Chapter 486
HOPE & AIDEN’S HOUSE
DAVID: Thanks for inviting me to the party, Hope.
HOPE: Oh, no problem. I’m so glad you came!
Hope and David hugged. Ciara walked out of the house with a tray in her hands.
CIARA: Okay, I got the brownies. Be careful, they’re probably kinda hot.
Ciara set down the tray on the table and put a spatula next to it.
HOPE: Sweetheart, those look beautiful.
CIARA: Thanks. I’m gonna give one to Trix.
Ciara picked up a plate, put two brownies on it, and went back to where Trix was.
TRIX: Welcome back.
CIARA: Thanks. Brought you a brownie.
TRIX: Thanks! I’m sure it’s really good, since you made it.
CIARA: Hopefully. Anyway, we needed something to go with these drinks.
Trix nodded. Meanwhile, Claire was playing some patriotic music.
CLICK HERE to listen to it.
MAGGIE: Philip would have been here, but he had to go out of town for a few days.
HOPE: I understand.
VICTOR: I like what you said earlier, about Bo. I’m sure he’d be happy to see you carrying on the tradition.
HOPE: Thank you, Victor. That means a lot, especially from you.
MAGGIE: How are you, darling?
HOPE: I’m good. Thanks again for all the help getting things together on such short notice. You, Jen and Kayla have all been a big help.
MAGGIE: Oh, that was no problem. That’s what family does.
Maggie hugged Hope.
ABBY: How’s Steph doing in Springfield?
KAYLA: Well, as far as I know, she’s doing great. I haven’t heard from her in a few days, but I know she’s been busy. And she wishes she could have stayed longer when she was out here for Joey’s graduation.
ABBY: Me too. It was great to see her!
KAYLA: She loved seeing you, too. And little Thomas.
CHAD: You’re serious?
SONNY: Yeah, she showed up a couple weeks ago while you were taking some time off.
CHAD: Well, how do we know she’s not lying? I mean, you know what Kinsey’s like.
WILL: That’s a good point. We don’t even know if she’s telling the truth.
SONNY: True.
CHAD: Look, let’s not let it ruin our holiday, okay?
WILL: Good idea.
CHAD: So, how’d it go with Gabi this morning?
SONNY: It was good. Ari loved showing her the new red, white and blue dress she got.
MAGGIE: You know, what you said to Hope was so sweet. You really are a big softy, aren’t you?
VICTOR: I was merely telling the truth, as I always do. Bo and I may not have agreed on much, but all in all, he was a good man, and he loved his country. I have a lot of respect for that.
Maggie kissed Victor on the cheek.
Later, Claire had finished playing music.
CHASE: You were awesome, as always!
CLAIRE: Thank you!
Claire and Chase kissed.
CLAIRE: I’m gonna get some water. I’ll be back in a few.
Claire walked to the cooler and picked up a water bottle. As she looked up, she noticed something out of the corner of her eye. It was Ciara and Trix sitting on the ground. She walked over to the wooded area where they were.
CLAIRE: What are you guys doing over here?
Ciara got up. She stumbled a little and helped Trix up, which took some effort. Claire assisted them, and couldn’t help but notice a small handful of bottles on the ground.
CIARA: Hey! I am so glad to see you!
Ciara hugged Claire.
CLAIRE: Are you okay?
TRIX: We’re great! How’re you?
CLAIRE (under her breath): In better shape than you two, apparently.
AIDEN: So, Commissioner Brady, what do you think? Is this party up to the standards of previous years?
HOPE: It is. Definitely.
Hope and Aiden kissed, then walked to the front of the yard.
HOPE: All right, everyone. The fireworks will be starting in just a few seconds.
AIDEN: Everyone please turn your attention to the sky.
Everyone looked up, and a moment later, the fireworks began. Everyone gazed at the colors as Doug and Julie sang the national anthem, accompanied by Steve on harmonica and J.J. on guitar. After finishing the national anthem, Doug’s song changed to another song.
CLICK HERE to listen along.
HOPE: Happy Fourth of July, everybody!
