People buzz all around Gary and Brooke as they leisurely stroll along the grey cement side walk. "You have been here before, why don't you tell me what your favorite things to do are."

A small giggle bubbles its way out of her lips as a smile widens on her face. "Well, personally, I enjoy food, so the cake contest always interests me. Other than that though I don't really have a favorite thing."

"Well, cake is good." He chuckles and leads the way through the people to the large sign that reads 'Cake for Taste'. "What's your favorite kind of cake?"

She cocks her head to the side and grins. "I don't know. That's pretty hard, but probably pineapple upside down cake. What about you?"

"I have to agree that is a hard decision. I can't get over my mother's pound cake, but other than that I don't really have a favorite because I like them all." He nods for her to go in front of him. A mischief filled grin takes place on his lips when he realizes the blush he has caused to settle on her cheeks. Once they each have a slice of pineapple upside down cake he pays for them and mutters a 'thank you'.

Brooke can't help the curiosity that is bubbling in her any longer. "Do you mind if I ask you something?"

Shaking his head he answers, "Not at all."

"So, what's your favorite part about working at Jae's?" Moves her gaze from her cake to stare up at his sun kissed face topped by his crisp black hat.

He laughs and nudges her with his elbow playfully. "What makes you think I enjoy any of it?"

She rolls her eyes. "Oh, come on. I have seen you out there on more than one occasion and it didn't exactly look like you were in slave labor."

"Okay, you got me there," he confesses holding his unoccupied hand up in surrender. "I don't know about my favorite part. I like being with Little Lynn everyday and working with the kids. They are a lot of fun."

Smiling she nods and takes another bite of cake as they stroll around the side walk together.

With the cake long gone they find themselves amongst all the games. First they try the ring toss and manage to each loop a bottle. Then they move on and watch two teams of mixed matched people play water balloon volley ball.

"I dare you to try that," Gary whispers to Brooke as they stand at the toilet paper toss booth.

She crinkles up her face and shakes her head. "No way that's gross!"

"Oh come on! It is clean toilet paper," he teases throwing his hands in the air.

"I don't care that just sounds gross."

Urging her forward he says, "And lots of fun. You can't shoot it until you try it."

Finally she sighs and rolls her eyes dramatically. "Okay, I will do it, but so are you."

He pumps his fist in the air. "Yes!" Then he says in a low voice so that only she can hear, "See I knew you had an adventurous side."

Rolling her eyes she playfully punches him in the arm. He laughs and she can't help but join in too. If she is being honest with herself she wishes it could last all day. Maybe even forever. Everything is just so right with his deep laugh and voice and the warm air all around them. She could easily get wrapped up in their own little world. 
***

Jaelyn can't help but to grin and nudge Tyson. "Look at them! They are so cute."

Chuckling he shakes his head. "Don't you be getting any wild ideas. Just let the poor couple figure their own love lives out."

"See even you think they make a great couple."

"Oh hush!" He picks her hand up in his and places a light feathery kiss on the back of it. "What do you say we go challenge them to a game of mini golf?"

Narrowing her eyes at him she says, "You sure your pregnant wife is legal to do that?"

"My little Cactus is legal to do anything that I ask her to, because I am the law." He winks at her and helps her to her feet from the wooden bench on the edge of the park.

Hand in hand they make their way through the people to wear Gary and Brooke are strolling along. Jaelyn taps her brother on the shoulder with a mischievous grin on her face. She watches as he slowly turns around with narrowed eyes.

In a discussed tone he says, "May I help you ma'am?" Then he proceeds to burst out laughing at her surprised face.

Shaking her head and rolling her eyes she clears her throat. "Anyway! We want to know if y'all want to see how your mini golf skills measure up to ours."

Gary raises his eyebrows and looks to Brooke. "It's up to you-" he catches himself before he mutters a word he doesn't want his sister to hear. Coughing to cover up his mistake he can't help but slip a glance at Brooke.

After a tiny little giggle she shrugs. "I don't see why not. That pregnant belly will surely get in the way!" She winks at Jaelyn and gaily slips her arm through a shocked Gary's and starts to skip off towards the mini golf stand. 

By the time they get there Gary has gotten over his bundle of shock and quickly pays for both couples to get in the course. It is a small course, but it is a challenging course. Tyson and Jaelyn are only a few minutes behind them and in a flash they are in a full on battle between the competitive four friends.

It is on the second to last hole that Gary's phone begins to ring. He peeks at the name, fully intending to send it to voice mail. When the name, Carol Richardson, registers in his mind his face turns grave. Without looking he hands Brooke his golf club. "I need to take this."

Quickly he steps away before answering the phone, "Hello?"

"Gary! I'm so glad you answered. Peter was in a very bad car accident." The feminine voice cracks, "It doesn't look good. Is there anyway you can come? The last words he has said are to see you."

Gary bites his lip. He has to stay strong for his best friend, and for his best friend's poor mother on the other end of the phone. "Yes ma'am. Where is he now?"

"In the Midland Memorial Hospital."

Swallowing hard, he says, "I'll be there as soon as I can."

They say their good-byes quickly, but Gary stands there for a long time just staring down at the greenish-brown grass. His long time friend Peter is a tough guy- one of the toughest he knew. A broken leg, or concussion meant absolutely nothing to him. No matter what was going on around him Peter was always cracking a joke and making everyone laugh.

A hand on his arm pulls him from his thoughts. Slowly and gently he turns around and smiles a bit at Brooke.

"Are you okay?" Her voice is soft and her hand on his arm is like a butterfly resting on him.

He nods, but then stops. No, this is not how he wants to be to her. She is way too special to blow off as if she is nothing. "Actually not really." A deep breath comes in and out of his lungs. "Umm, my best friend since high school has been in a car wreck."

The air leaves her lungs. She may not know the deepest thoughts of his heart, but she knows that this is something that strikes a deep cord in him. If she is being honest with herself to see him like this breaks her heart. "I'm sorry."

"Yeah, so I need to go see him. Would you mind catching a ride with Jaelyn?"

"Yeah, sure." She stands stunned as he gives her a brief hug and then begins to jog away. It is only a few short seconds before Jaelyn is by her side.

With her hands on her hips she says, "And just were does my brother think he is going?"

Brooke sighs. She loves her friend to death and especially her sass, but right now she just can't handle everything that is happening around her. "Not now Jae. Take me home please." One single tear runs down her cheek and she quickly wipes it away.

She doesn't hear Jaelyn and Tyson's conversation as she aimlessly walks towards the parking lot. Her mind has so many thoughts running through it she isn't sure if she is walking in the right direction let alone what everything that just played out in front of her means.

After what seems like forever Brooke finds herself in the comfort of her own home.

"Do you want me to come in with you?" Jaelyn asks.

Brooke shrugs. "You can if you want, but you don't have to."

"Girl you know unless you kick me out I'm coming too!"

Brooke can't help a chuckle as the two friends wave to Tyson as he heads off to who knows were. Although she won't admit it, it feels good knowing that she has her best friend by her side to drown her confusion in ice cream and When Calls The Heart.

Jaelyn forces her to tell her every detail of what Gary told her. Just as she thought Jae then paces the room ranting her frustration. "He didn't even talk to you about anything?"

Brooke shovels another spoonful of ice cream in her mouth and shrugs. "Not really."

"Ugh! He is so annoying. Seriously he doesn't talk to you about if you are his girlfriend or not. He doesn't even tell you he will be back or that he will call you."

Brooke finds herself laughing at Jaelyn's words. "Okay, this is all true and this is all things that I am thinking, but it sounds so funny when it is said out loud."

A/N
I know it's late, but better late than never right? 😉

Couple of announcements:
1. I am blown away by your awesome support!! You guys seriously make my day every single time.

2. Because of things going on in my life I will not be updating next week. (Hopefully I can catch up on writing in that time too) Sorry guys!

3. This one is me asking a favor. I've never done this before, but I believe in the power of prayer, so I am asking you guys if you will pray for me. I am excited and nervous about the changes God has called me to in my life. The hardest part is that it effects other people and I need to tell them. Thanks!

Again you guys are so awesome!! Thank you so so much!! :)