“Yeah, I heard we lost Wesley Beaumont in Afghanistan,” Remy replied grimly. “He was a good kid. I always hoped he and Sera would get together. They were friends, but she preferred the bad boys.”

“We all felt his loss and we realized if we’re going to mourn our dead soldiers, we should damn straight celebrate our living ones.” Armie held out a hand. “Thank you for your service, brother.”

Remy went still and she was worried he would stay that way. She reached out, putting a hand on his arm, and he seemed to remember to move again. He shook the sheriff’s hand. “Of course. We’ll go park and get my…get Lisa some food.”

Armie stepped back. “You do that. And Remy, you’re a hero around here for more than your service. We were sure we were going to lose the wharf. Everyone in town is breathing easier, and we know it’s all because of you and your girl. Miss Daley, welcome home.”

He gently tapped the hood of the truck and then turned to the back. “Is that Brent Cardet in his momma’s minivan? What did I tell you? You do not have a driver’s license, son. I don’t care that your momma’s too lazy to get her own beer. You’re not allowed to buy beer, either.”

The sheriff stalked off and Remy started the truck again.

“We could go back to the house instead if you like,” Lisa began.

“Apparently my sister would know how to find me.” Remy kept his eyes on the road, turning down Main, and she got a better look at the chaos going on in the square.

Zydeco music filled the air as the sun started to go down and the street lights came up.

“Sounds like they changed their minds about you,” she said. It would be good. She wouldn’t have to sympathize because the whole town loved him. “This is quite a party for a man you say they all can’t stand. Oh, there’s the spot.”

She pointed at the parking spot. It was the only one open and the only one that had a massive, glittery star on the sidewalk in front of it. Was that Remy’s face in the middle of all that gold glitter?

“They’re just happy they won’t lose everything,” he replied. “If Jean-Claude sold out, their whole way of life would be gone. This isn’t about me. It’s about feeling bad over Wesley and being relieved they don’t have to move or work for a large hotel that would send their property taxes sky high.”

“Or they realize they didn’t treat you well the first time.” He was being way too pessimistic. “Why do you think he said that stuff about me?”