Page 67 of Mail-Order Brides Wishes
“Pshaw. No one is paying attention to us.” She leaned closer.
“Ahem.”
She looked up to see Riley and several others looking down on her. “So, who won the race?” she asked in the most innocent tone she could manage.
Riley laughed. “Wally and Maddie but only because they kept their minds on the goal and worked together.”
Flint untied their legs and pulled her to her feet.
A glance at him and she saw he blushed, which only served to make her laugh. She took his hand and pulled him after her as they went to check on Susie who played with the other children under the supervision of Olivia.
There were more games. She and Flint won none of them.
He squinted at her. “Ya aren’t tryin’ very hard.”
“Maybe because I already have the only prize I want.” She waggled her eyebrows at him, rewarded by his burst of laughter.
He pulled her closer, not caring about others nearby. “I have ta agree with that.”
The meal was set out on several long tables. By way of grace, they sang the doxology she and Flint had sung at one of their picnics.
People had contributed plates creating an assortment of shapes, sizes, and colors. She and Flint each took one. He held Susie in one arm, so Bryn had the enjoyable task of helping him select food.
Twice someone had to prod them to move on as she got lost in his warm gaze.
They sat on the grass, in circles that allowed them to visit. Most held empty plates when Riley got to his feet.
“Folks, congratulations are in store for Shorty and Buster. They’ve taken over a part of the Bar-B-Bar.”
Shouts of congratulations rose and then questions. What had happened to the Bar-B-Bar?
Riley held up a hand to quiet the noise. “From what Shorty and Buster tell me, creditors took the ranch. It’s sad, but we’ve all known for a long time that it wasn’t being managed properly. Buster and Shorty, we’re going to miss you working for us, but we wish you all the best.”
He turned toward a horse riding toward them. “I see we have another visitor.” He waved to the man. “Come and join us.”
“It’s Lanigan.” Andy was on his feet trotting toward the man. “Been a while,” he said. He waited for the man to dismount and then brought him forward. “Everyone this is Lanigan—sorry I don’t know your surname.”
“That is my surname. I go by it.”
“Lanigan then. I met him when I was getting coal a while ago.”
The man hooted. “Met me, did ya? Folks, he dug me out of a coal mine when the rocks came a tumbling down. I walked out of that pit alive because of him and I vowed on that very day, I was never going back underground. No sirree. I learn my lesson.” He turned back to Luke. “Fancy meeting you here.”
Luke clapped him on the back. “This is where I live. Come on. Grab a plate and fill it up.”
Lanigan did so and he and Luke circulated, talking to various cowboys. After a bit, Luke left him on his own.
“He’s looking for work,” he informed the others. They looked to where he talked to Shorty and Buster. “They could use some hired hands. Might be a good fit.”
It was late when the festivities ended, and everyone headed home. Most had chores to do, cattle and horses to take care of, and wanted to get home before dark.
Bryn leaned against Flint’s shoulder as they journeyed down the road. Susie curled up on a blanket in the back, exhausted by the activities. Bryn thought she had gone to sleep but her little voice reached them.
“They’s gots lots of kittens.”
Flint whispered in Bryn’s ear. “I hope she doesn’t want another cat.”
Bryn leaned close to whisper in his ear. “We’ll simply have to say no.” She trailed her lips along his cheek as she sat back.
