headed back to get ready for dinner.

"Why am I the only one still in the pool?" Alice called from her bright purple floating in the middle of the deep end; her voice tinged with mock indignation.

"Because we're all waterlogged and a little sunburnt," Reva replied from one of the tables under an umbrella. She, Cyn, Nikki, and Wendy had all moved to the tables, where they sat talking and enjoying the day.

Alice grinned and mused, "I need to talk Wrecker into putting in a pool. At least one of those stock tank pools."

"You do that, and my butt will be over at your place every day," Raven called back, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Don't let Wrecker hear that," Nikki laughed. "You'll never get that pool if he knows Raven will be over all the time."

Raven flipped off Nikki playfully. "I will have you know, Wrecker loves me. I am his sister, after all."

"You say that like you think it means anything," Karmen joked, and we all laughed.

"Stop, stop," Alice called, grinning widely. "Wrecker will build me a pool, and you will all be invited over every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday."

"Why just those three days?" I asked, curious.

A huge smile spread across Alice's lips. "Because I love you all like you're my family, but even I don't want to see you every day."

Alice's laughter rang out, and soon, we were all joining in, the sound of our amusement filling the air. The moment was light, easy, the kind of thing that happens when you're with people who know you inside and out.

"I think I'm ready to head back to the camper," Raven called out, stretching her arms above her head. "What are we doing for dinner?"

"Fajitas," I replied. "Mexican rice, chips, and salsa."

Greta startled awake, her floatie jerking beneath her as she jackknifed upright, blinking groggily. "Chips and salsa?" she asked, her voice thick with sleep.

Raven patted her shoulder, a smile on her face. "Yeah, it's probably a good idea to get some more food in you."

"Okay," Greta mumbled, still half-asleep.

"Let me get my ass off this floatie. Someone call Lennox and tell her to bring the golf cart back," Alice ordered.

Alice tried to shift her weight, pushing herself up to the edge of the floatie with the intention of gracefully slipping into the water and swimming to the side. But instead, she misjudged her balance, and the floatie tilted sharply to the side. In an instant, she tumbled off, flailing wildly as she rolled off the floatie and dunked herself headfirst into the water.

She resurfaced a second later, splashing and coughing, looking utterly disheveled. Her hair was plastered to her face, and she pushed it back with one hand, spitting out a stream of water. She looked like a drowned rat, her usual composure completely shattered.

"That played out a whole lot different in my head," she croaked, her voice raspy from the water she'd just inhaled.

We all burst out laughing, the sight of Alice, usually so put-together, reduced to a soaked mess was too much to handle. Even Alice couldn't help but laugh, her grin wide and sheepish as she swam toward the edge of the pool.

"You okay there, champ?" I teased as she reached the side, offering her a hand to pull her out.

Alice took my hand, her grip firm despite her earlier tumble. "Oh, I'm fine," she said, her voice laced with amusement. "I just wanted to make a grand exit. Clearly, I nailed it."

"Grand is one word for it," Karmen said, still giggling.

Alice pulled herself out of the pool with my help, water streaming off her swimsuit and forming a small puddle at her feet. "I can't wait to hear Wrecker's reaction when I tell him about my Olympic-worthy dismount," she said with a wry grin.

"Maybe just leave out the part where you looked like a wet cat," Raven suggested, her tone teasing.

Alice wrung out her hair, the sun already warming her skin as she stood by the pool's edge. "Nah, I'll just have to own it."

"You always do," Cyn said with a smile as she joined us from the table, handing Alice a towel. "That's one of the things we love about you."

Alice took the towel, wrapping it around herself as she dried off. "Well, at least I'm memorable," she said with a wink.

"Memorable doesn't even begin to cover it," I said, my voice warm with affection.

The late afternoon sun was starting to dip lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the pool. It was almost time to head back to the campsite to trade our swimsuits for comfy clothes and gather around the fire for dinner. The thought of sizzling fajitas, smoky from the grill, made my stomach rumble in anticipation.

Greta, now fully awake, groaned as she peeled herself off the floatie. "I just want my cozy sweatshirt, cow cup, and fajitas in my stomach."

We all agreed that the lure of good food and the promise of a cozy evening by the fire were too tempting to resist. Reva pulled out her phone to call Lennox, letting her know we were ready to be picked up.

We gathered our things, towels, sunglasses, and half-empty bottles of sunscreen and made our way to the road where the one golf cart was.

Paige arrived a few minutes later, pulling up in the other golf cart with a grin on her face. "Lenny was taking a nap. Everyone ready to go?" Paige asked as she hopped out, helping to load our bags onto the cart.

"Ready as we'll ever be," I replied, sitting next to Alice, still wrapped in her towel, her hair drying in the warm breeze.

Reva got behind the wheel of the other cart, and we made our way back to the campsite.

Once we got back to the campsite and changed, I peeked in on Lennox, who was still sound asleep. She was curled up in her bunk, looking peaceful, but I knew pregnancy had a way of wearing you out like nothing else. I gently closed the curtain to give her some privacy.

"I remember being pregnant. It really does take it out of you some days," Alice whispered from the kitchen. I could see her leaning against the counter, a soft smile on her face.

I headed to the kitchen and shook my head. "Some days it feels like I was just pregnant yesterday, and then I remember my Remy is over forty, and I'm a grandma."

Alice held up her hands as if to ward off the thought. "I don't think I'm ever going to be ready for the whole grandma thing. Maybe I'll need a different name."

I opened the fridge, grabbed the marinated fajita mix, and popped off the lid. "I just went with Grandma. I guess I'm old school like that."

Alice folded her arms over her chest, her brow furrowed in thought. "Maybe I'll just be Alice when the time comes."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Um, yeah, I guess you could."

"Or what about Mama Alice?" she suggested, her tone half-serious.

I couldn't help but cringe.

"G-Mama?" she tried again, the words sounding awkward even to her.

"Um, what?" I burst into laughter.

She wrinkled her nose. "Memaw?" Even she cringed at that one. "I don't really look like a Memaw, do I?"

I grabbed two green peppers and an onion, setting them on the counter. "Maybe you should just see what happens. Let it be natural?"

Alice lifted a lock of her purple hair, a grin tugging at her lips. "I think natural is something neither of us really knows about."

I held out my fist, and she bumped it with hers. "I'm pretty sure I'll have purple hair until the day I die," I joked.

Alice nodded, a thoughtful look on her face. "I tried going back to my natural brown a few years ago when Eden started high school because I thought I looked like I was trying too hard to be young." She paused, pursing her lips. "That lasted all of two weeks before I was mixing up purple dye at two in the morning in the middle of a mental breakdown." She laughed, a full, genuine sound. "Wrecker told me it felt like he was cheating on me, and not in a good way."

"Lo has never seen me with anything but a shade of purple. I think I'd be looking at a stranger if I changed it now. I'm okay being the grandma with the purple hair."

"You want me to cut those up?" Alice offered, gesturing to the peppers and onions.

"Sure," I said, handing her a cutting board and knife.

As she got to work, Alice continued to mull over her future grandma name. "I think I'll just go with Grandma," she said, then paused, a mischievous smile spreading across her face. "But I was thinking, if I went by G-Mama, then Wrecker would be G-Daddy, and that is just freakin' wrong."

I burst out laughing, nearly doubling over. "Yeah, I think calling someone Daddy is only acceptable if they're under three and it's their dad, or if you're in the bedroom."

"Meg!" Alice gasped, her eyes wide with mock horror. "Are you about to tell me that you call King ‘Daddy' behind closed doors?"

I wiggled my eyebrows, a sly grin on my face. "Wouldn't you like to know," I giggled.

Alice chuckled, shaking her head as she sliced the peppers. "You're terrible, Meg."

"Just keeping things interesting," I winked, reaching for the tortillas.

Greta peeked her head into the RV, a playful grin on her face. "You guys need any help? I'm too drunk to do anything, but I can always send Raven in to help."

Alice rolled her eyes, not missing a beat as she kept chopping. "I think we're good."

I chuckled, glancing at Greta. "Maybe you can see about making some hot chocolate on the campfire. I heard it's supposed to get down in the sixties tonight."

Greta's eyes lit up as she shut the RV door behind her. A moment later, we heard her bellowing, "Raven and Paige, Meg said you guys need to start making hot chocolate!"

Alice and I burst out laughing, knowing full well that Greta was fibbing about Raven and Paige being the ones to make the hot chocolate.

"There really never is a dull moment with her around, is there?" Alice pointed out, shaking her head in amusement.

I slid an empty bowl toward her for the cut peppers and onions. "And I wouldn't want it any other way."

Alice

"It's official. I am moving to Rockton, or wherever the heck your clubhouse is," Nikki declared, scraping the last bit of fajitas off her plate with a satisfied grin.

Meg chuckled, leaning back in her chair. "You're welcome anytime on the days Alice won't let you in her pool."

Nikki pretended to jot something down in the air. "So, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday I'll be over. Schedule me in."

Just then, the door to the RV swung open and banged against the side with a loud thud. Lennox stood in the doorway, looking like she was ready for a fight. "You ate without me?" she accused, her eyes narrowing at us.

Meg pointed calmly toward the campfire. "I've got a plate right there for you, sweetie. I know fajitas are one of your favorites."

Lennox's shoulders relaxed, and the tension melted from her face. "I talked to Jonas. He said things are boring back home, and King is making frozen pizza for dinner."

Meg cringed at the thought. "And I bet he didn't even do anything to jazz it up, either. It's amazing what a sprinkle of cheese, pepperoni, some pepperoncini, and red pepper flakes can do."

Lennox stepped down from the RV and grabbed the warm plate from by the fire, looking relieved. "By the time we get back home, they'll have lost ten pounds and be begging for a home-cooked meal."

I laughed, nodding in agreement. "I think our guys would be the same if we hadn't left Carnie back home. She's kind of like our Meg when it comes to cooking."

"But do you have a Marley?" Paige asked, raising an eyebrow. "For your sake, I hope you don't."

"Stop," Meg said, waving her hand dismissively. "Marley is getting better."

Greta, who had been listening quietly, gave Meg a skeptical look. "She gave me food poisoning." She held up two fingers. "Twice."

"Uh, yeah," Nikki chimed in with a laugh. "I do not think we have a Marley. Most of us are pretty good in the kitchen."

Lennox plopped down in her chair next to mine, tucking her feet under her. She looked at me with grateful eyes and then to Meg, who was on the other side of her. "Thank you for saving me a plate," she whispered.

Meg patted her hand, smiling warmly. "Anytime, sweetie. You're cooking my newest grandbaby."

Lennox dug into her food, sighing contentedly after the first bite. "Now I'm happy."

"Jonas sounded okay when you talked to him?" she asked, watching her closely.

Lennox nodded, chewing thoughtfully. "Yeah. Sounded kind of lonely. I don't think our guys are used to having so much free time."

"It's good for them," I laughed, leaning back in my chair. "Makes them appreciate us more when we come back."

The fire crackled softly, casting a warm glow over everyone as we settled into a comfortable silence. I glanced around, feeling a deep sense of contentment. Being surrounded by old friends and new ones alike, sitting by the fire under the stars—it was exactly what I had hoped for when Meg and I planned this trip.

I caught Meg's eye, and she gave me a small nod, as if she knew exactly what I was thinking. It had been a whirlwind organizing this getaway, but it was worth every minute. Seeing Lennox relax and enjoy herself, hearing everyone's playful banter, and just being able to unwind with everyone was a gift I hadn't realized I needed until now.

Paige's voice broke the silence. "So, what's the plan for tomorrow? Are we sticking to the original itinerary, or are we winging it?"

I hadn't really thought we had an itinerary, but maybe Meg did.

Meg glanced at me, and I shrugged with a smile. "I think winging it sounds perfect."

Nikki groaned playfully. "Oh no, that means trouble."

"Trouble? Us?" I feigned innocence, earning a laugh from everyone.

"Okay, I've learned from past experience that when you two say ‘winging it,' it means we're about to embark on some kind of crazy adventure," Nikki teased, shaking her head.

"Crazy is in our DNA," Meg shot back, grinning.

"You got that right," Greta agreed, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I'm ready for whatever comes our way."

Lennox, now finished with her plate, leaned back and rested a hand on her belly. "As long as it involves food, I'm in."

"You and that baby of yours," I teased, nudging her gently.

"I swear, you've been eating for two since day one," Meg laughed.

Lennox smiled softly, rubbing her belly. "I'm just making sure this little one comes out happy and healthy."

Meg chuckled. "With all the love and food around here, that baby is going to be one spoiled little grandkid."

I nodded, feeling a warmth in my chest that had nothing to do with the fire. "And that's exactly how it should be."

Karmen tilted her head, her gaze softening. "You know, it's moments like these that make me realize how lucky we are. I wouldn't trade this for anything."

The group grew quiet for a moment, each of us lost in our own thoughts. The night was cool, but the fire kept us warm, and the company did the rest. This trip, this gathering of friends and family—it was more than just a getaway. It was a reminder of how important it was to hold onto these connections, to cherish the laughter and the love that we shared.

Finally, Nikki broke the silence, her voice light and teasing. "Alright, enough of this sappy stuff. Who wants to drive me to the bar to get a Campfire Hot Chocolate with Peanut Butter Whiskey?"

Greta shot up from her chair. "Now you're talking! I call shotgun because my ass is still drunk!"

Lennox rolled her eyes and stood. "I believe that is my cue." She followed Nikki and Greta over to the golf cart. "Make sure you keep all hands and feet in the cart at all times," she droned.

Nikki, Greta, and Lennox rode off down the road, their laughter echoing back as they went, with strict orders to bring back spiked hot chocolate for everyone.

I watched them disappear around the bend, then leaned back in my chair, feeling the warmth of the fire on my face. The crackling of the flames and the distant hum of the campground created a comforting background noise. I let out a contented sigh, allowing myself to fully relax.

Meg settled into the chair two down from me, her eyes following where the girls had gone. "Think they'll bring back more than just hot chocolate?"

I chuckled. "Knowing them, they'll probably return with enough snacks to feed an army."

She nodded, a smile playing on her lips. "Wouldn't surprise me one bit."

The fire crackled again, sending a few sparks into the cool night air. I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the peace of the evening settle over me. The stress of daily life seemed miles away, replaced by the simple joy of being surrounded by friends and the anticipation of sweet, warm drinks.

Life was good.

I opened my eyes and looked over at Meg. "This is what it's all about, isn't it?"

She nodded, her gaze softening as she stared into the flames. "Yeah, it really is."

I took a deep breath, the scent of burning wood and fresh air filling my lungs. Life had its ups and downs, but right now, in this moment, everything felt perfect. "I wouldn't trade this for anything."

Meg grinned. "Neither would I."