The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection

by AlLee, Jennifer L. ; Breidenbach, Angela; Franklin, Darlene

  Despite her erratic and somewhat befuddling behavior, Andy couldn’t be upset. He’d intruded when he’d approached her at the grandstands, and she’d already spent more than two hours with him this afternoon. A very pleasant two hours at that. But if she had plans to meet with her friend, he didn’t have the right to command much more of her time. Even though he wanted nothing more than to stay by her side, this was not the time or the place.

  “Say no more, m’lady.” He stretched his arms high above his head then extended his hand out toward her, waiting until she placed her delicate fingers against his. He bowed and raised her fingers to his lips, placing a brief kiss on her knuckles.

  “Until next time.”

  The smile she bestowed upon him made leaving that much harder. But he must. With two fingers touching his hat, he gave her a final farewell and headed back toward the arenas. At least there he could find something to help take his mind off his beguiling companion from the afternoon. She’d already gotten under his skin more than any other dame he’d met along his travels. There was no room in his life right now for a girl, but if he wasn’t careful, Paige might just manage to change his mind. At least while he was here, he could make the most of their time together. He’d deal with the repercussions later.

  Chapter 7

  Paige stood and arched her back after hunching over the knickknack tables all morning. It took a lot of hard work to develop a layout and methodical plan that would make sense to someone other than her, and she welcomed a little break.

  She reached into the low pocket of her dress and withdrew an envelope. After removing the folded paper within, she stared again at the note she’d found waiting for her this morning. Mrs. Waverly had directed her to it not long after Paige had arrived. But what did it mean? She read it for what must have been the sixth or seventh time … as if rereading it might change the words or reveal more about the message.

  Paige—

  Meet me tonight in front of the Ferris wheel. 7:00. There is someone you must meet. Please come.

  —Andy

  That was it. No other details. No mention of why they couldn’t meet earlier or what he’d be doing around the fairgrounds during the day that day. Nothing.

  “Paige?”

  Paige looked up. “Yes, Mrs. Waverly?” Her fingers tapped a rhythm on the note as she waited for the woman’s next words.

  “I know you’ve already been hard at work finalizing things here, but would you mind assisting me with the preparations for tomorrow’s judging on the textiles and fabrics in the Art Hall?” Mrs. Waverly shook her head and released a resigned sigh. “Mrs. Dulaney came down ill this morning and won’t be coming as planned.”

  Paige gasped softly. “Oh my! Is everything all right?”

  “Yes,” Mrs. Waverly replied. A smile curled her lips upward. “I believe the pending new addition to the family decided to tell Mrs. Dulaney she needed to rest.” She arched her eyebrows. “So, will you be able to help?”

  An opportunity to see the hours disappear faster? Definitely! Paige had wondered how she’d ever manage to pass the time and prayed evening would come quickly. Now, God had answered.

  Paige smiled. “I’d be happy to.”

  Mrs. Waverly’s expression relaxed. “Excellent. You’re such a dear.” She consulted the pocket watch fastened to her waistband then snapped it shut and returned it to its place. “It’s near noon. Take a little time to eat and regain your strength, then meet me at the Art Hall at one. We have a long afternoon ahead of us.”

  Long afternoon? Paige grinned as she slipped the note back into its envelope and then her pocket. Spending the time working paled in comparison to the seemingly endless minutes ticking by if she’d had to occupy herself. No, this wouldn’t be a long afternoon after all.

  After patting her hair and checking the time on the large clock at the Security building for the fifth time in as many minutes, Paige looked again to her left and her right. Was she early? Had she misunderstood the location? The day? No. Andy had left no room for any misunderstanding or even the possibility of misconstrued interpretation. He’d been quite clear in his note. In front of the Ferris wheel at seven o’clock sharp that evening. And that’s where she now stood.

  Perhaps he’d been detained. As a journalist, being late likely didn’t happen often. In fact, he probably made it a point to be early whenever possible. That’s why it surprised her not to find him here already, waiting for her.

  “Paige! There you are.” Andy approached from her right. He looked a little relieved, as if he thought she might not come. “I was waiting over there by the diving show.” He frowned, an expression slightly resembling a pout. “Thought maybe you hadn’t gotten my note or, worse, simply dismissed it.”

  “Oh, I would never do that … at least not without coming to explain first.”

  He gave a sharp nod, his self-assured confidence once again returning. “I thought as much.”

  She furrowed her brow. “Did you just say the diving show? Do you mean the tall ramp near the river? But you asked me to meet you here at the Ferris wheel.”

  Andy shook his head. “What? No, I’m certain I said the wooden ramp.”

  Paige reached into her pocket, glad she had kept his note with her all day and hadn’t left it behind. “Here,” she said, withdrawing the note and unfolding it for him to see. “I’ll show you.” She pointed to the words he’d scribbled. “This is what you wrote.”

  He stepped closer and bent his head. The scent of light musk and leather mixed with talc wafted over her. The same combination she’d noticed every other time he’d been near. It distinguished him just a bit with an invigorating freshness. Must be the aftershave he used. Paige peered up at his smooth chin and jawline. The slight hint of a shadow had started to appear, but it didn’t hide the evidence of his neatly groomed appearance.

  “Well, I’ll be,” Andy exclaimed. “I thought for sure I said the ramp.” He tilted his head, which brought his face within inches of hers as their gazes collided. “Must’ve … had … wheels … uh … wide circles … on my mind,” he finished, his baritone sounding a bit gruff.

  Paige didn’t move. Couldn’t move, in fact. The intent way in which he regarded her was mesmerizing. His eyes darted down to her mouth, and Paige’s heartbeat pounded in her chest. She hoped it wasn’t loud enough for him to hear.

  All of a sudden, Andy straightened and cleared his throat. As quickly as the moment arrived, it was gone, and Paige released the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

  “Come on.” He spoke a little too loudly. “There’s someone else waiting for us.”

  Without asking permission, he grabbed her hand and pulled her toward where Doc Carver’s Diving Horse Show was located. So much for pursuing those odd feelings further. Unable to do anything but follow, Paige shifted her focus to not stumbling as she quickened her pace to keep up with Andy, who weaved in a zigzag pattern through the crowds.

  In less than a minute, they arrived, and Paige paused to catch her breath.

  “Andy, my boy,” a booming voice greeted them a moment later. “I see you’ve found our little lady.” The man with a thick mustache that came down in a V-shape and hid his mouth offered Paige a half smile. He reached up and tipped the front of his large and showy cowboy hat, the fringes on the sleeves of his thick buckskin coat swishing with the movement. “Doc Carver, miss,” he said then jerked a thumb in Andy’s direction. “This fella was as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.” He winked and his eyes twinkled. “Glad he found ya.”

  Paige looked at Andy, who conveniently avoided making eye contact at that moment. Nervous? About her? But why? If this was who he’d wanted her to meet, she couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about. Doc Carver might have traveled the world as a renowned marksman and show master, but he seemed very kind and friendly. No reason to fret.

  Paige bobbed in a curtsy. “Paige Callahan, Doc. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

&
nbsp; “Pleasure’s all mine. So, Lawrence,” Doc Carver said without preamble, “you mentioned this little gal dreams of singing on that big stage over yonder?”

  Paige tried to catch Andy’s gaze, but he focused straight ahead. He’d told Doc about her? Why?

  “Yes,” Andy replied. “Were you able to talk with her?”

  Talk with whom? Paige glanced back and forth between the two men. Why were they being so cryptic?

  “As a matter of fact, I did.” Doc nodded then beckoned to someone in the shadows.

  Paige turned, and her eyes widened. Bessie Smith was walking right toward them! The Bessie Smith, the Empress of the Blues. In all her resplendent finery, complete with the fur-edged robe she wore over her gown. Paige licked her lips. Her breath came in shallow bursts. This time, when she looked at Andy, he was watching her. His grin resembled that of the Cheshire cat from Lewis Carroll’s oft-read children’s tale. Now this explained why he’d been nervous.

  “Miss Bessie,” Doc began, “I’d like you to meet Miss Paige Callahan.”

  Miss Smith extended a plump arm, her dark skin appearing from under the confines of the fur-accented sleeve, and Paige accepted the gentle handshake. “Very pleased to meet you, Miss Callahan.”

  Paige fingered the strand of beads. She swallowed once. Twice. Then, she opened her mouth, but no words came out. Oh no. Not again! She cleared her throat. “Pleased to meet you as well, Miss Smith,” she finally managed, surprisingly clear and strong.

  “I can’t stay long, dear,” Miss Smith intoned in her throaty voice. “They’ll be calling my name soon to sing some more for those fine folks. But you come on over to the main stage tomorrow, and we’ll see what we can do about making that dream of yours come true.” She covered Paige’s hand with her free one. “Don’t make me come and find you, now, you hear?”

  “I won’t,” Paige vowed. Little quivers danced around inside of her, like fireflies searching for a place to light. “Thank you,” she whispered, the moisture in her throat disappearing again.

  “Doc, it’s always a pleasure. Thank Sonora fo the peaches.” Miss Smith gave the man a wink and turned to Andy. “And Mr. Lawrence,” she said with a stern, motherly glance, “I expect you front and center tomorrow when your gal here takes her first steps onto that stage.”

  Paige tried to interrupt. “Oh, but I’m not—”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Andy said before Paige could correct her misguided assumption.

  “And I also expect a nice-sized article on me in that paper of yours, too,” she said in a playful tone with a smile as she waved to all three of them. “Bye now.”

  Paige watched the woman leave, head held high and carrying herself as if she floated on a cloud. Such grace and charm. Paige would be lucky if she managed to walk across the stage without tripping, let alone sing to anyone who might be within hearing. Maybe she could show up early before the larger crowds appeared. She could hardly believe Andy had done all of this for her! He chose that moment to slip his hands into his pockets, and Paige shifted her attention away from Miss Smith back to Andy. So many questions flitted across her mind.

  “How did you make this happen? When did you have the time to arrange all of this? Why didn’t you correct Miss Smith about our relationship? How am I ever going to thank you?” Paige let the questions tumble out.

  Doc cleared his throat. “I think I best be getting back to checking the diving ramp and the water levels in that watering hole in the ground they dug for us. Can’t have my horse jumping into shallow water, and I don’t want Sonora getting hurt as she dives with the horse, either.” He regarded them both. “I hope I’ll see you at one of the shows before the fair comes to an end.”

  “Count on it,” Andy replied, exchanging a quick handshake with Doc.

  “Good night,” Doc called as he turned and walked away.

  Paige smiled. Doc was everything she’d heard and more. He loved his horses, took great care of his riders, and loved to put on a good show for his spectators. She looked forward to seeing the dive in person and maybe even getting to meet Sonora Webster. Paige had read every article she could find on the diving girl since she first heard the show was coming to the fair this year. But first, a certain reporter owed her an explanation.

  As if reading her thoughts, Andy took two steps to the side and leaned back against a post next to one of the ticket booths, hooking one ankle over the other and folding his arms, a knowing smirk forming on his lips.

  “Now, to answer your questions, I was interviewing Miss Webster, and the subject of persistence in going after what you want came up.” He shrugged. “I mentioned you, Miss Webster suggested I speak with Doc, and the rest you can guess. As for why I didn’t correct Miss Smith about us, I didn’t see it important enough to interrupt her. And as for thanking me?” He paused as his mouth slid into a slow grin. “Join me for the rest of the evening taking in the carnival rides and entertainment, and I’ll consider the matter paid in full.”

  Amazing. He’d responded to each one of her questions in accurate order, not missing a beat. More of that journalism experience coming to his aid, no doubt. It all seemed so matter-of-fact, the way he’d just described it happening, but Paige knew better. Andy had heard her confession, listened intently, and gone out of his way to utilize his connections. All for her. No one had ever done anything like that for her before. She could at least oblige him in his invitation to a fun evening.

  “Very well,” she said with a slow nod. “Where would you like to begin?”

  Andy pushed away from the post, that spark of mischief back in his eyes. “How about Over the Jumps?” he suggested. “Or the Caterpillar, as they call it in Denver.”

  Paige took in a sharp breath and grinned. “That’s my favorite ride!”

  He reached into the inner pocket of his suit and withdrew a long string of tickets. He’d already purchased some for them? Had he been so certain she’d agree to join him?

  “Caterpillar it is,” he exclaimed, before she had a chance to think on it any further.

  With his hand at the small of her back, Andy guided her around the bend toward the ride. As he relinquished two tickets, she couldn’t imagine a better close to the day. Just two more days until the fair ended. Then what?

  Andy led her to the first empty car and helped her to the inside seat. Once he settled in beside her, he turned to her with a smile. She smiled, too. No. She wouldn’t think about two days from now. They had tonight … and she’d make it a memorable one.

  Chapter 8

  Now, you stand right there, Miss Paige,” Miss Bessie said, “and you give it all you got as soon as you hear the music start playing.”

  Paige looked like a deer that stared into the eyes of its predator, ready to bolt at any moment. The first strains of a familiar melody began, but when it came time for Paige to join in with the words, nothing happened.

  Oh no! Not again!

  Andy had seen how she acted when she was nervous. This time, though, she didn’t even lick her lips or open her mouth. She just stood there, frozen. After all he’d done to arrange this, and now it might not happen? What if she couldn’t sing? Maybe he shouldn’t have gone out on a limb like this for her. Or maybe he should have chosen a smaller venue. Now he’d have to apologize to Miss Bessie, and to Doc. As if thinking of her made her appear, Miss Bessie took a seat next to him and gave his shoulder a nudge. “Son, I’m thinking you better get up there and give that gal of yours a little pluck in her feathers.”

  Andy shook his head. “I’m sorry. What?” Something about plucking feathers?

  Miss Bessie leaned in close and winked. “I believe Miss Callahan needs some prompting and reassurance from you.”

  He looked from Miss Bessie to Paige and back again. “Oh!” He jumped up and made his way to the stairs.

  Paige hadn’t moved. The orchestra fell silent, but Andy signaled them to continue playing. He strode across the stage, stopping right next to Paige. He reached for her hand, and she startle
d. She tried to pull free, but he held tight, and she turned her head to look at him.

  “It’s okay,” he said in a low voice. “Everyone gets stage fright at some time or another.”

  She swallowed and licked her lips. “I don’t know if I can do this,” she croaked.

  “Sure you can,” he said with as much confidence as he could muster. Truth be told, he wasn’t sure she could do it, either, but he wasn’t about to tell her that. “Don’t think about this being a stage or that you’re performing.” He winked. “Just pretend you’re singing to the chickens and cows on your farm.”

  That at least earned him a small smile. He started to step away, but this time, she wouldn’t let go.

  “What if I forget the words or I’m not loud enough?”

  Andy patted her hand and gave it a squeeze. “I’m sitting right there in the front row. Look straight at me, if you have to, and let everything else disappear.”

  As if to prove his point, Andy stared, his gaze intent. Her eyes widened, and a soft gasp sounded as she inhaled. A moment later, resolute strength shone forth, and she squared her shoulders. He drew her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.

  “That’s my girl,” he said. “Now, just relax and enjoy yourself up here.”

  He moved offstage and waited once again for Paige to begin. She signaled the conductor below her then looked over at Andy. He nodded. She could do this. She had to. He didn’t want to think about the alternative. This was her dream. She needed to see it through. If she didn’t now, she might never do it again.

  As if coming to that same realization herself, Paige turned again to face forward and waited for the right moment to join in with the words. Her voice started soft and scratchy, but she kept singing. With each word and note, she got a little stronger. Andy smiled. She was going to make it.

  Andy resumed his seat and leaned forward with his forearms on his thighs, mesmerized by the rich and tonal quality of the melodic sounds flowing from Paige’s lips. Her voice still wobbled a bit as she sang. Whose wouldn’t? A glance around the available seating showed minimal spectators, but that didn’t matter. Paige’s dream had come true. He returned his full attention to the beautiful songbird standing onstage in front of him.