Tourists and locals alike clogged the cobblestone surface of Main Street. Lucas took Kate’s hand and led her through the Fourth of July throng. They’d watched the watermelon- and pie-eating contests and gotten soaked during the water fight between the fire departments. Now it was time to find a spot on the beach for the fireworks.

When they neared Jetties Beach, Lucas adjusted the blanket and picnic basket in his arms and ushered Kate through the Pavilion. The place looked different than the night of their wedding. Had it only been two weeks? He wondered if she was remembering too.

All day they’d run into friends and acquaintances. Kate had constantly had her hand in his or her arm wrapped around his waist. Having her at his side made him stand taller. At one point, they found themselves standing by Selma Bennett, an editor at the Mirror. Lucas had leaned down and pecked Kate on the lips. Her eyes widened before she leaned into him for the briefest moment.

Now they exited through the back of the building and crossed the sand where people were spread out across the beach, lounging on blankets and beach chairs. When they found an empty spot, Lucas shook out the piecework quilt, and they ate their turkey sandwiches and Doritos, then snacked on fresh strawberries.

Lucas popped one in his mouth and leaned back on his hands, his legs stretched out to the edge of the quilt. Smoke from firecrackers and salt from the ocean blended together in a unique concoction that reminded him of Independence Days long past. Laughter and chatter filled the darkness, punctuated by the sharp pop of firecrackers, as the crowd waited for the public display to begin.

“Nantucket knows how put on a Fourth of July shindig,” Kate said.

“Can’t believe you’ve been here three years and haven’t come.”

She shrugged. “I’ve always been out of town.” She didn’t have to say she’d been visiting Bryan.

Two blankets over, Bryce Webber, the worship leader from church, saw them and waved. They returned the greeting, Kate leaning into Lucas’s side as if suddenly realizing they were still on display. He sat up, draping his arm across her shoulders. He could get used to this.

When Kate plucked a strawberry from the Rubbermaid container and looked into his eyes, he wanted to claim her mouth then and there. But she touched the strawberry to his lips instead. Lucas opened his mouth, accepting the offer, and her fingertips brushed his lips. Have mercy. The tang of the fruit didn’t compare to the sweet taste of her lips.

The first firework exploded, drawing Kate’s attention to the sky over the barge where the fireworks were shot from. A red glow, a reflection of the firework, blossomed over her face. Lucas already had fireworks going off inside. The big booms were only an echo of his heart.