Justin
I swing my seven-year-old niece into my arms as her giggles fill my ears.
“Uncle Justin," she squeals as her little arms wrap around my neck for only a second before she wriggles to be put down.
As soon as her feet hit the ground, she's running to an area farther away from the bonfire, one dominated by people her size. She is completely in her element, playing with friends she's known most of her life. I suppose it's not a lot different than those I'm standing with—friends forever. A hand comes to my lower back. I turn, seeing my sister's smile.
“Remember when she wanted to be held all the time?"
“Yeah."
Kandace hands me a plastic cup with foam.
“Since when do you bring me beer?"
“Apparently, not everyone in Riverbend knows everything." She laughs. “Crystal brought it
