Fred and Ash had spent most of the day on it. The large rectangle was decorated like Lucky Springs’ high school with the purple and gold colors. Another good sign that Ash wasn’t running from her home town. Jackson blew out the candles, and a house full of people applauded. His birthday was a good excuse for a party to signal Ash was part of their life and home. They’d invited a lot of friends and family. Ash’s three friends from out of town had settled fine into the small town but were still single, and as he cut the cake, Jackson observed many of the men eyeing the new additions. Lizzie chatted with Xavier about back home. Zoe and Fred were acting as bartenders. Eli, Crystal and Ash were now handing out cake. Ash had been very specific about not letting strange men corner her friends. She wanted them to be choosy and not jump into something. “Any group of men catch your eye, Crystal?” Jackson asked. She blushed. “Not yet. I’m not sure I’m cut out for juggling men. Ash seems to be a natural.”
