“Look at them go,” Tess said when they rounded the first turn. “Who do you think will win?”
Wesley pointed. “That thoroughbred of Parker Whalen’s is an awfully good horse. If I was a betting man, I would put my money on it.”
Nathan shook his head. “Watch as they come down the back stretch. James’s black will beat it. The weight of the rider will make the difference.”
“Who’s that up on him?” Wesley asked, squinting into the sun as the horses rounded the far turn.
“Rebecca’s little brother. Billy doesn’t weigh more than eighty pounds, but he’s a good rider.”
“I think the chestnut is going to pass them both,” Tess cried. “Look at him go.”
She held her breath as the horses pounded up the final stretch. The chestnut crossed the finish line ahead by a length.
“It’s a good thing you’re not a betting man, Wesley,” Nora said with a chuckle, “or we would be the poorer for it.”
“How did you know the chestnut would win, Tess?” Lottie asked. “Beginners luck?”
“I know that horse.”
“Really, who does it belong to?” Nathan asked.
“Joe Bishop owns him now. He has a ranch east of ours, but Rory and Daniel raised that colt. He was the fastest of all the horses born on our farm. Rory wanted to keep him, but he brought top dollar, and that was the year we built the new barn at Daniel’s house.”
“Why didn’t Daniel pay for his own barn?” Nathan asked.
“He did. We own the farm jointly. We share all the profits and expenses.”
He was slow to respond. “I didn’t realize just how closely bound you two are.”
She sighed. “We have a lot of ties.”
“Where is Daniel?” Lottie asked.
“He’s here somewhere.”
“Maybe I’ll take a walk around and look for him.” She strolled off, her hips swaying.
“The next race is about to start,” Wesley said. “Pick the winner, Tess.”
She studied the horses, trying to feel the same excitement she had for the first race. It was pointless. Talk of Daniel had dampened her high spirits.
“I can’t. I don’t know any of those horses. You choose one, Mama.”
“I like the little spotted one. She’s the prettiest.”
Nora’s choice came in dead last. They watched the final two races then moved toward the creek with the majority of the crowd to eat their picnic lunch. Tess couldn’t help remembering the last picnic when Daniel had been at her side. Resolutely she pushed the thought away.
“This is where we met,” Nathan said. He leaned close, reaching into the basket for a second sandwich. “The minute I saw you I knew I wanted to know you better. What was your first impression of me?”
She smiled. “Do you want the truth?”
He raised an eyebrow. “I think so.”
“It will only show how shamefully shallow I am.”
“Then by all means, tell.”
“We stood by the horseshoe pit, and Lottie raved about how handsome you are. When I saw you, I agreed with my sister. That doesn’t happen often.”
He laughed. “So it wasn’t my brains or my skill at horseshoes that impressed you.”
“I’m afraid not. Are you shocked?”
“Completely. Now I won’t be afraid to kiss you later,” he whispered in her ear.
Tess blushed. She didn’t know how to answer him, so she said nothing. When Emily reached for a big black beetle, she edged forward to stop her, putting a few feet of space between them. She liked him and enjoyed his company, but the thought of kissing him made her uneasy.
They sat by the creek talking to friends until Emily fell asleep in a patch of shade. When the others walked into town to watch the afternoon contests, Tess and Nathan stayed behind.
“You can go if you like,” she said. “I’ll come along when she wakes up.”
“I don’t mind staying.” He leaned back on his elbows and turned his face toward the sun. “In fact, I wouldn’t mind spending the rest of the afternoon right here.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be in the shooting contest?”
He groaned and opened his eyes. “That’s right, I am. I let James talk me into entering.”
“There’s a ten dollar prize for the best shot. Aren’t you interested in winning?”
“It doesn’t seem fair. I’m a professional, and the rest of the contestants aren’t.”
Tess picked a daisy out of the grass and twirled it between her fingers. “Most of the men around here are good shots. Rory won that contest several times.” Slowly she pulled the petals from the stem and dropped them in her lap. Tears burned behind her eyes. “It’s too bad he missed his target the one time it mattered.”
He covered her hand with his. “I’m sorry, Tess.”
She looked up. “No, I’m sorry. I’m not going to ruin the day with gloomy thoughts.” She watched his face until his frown eased. Gently she withdrew her hand. “You really should go, or you’ll miss the start of the contest.”
“Are you certain you don’t mind?”
“Positive. It’s peaceful sitting here, and I might take a nap alongside Emily.”
“All right, then. You know where to find me when she wakes up.” He jumped to his feet.
“Hopefully we’ll be there in time to see you claim your prize.”
He smiled. “If I win, I’ll buy you something.”
“The ladys’ auxiliary has an ice cream booth. I wouldn’t turn down a double scoop.”
“You have a deal.” He took two steps backward, his warm gaze holding hers. Finally he turned and hurried up the slope.
Tess watched him go then looked down at Emily. Her dark lashes fanned out against her cheeks. Every now and then her little lips pursed in a sucking motion. She smiled, love for her child welling inside her.
“Watching her sleep makes your heart ache, doesn’t it?”
Tess jerked around. Daniel stood behind her. “You scared me to death. You shouldn’t sneak up on a person that way.”
“Sorry.” He squatted down at her side. “I thought you heard me coming. I guess your mind was occupied. What were you thinking about?”
“How precious she is. As much as it hurt to lose Rory, I would die if anything happened to Emily.”
“Nothing’s going to happen to her, Tess.”
“I wouldn’t let it.” She studied him for a minute longer. Defenses in place, she turned away. “I thought you were with Lottie.”
“I was. She wanted to watch the shooting competition, and I took a walk instead. I don’t imagine it will be much of a contest this year.”
“No, Nathan will probably win. He felt badly about competing.”
Daniel stared across the creek. “I expected you to be there, cheering him on.”
“Emily fell asleep.”
After a long pause he turned toward her and cleared his throat. “Do you want to talk about the other night?”
“I don’t know what good it will do. Anyway, I don’t have the right to criticize your choices.”
“I didn’t sleep with that woman, Tess. It matters that you believe me. I intended to, I’ll admit, but I couldn’t go through with it.”
Relief bloomed in her chest. She knew she shouldn’t care, but she did. It hurt, thinking about Daniel with another woman.
“I’m glad,” she said softly.
“Nathan’s been around a lot.” Daniel picked up a smooth stone and worried it between his fingers.
“Just a couple of times.”
He tossed the rock into the creek. “Don’t let him take advantage of your situation.”
“I can take care of myself.” Her eyes narrowed. “Anyway, Nathan isn’t the kind of man who would prey on a lone woman.”
“He’s a man, and sometimes that’s enough.”
“Is that all it was for you?”
“No, of course not. I told you how I felt.”
“Then give Nat
han credit for having feelings, too.” She stared at him until he met her gaze, determined to make her point. “Give me credit for knowing what I want.”
When Emily stirred and rolled over, she picked up her daughter. The baby smiled at her then looked over her shoulder at Daniel and clapped her hands.
He touched her cheek. “Hello, sweet pea. Did you have a good nap?”
Emily grinned, revealing tiny front teeth.
Tess grimaced. “She feels wet.”
“Are you going back into town?” he asked.
She pinned Emily’s fresh diaper in place and nodded. “I promised Nathan I would try to see the end of the contest.”
“I guess I’ll walk with you, then. Do you need to nurse her first?”
“She can wait. She had quite a bit to eat before she fell asleep.”
Tess got to her feet, and Daniel picked up Emily’s bag. He held her arm as they walked up the slope to the road. She ignored the twinge of feeling that shot through her at the contact.
She heard the shouts from the crowd long before they reached it. Finding a vantage point, she watched the competition with interest. Bales of hay were lined up at the far end of Main Street. A collection of cans and bottles sat atop them. The man shooting missed the last can and shrugged.
The others moved back several paces while Hank set up another row of targets. Tess saw Rebecca and eased forward to her side. “How are they doing?”
Rebecca turned and smiled. “James is still in it. Where have you been?”
“Emily was asleep down by the creek. Oh, Nathan is shooting.”
Nathan stepped up and aimed his revolver. The row of bottles disintegrated into the hay bales. Everyone clapped, and James moved up to take his place. When he finished, one bottle stood alone.
Rebecca groaned. “Darn,” she said. “We could have used the prize money.”
Two more men were eliminated in the round, leaving Nathan and a man Tess didn’t recognize.
“Do you know who he is?” she asked.
Rebecca shook her head. “James said he’s a drifter. He’s certainly a good shot.”
The stranger took aim and fired, sending the row of cans flying. He pushed his hat back on dirty blond hair and smiled. “Beat that.”
Nathan’s eyes narrowed. He drew his gun and blew holes through his row of cans.
“That man looks familiar,” Daniel said. “I wonder where I’ve seen him.”
James moved in behind Rebecca. He rested his hands on her shoulders and stared at the stranger. “I think he was in the Silver Slipper the other night.”
Daniel frowned. “No, that doesn’t seem right. Whoever he is, he’s challenging Nathan.”
“This is too easy,” someone shouted. “Make it a quick draw contest. Let’s see who’s fastest.”
Nathan looked at the other man. “What do you say?”
“Suits me,” the man answered.
Hank set one last can up on the hay bale. “Draw on three,” he said.
Tess held her breath while Hank counted. On three, both men drew. Nathan’s shot sent the can spinning into the air before the other man’s gun cleared his holster. Without a word, the stranger turned away.
“Hey, mister,” Nathan called. “Nice shooting.”
The drifter looked at him with hard gray eyes. “You were faster. I’ll remember that.”
Tess glanced at Daniel, who stared after the retreating stranger. “That man gives me the shivers,” she said.
He shrugged and looked away. “I know I’ve seen him before, and it wasn’t in the Silver Slipper.”
“You’ll probably remember tomorrow, when you’re not thinking about it. It’s not important, is it?”
“No, I guess not. Go congratulate Nathan. He’s looking this way.”
Tess watched Daniel walk away, perplexed by his scowl. Shrugging, she went to join Nathan. True to his word, he bought her a dish of ice cream, and she enjoyed the cool treat. After she finished, they wandered toward the field where the girl’s three-legged race was starting.
“You should enter, Tess,” Nathan said, his eyes sparkling.
“It’s for girls, and I’m a mother. Besides, I don’t have a partner.”
“You could ask Lottie.”
Tess smiled innocently. “All right, I will, but only if you enter the greased pig contest.”
He laughed. “You don’t think I’ll do it?”
“No, I don’t, but it might be worth hobbling across the field to see you chasing a pig.”
“You have yourself a deal.”
Her eyes widened. “You’re joking?”
“No, I’m not. Go find Lottie and ask her.”
“Ask me what?” Lottie said, approaching with Nora and Fay.
Tess rolled her eyes at Nathan. “To be my partner in the three-legged race.”
Lottie shook her head. “You’re too late. Susan Avery and I are defending last year’s victory.”
Tess smiled. “Sorry, Nathan, I guess I can’t do it.”
“I’ll be your partner, Tess,” Rebecca said. “After the way Nathan beat James in the shooting contest, it will be worth any indignity to see him floundering in the dirt with a pig.”
Nathan laughed. “There you have it. A vengeful bride saves the day. You two go get in line.”
“Fine.” The race was silly and undignified, but her enthusiasm grew. It felt good to cut loose and behave like a girl again. Tess handed Emily to her mother. “Let’s go, Rebecca. I bet we can win.”
They lined up with their inner ankles tied together. When the starting gun sounded, they skipped and hopped across the field to the cheering of the crowd. Lottie and Susan Avery took the early lead, but Tess and Rebecca gained on them. Tess’s petticoats bunched higher around her calves, and she started to giggle.
“Don’t make me laugh,” Rebecca pleaded. “I’ll trip us both.”
“I can’t help it. Can you imagine how funny we look?”
“I’d rather not. Look at James and Nathan over there ogling us.”
Tess glanced up as they neared the finish line, but it was Daniel who caught her attention. His gaze strayed to her exposed ankles, and he pursed his lips in a whistle. Then he winked. Tess giggled and missed her step, catching her foot on a tuft of grass. She shrieked and clutched Rebecca, and they both pitched forward off balance.
Daniel rushed out to break their fall, and the two girls landed on top of him. Laughing, Rebecca sat up. His arm was around Tess’s waist, and her face pressed into his neck. She closed her eyes and breathed in his scent. It was only a few seconds, not nearly long enough. When he moved his arm, Nathan helped her to her feet.
“Thank you, Daniel,” Rebecca said. “You’re a lot softer than the ground.”
He smiled. “Glad to be of service. Are you both all right?”
“I’m fine.” Rebecca glanced over at Tess. “Did you get your dress dirty?”
She looked down at her skirt and shook her head. “Thankfully, no.” Her eyes narrowed when Daniel grinned. “Don’t expect any thanks from me. It’s your fault we fell.”
He raised an eyebrow. “How can that be? I was clear over there.”
“Gawking at our ankles, Daniel,” Tess teased. “For that you should sign up to catch the greased pig with Nathan.”
“Oh no.”
“Oh yes,” she argued. “What do you think, Rebecca? Doesn’t that sound fair?”
“Most definitely, and you had better hurry. I think they’re about to start.”
Tess looked from Daniel to Nathan and smiled. “See if one of you can’t place better than we did. I’ll be along to watch in a minute.”
“What do you say, Daniel?” Nathan asked.
“I say we’re both too easily manipulated.” He picked up his hat and dusted it off. “Let’s go catch a pig.”
The two men left, and Tess walked over to reclaim Emily from her mother and aunt.
“What was that all about?” Fay asked.
“Rebecca
and I teased Daniel into signing up for the greased pig contest.”
Nora laughed. “That should be something to see.” She looked past Tess’s shoulder and called, “Here’s our victor. Congratulations, Lottie.”
“Thank you.” She held up the first place ribbon. Her smile faded as she looked at Tess. “I may have won the race, but you got all the attention.”
“I didn’t fall down on purpose, Lottie.”
“Didn’t you?”
Tess clamped her lips together. She refused to let her sister’s taunting bother her. Hooking her free arm through Fay’s, she headed across the grass toward the pen holding the pig. Lottie and Nora followed. When they reached the site of the contest, they joined Wesley up front where they had a clear view of the action.
The pig was greased with lard. It huddled in one corner of the pen, staring at the men and boys gathered together on the other side.
“It hasn’t rained in quite a while,” Nathan said, looking down at the thick mud. “How’d the ground get so wet?”
Parker Whalen chuckled. “Since my bank is sponsoring the prize money, I thought I would make things more interesting. We dumped a couple barrels of water in here and churned it up. I suggest you remove your boots, boys. It’s a little slippery.”
“You’re all heart, Parker.” Daniel pulled off his boots and socks and then started on his shirt buttons. “I don’t plan on getting anything dirty I don’t have to.”
“Good idea,” Nathan said.
He and the rest of the contestants stripped down to their trousers. When they were ready, Parker fired the starting gun. Everyone dived for the pig.
Within seconds the men were covered with mud, but Tess couldn’t forget the picture Daniel and Nathan made, standing bare-chested before her. Daniel was slim and strong, his chest dusted with reddish blond hair. The muscles in his arms and stomach were hard, and his skin was tanned brown from working in the fields. Nathan had a far heavier build. His chest was matted with dark, curling hair, and when he moved, the muscles in his shoulders rippled. Both men were undeniably attractive, and a glance at Lottie’s intent expression made her aware she wasn’t the only woman who’d noticed.
Beside her, Nora laughed until tears streamed down her cheeks. Tess turned to see what was so funny and grinned. In the pen, Daniel wiped mud out of his eyes. His face was black with grime. He caught her gaze and shook his fist.
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