Mayor Lillian had called this a “test day” to see if Rescue wanted to hold a true harvest festival next summer. This trial run was merely a town event—an evening in the park—although it’d drawn a fair number of tourists from the resort and fishing lodges. The council had provided burgers and hot dogs; local fishermen donated salmon. Volunteers manned the grills. Several picnic tables held a community potluck of side dishes and desserts.

“You know, I think you’re right.” Gabe grinned as a bevy of young children raced past with streamers, avoiding the older children playing soccer in a grassy space.

People were having fun.

Even better, there’d been no incidents. No stealing. No vandalism. Not even any brawling, which was probably a record.

Huh. That would be his goal for events—no fights.

A burst of clear, musical laughter caught his attention.

In a nearby group of women, Audrey was describing—and acting out—her battle with the salmon she’d caught yesterday. She finished by pointing to the grill to show who’d been victorious. A chorus of congratulations came from the women.

Wasn’t it odd that the woman who worried she had no social skills had been instrumental in breaking down the barriers between people? Aside from the PZs, the various factions had united to save her…and discovered they had more in common than they’d thought.

The mini-fest tonight with food, activities, and a wealth of children was also creating new connections. With the first of the playground equipment in and a grassy space for sports, the kids weren’t concerned if someone’s parents ran businesses or lived off the road or were fishing guides. They just wanted to play.

Soon enough, parents were setting their own differences aside, at least for one evening.

In a crackle of loudspeaker static, the trio’s fiddle-player announced from the bandstand, “We’re taking a break now, and Mayor Lillian says she’s going to get Caz and Bull—and even our Chief of Police up here next.”

Gabe frowned. Since when had he volunteered to play?

Glancing around, he spotted Caz and Bull carrying their instruments. Bull had Gabe’s guitar. Damned if Hawk wasn’t following along with his fiddle.

Guess he’d been drafted. Wouldn’t be the first time. They would sing together in the military, on drunken nights of carousing, even while helping Bull with his first bar…

If Mako’s sons were together, they eventually ended up playing music together.

As he headed toward the bandstand, he stopped at the group of women and tucked his arm around Audrey.

She smiled up at him. “I hear you’re going to—”

He took her lips. Oh yeah. Pulling her closer, he enjoyed the hell out of kissing her. Somehow, he couldn’t foresee a time he wouldn’t. “Mmm.”