Page 55 of Loving Carter

I’ll admit, when this idea for an expo first came up, I wasn’t sure what kind of turnout we’d get. Thankfully, it’s terrific. Since the second the expo opened, we’ve had a steady stream of customers. It’s been perfect.

This morning, the auditorium quickly filled with people and laughter. We can hear the band playing next door, and across from me, the Paterson sisters have been showing off their dance moves all morning. Kids have been playing the games, adults have been meeting the business owners, and overall, it’s been a fun-filled day.

The only thing missing is Carter. He didn’t come in person, which is just as well. I don’t want to cry today. He did send me a big bouquet of flowers. It was sweet, and the card said, “I’m proud of you.” The flowers and the card made me smile.

“Do you want me to bring down more cinnamon roll samples?” Janie asks, sliding up next to me.

I look around the crowd. It’s starting to thin out. “I think we’re good. You can head back to the bakery.”

Janie takes off before I completely finish that sentence.

“I gather she wanted to leave,” a deep voice behind me says.

I turn and look at the man. It’s Carter’s other brother, Ryker. Like Carter, he’s tall and good-looking with dark hair and deep-brown eyes. Good-looking is the family specialty. He’s smiling, and I smile back.

I hug him, thrilled he’s in town. “I didn’t know you were back.”

He points to his right leg. I hadn’t noticed at first, but now I see he’s wearing a cast.

“Ouch. What happened?”

He leans toward me. “I tried to ride a horse that didn’t want to be ridden. Tossed me like a sack of potatoes.”

“Wow. Don’t do that,” I tease.

“Now, where were you with that great advice a week ago?” He snags one of the small paper muffin liners I have on the table. It contains a piece of a cinnamon roll. “These are great, by the way.”

“Gee. Who would have thought I’d be able to bake something that tastes good?”

He laughs and the loud, deep sound makes me smile. “I’ve always known you would be great at whatever you chose to do.”

His response surprises me and makes me happy. “Really? I’m pretty sure most people in town expect me to fail.”

“Not me. Did you think Carter was the only person who believed in you?”

I start to say yes, but then I realize his question requires a no. I settle for saying, “I just didn’t know.”

“Skylar, lots of people want you to succeed.” He snags another piece of cinnamon roll.

“Hey, it’s one per customer.” I make a stern face, but who am I kidding? Carter’s brother can have as many samples as he wants.

“So, what brings you back to town?” I ask, although I’m pretty sure I know the answer. “Was it the expo?”

He laughs again and looks around at the thinning crowd. “No, but it seems fun.”

“But not rodeo-break-your-leg fun, right?”

“Exactly. But still fun.”

“It was, but it’s almost over. I’m packing up.”

He looks at me, and I can tell from his expression he’s worried about my reaction.

I sigh loudly. “Ryker, I’m not going to burst into tears and hide under the table. Just say it.”

“I came back to take over the dude ranch since Carter’s left,” he says.

I knew this. I’ve known all along that was the plan. I guess I was hoping he’d tell me there’s been a change of plans, but it’s not true. Carter has left for good. I know that, and I’m working on accepting it.

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