Teague said dryly. “I’m sure we’ll be back in a flash. How much can there be to do?”
*
“This is…” Alex waved one arm in ever-increasing circles. Because he couldn’t come up with the words to describe the scene in front of them.
“More than I expected,” Teague muttered.
“Yeah. That.”
Because the historic downtown was as decked out as the most festive Christmas street ever. The only difference was swapping green and red for pink and red, and replacing images of presents and pine trees with hearts and chocolate.
There were banners arching from every lamppost and traffic signal. The window boxes still full of their purple winter cabbages were draped with pink and white bunting.
Above them, matching lights were strung along every single roofline.
Painters were spraying the windows of shops and restaurants with fuzzy, bubble lettering like cheerleaders used on spirit posters, wishing everyone happy Valentine’s Day.
Even the municipal trash cans were slipcovered in white plastic printed with purple and pink hearts.
Alex turned in a slow circle, taking in every over-the-top detail. “It’s…a lot.”
“Dude, this is ten miles past a lot. I spent the last year in a tent. The only decoration on its walls was a streak of red where I wiped my bleeding hand after a dressing came loose overnight.”
Alex looked down at Teague’s gloved hands. His friend hadn’t mentioned any injuries while gone. It was a stark reminder of how much Teague held back. Some, probably, due to NDAs. Some, probably, from not wanting to dwell on pain and fear.
He wished he’d known. Wished he could’ve helped, somehow, even from half a world away.
Instead, all he could do was make sure Teague’s new life worked out right. That it satisfied him. And was successful.
Another layer of pressure tightened around Alex’s head. He couldn’t let Teague down. He had to make sure the inn relaunched in grand style.
He couldn’t afford a single screwup.
Alex mustered a jovial tone. “Then you’re overdue for some gooey, emotionally marshmallowed decorations, aren’t you? This should more than make up for what you’ve missed over the last ten years.”
“I hate marshmallows. As bad as mainlining Pixy Stix, but with the added un-bonus of sticking to your teeth.”
Alex didn’t disagree. “Play nice. Network your ass off. Say nothing bad about the theme. And tonight, when we get home, I’ll let you kick my ass at Grand Theft Auto.”
“You’ll let me? That’s hilarious. You know I’ll beat you regardless. How about you won’t bother pretending it’s even a contest?”
James waved at them from a stage being fitted out with what looked like sound equipment for a DJ. Even though the temp was hovering right at forty. He held an iPad and…
Holy hell.
His black eye patch was different than the last time Alex had seen him. This one was painted with a red rose, shot through with a black cupid’s arrow.
Clearly there were no limits to how far this town would go to celebrate a holiday.
Their guests would eat it up.
“C’mon up. Are you here to lend a hand?”
“Four of ’em.”
“That’s great. Everyone will be glad to see you. There’s been as much curiosity about the new innkeepers as there is overkill with these decorations.”
All three of them laughed together. An uncomfortable laugh, that revealed how out of place they felt surrounded by so much romance.
“We’re looking forward to the Chamber of Commerce meeting. Get to know more folks.”
“Today should take care of that. Our turnout’s good. We try to get it all over with in one afternoon.”
“James, I need more juice. This extension cord’s no good.” Sydney’s brother approached the stage, waving a giant saw. “Hey, Alex.”
“Good to see you, Cam. This is my friend Teague. He’s one of my partners.”
“Yeah, I’ve heard all about him.” He switched hands with the saw to shake Teague’s. “My sister says you’re a veteran.”
“Is she doing a background check on me?”
“Worse. She’s engaged to that guy. Or at least, faking it real well.” He pointed with the saw. Alex managed not to flinch. Who needed a five-foot saw to hang banners?
“Ah. Sydney.” Teague’s grin widened from polite to genuine. “Despite her taste in men, I think she’s pretty great. And she’s right about the vet. Just got out a couple of months ago.”
“Well, I want to thank you for your service. People take it for granted. But you signed up, left everything and everyone you knew behind to risk your life to keep us safe here. I damn well appreciate it.”
Teague almost went into parade rest—his comfort stance. His feet shifted wide.