Page 68 of Ranch Rules

“Are we there yet?”

Thomas answered by stopping the car and pulling over to the curb. When he turned to her, she giggled again. “Do I need to go back home and put you in the corner?”

Natalie’s expression instantly became sober as she shook her head. “No, sir. I’m sorry, sir.”

“All right then.” But she didn’t miss the way his lips twitched as he pulled back onto the road.

Then Thomas turned on the radio and Natalie bopped in her seat and sang along to ‘Where Have all the Cowboys Gone’ and ‘Strawberry Wine.’ She even got him to sing along for a few verses. By the time he pulled into a parking lot—which she couldn’t help but notice was packed, though she didn’t dare ask any more questions—she was all smiles.

“Ma’am,” he said when he opened her door, giving her a slow, sexy grin that almost made her wish they’d stayed home. Almost.

Natalie stepped out of the car, head swiveling in every direction to try to get a clue as to where they were. But it wasn’t until they were hand in hand and walking across the parking lot that she spotted it: a large, colorful Ferris wheel.

She stopped in her tracks, and Thomas stopped too, staring at her. “Are we... are we at a fair?”

“Yeah. Is that okay?”

It was probably the first time she’d ever seen him look uncertain about anything and she could not have found it more endearing. She squeezed his hand, jumping up and down in excitement before she launched herself at him, hugging him tight. “Is it okay? I’ve never been to a fair!”

“Never?”

She pulled back and shook her head, beaming. “Nope.”

“Well, then we’ve got to make sure we do it up right, since you’re a first-timer and all.”

She squealed with excitement and practically pulled him toward the entrance, listening to him laugh all the while. She didn’t mind. She was too thrilled to mind anything. “Do you think they’ll have cotton candy?” she asked after he’d paid for them to enter.

“You can bet on it. Don’t tell me you’ve never had cotton candy either.”

Natalie smiled coyly. “Will telling you that get me two?”

Thomas returned her grin and leaned in to whisper in her ear, “Lying will get you a one-way trip across my knee and as soon as you’ve wiped your tears we’ll head home for a dose of the hairbrush.”

She pouted. “Party pooper.”

“How ‘bout we stick to the facts and see what happens?”

She gave his hand another squeeze. “You’re the best.”

“Hmm, well, if you think so now I could always threaten you with the belt and see what that gets me.” He winked.

Natalie rolled her eyes. “Silly Daddy. Belts do not make girls swoon.”

“My mistake.”

“What should we do first?” she asked, her eyes bright with eagerness.

“That’s up to you. What do you want to do first?”

Natalie turned her head, eyes scanning the fairgrounds. When she spotted a brightly colored stand with assorted stuffed animals dangling from its top, she pointed. “What’s that?”

“Looks like a water shooting game.”

“Ooh, can we, can we?” she asked, tugging on his arm.

“I told you, the day is yours, and your wish is my command.” His eyes twinkled at her.

“In that case, we’ll head for the cotton candy next.”

---