Page 33 of The Wedding Ranch
The booth operator feigned offense at her accusation. “This joint is not rigged. I promise you that.” He handed Ryder three balls. “I run a fair game. Get it. Fair. Go for it. Wait a second. Miss, pick out what you want to win.”
Lorri pressed her finger to her lips as she scanned the stuffed animals, laser-lit hats, and feather boas. “That teddy bear.”
Ryder gave the guy a nod, then winked at Lorri. “Here goes.”
He threw all three balls and nailed all three. He took a bow, and the operator presented her with the giant stuffed bear.
“That thing is huge.” Ryder lifted it over his head, balancing it on his shoulder and back.
“You haven’t seen huge until you’ve met Mister.”
“You mean to tell me there’s a Mister Lorri? You’re not wearing a ring.” Yes, he’d noticed.
“Not that kind.” She took her phone from her pocket and scrolled to a picture. “Here. No. There’s no Mister Lorri Walker, but there is a Mister in my life.”
“Holy cow. That’s your dog? I’ve got feeder calves that size.”
“That’s why I named him Mister.”
“I would too. How much does he weigh?” Ryder had steer-wrestled calves smaller than that.
“One hundred and eighty pounds last time we were at the vet.”
“He’s a cool dog. If you’re not already, you might want tostart buying your large-breed dog food from the mill in bulk. It’ll save you a bundle.”
“Thatwouldhelp.”
“I’ve known those guys forever. I’ll hook you up down there.”
“Thank you. That’s really nice of you. You do know everyone around here.”
“Nothing of it,” he said. “It’s the neighborly thing to do.” He walked forward and realized she had suddenly dropped back. She had an odd look on her face.
“Yeah, sure, neighborly is good. As long as that’s all it is. I mean, I’m not married. No ring as you said, but I’m not looking either.” That sounded harsh. “I didn’t mean to insinuate that you’d even be interested, but—”
“Don’t dig yourself in any deeper. I’m not looking either.”
Her smile came back. “Oh good, because my ex was a real jerk. Bought me that giant dog, then left for a lady with a Yorkie from puppy class.”
“I never did like those little barking breeds.”
“Tell me about it.” She looked like she might have regretted giving him too much information.
“No worries. We’re just neighbors. No time for more than that. I’ve got a very busy schedule,” he said.
“Me too. I’ve been accused of working too much, but what does that even mean? We’re supposed to work hard, aren’t we?”
“Being a hard worker is a very important life skill. I completely agree.”
“See! Thank you.” She stopped and looked for a moment, then turned back to him. “I need to get home to my big dogbefore he gets hungry and eats the couch or something. Today’s been fun.”
“It has. I’m glad you’re okay.” He lifted his phone and moved the flashlight in front of her eyes, then raised his finger in front of her face. He didn’t even have to tell her to follow it as he gave her the remedial field test for a concussion again. “No nausea or dizziness?”
“Nope.”
“I think you’re fine. Do you think you can drive? I’d be happy to give you a lift.”
“No.” She answered quickly. “Thank you. I’m fine to drive. I’m going to go get those birdhouses and head home.”
