The Lawman Lassoes a Family

“I might,” Vicki agreed pleasantly, but her mind was back on the county fair. Had Lena just attempted some matchmaking, saying Krys and Vicki should go to the fair? The suggestion was hanging there as if she’d wanted Dan to say he’d take them.

But he didn’t, and Vicki relaxed again.

“I’m not sure if I’ll be working the fair or not,” Dan said, after a bit more discussion from Lena. “The schedule is still up in the air, but since most of the deputies with kids want to take them, the rest of us will probably plug the holes.”

Which, thought Vicki, was a good explanation for not offering to show them around, even if Lena had been trying to encourage it. Astonishment filled her as she realized she felt mildly disappointed. Steady, girl. No point in bargaining for trouble. “How long does it last?”

“It’s a whole lot of setup for three days,” Lena answered. “Friday afternoon through Sunday evening. The rodeo’s on Saturday. And of course, one of those traveling carnivals always shows up.”

“Why so short?”

“Most folks around here are awfully busy on their ranches,” her aunt replied. “But summer is the time for fairs. What can I tell you? Imagine holding one when the weather turns cold.”

“It’s just a small fair,” Dan explained. “We pretty much get overshadowed by the state fair, which offers a whole lot more for people who can get the time to go. Here it’s...a community social, basically.”

“Good description,” Lena said approvingly. “Anyway, in one afternoon you can see everything you want to see, and fit in the rodeo, too. Now, I like our rodeo. It’s mostly local cowboys who compete, not pros who are on the circuit, although we occasionally get one or two.”

“That would be interesting. I’ve been to the one in Austin, but the rodeo is professional, and so is the entertainment.”

Dan laughed. “You might hear a few local country musicians here.”

“Don’t forget the old guys with their fiddles,” said Lena. “Always gets my foot tapping.” She eyed Vicki. “A good place to meet people.”

“Speaking of meeting people,” Dan said, “I presume the Peggy that Krys was telling me about was Janine Dalrymple’s little girl?”

“Yes, it was,” Vicki replied. “They both came over this afternoon, and before I could even invite them in, the two girls were running down the street toward the park. We dashed to keep up. I like Janine.”

“I thought you might,” Dan said. “Salt of the earth.”

“Did you ask her to come?” Vicki didn’t know if she liked that. She preferred to think that Janine had come because she wanted to.

“Of course not,” Dan said. “I passed her on the street and she asked about the rental truck, so I told her you were here.”

So he wasn’t trying to micromanage her life even in small ways. Vicki had been through enough of that. Something that had been coiled inside her let go, and she was able to enjoy the rest of the meal.

After they made short work of dishes, Krystal wanted to play a game. She asked Dan and he agreed. Soon they were all playing a very childish board game with Krys, whose brow knit with concentration. One of these days the girl would realize the whole game depended on luck, but right now she gave it the attention of a major tactician.

Finally, Lena claimed an aunt’s prerogative. “Let me get Krys ready for bed and read her a story.”

Krys jumped up. “Can I pick the story?”

“Of course you can.” Lena looked at Vicki. “I don’t know about you, but I could use some coffee.”

“I’ll make it.”

“And I could use a walk,” Dan said. “Been sitting too much today.” He glanced at Vicki. “I can wait until you make the coffee if you want to take a turn around the block with me.”

Summer evenings were long in Wyoming, and Vicki wondered when she had last taken a walk around a block. Part of her felt a little nervous, and part of her thought she was entirely too hypersensitive. A friend was going for a walk. It would have been rude of him not to ask her.

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