He whistled. “That’s a lot of food.”
She wiped her arm across her moist brow and wilted into the chair next to him. “I just hope you men can hold up your end of the bargain tomorrow.”
“Don’t you be worrying your lovely little head,” he replied, tapping the tip of her nose lightly with his finger. “It’ll be a grand celebration. You should see the dance floor we’ve built. It’s huge. And everything is decorated with lamps and streamers. I think a good time will be had by all. By noontime tomorrow Rio Wells will be filled with citizens, all looking to have a fine time when the competitions begin. Chaim is even strong enough to come, as long as he stays sitting down.”
“That’s wonderful,” Charity gushed. “I hadn’t heard.”
“Yep, I was out there this morning and gave him the go ahead. As long as he doesn’t overdo things, he should be fine.”
Charity looked between John and Lily. “What about Dustin?”
John glanced at his plate for several moments before finding Lily’s gaze. “No. He’s gone to Sweetwater to deliver some livestock. He’ll be gone for about a week.”
Charity came over and rubbed John’s shoulders and said, “Mayor Billingsworth came by a little while ago. He’s added fifty dollars to the jackpot in the shooting competition, bringing it up to two hundred dollars. Said he’s trying to take the attention off of Mr. Shellston, and the scandal of the bank.”
John gave another whistle, longer this time. “That’s a fair amount. You shooting?” He looked over his shoulder, into her face. “I know before you said you were, just wondering since Brandon was back if you’d changed your mind.”
“Are you kidding? He was just here a little while ago, too. I’m shooting against him.”
With Lily on his arm, John surveyed the throngs of people milling about the streets of Rio Wells, laughing and talking in the highest of sprits. The weather had cooperated and it was actually one of the cooler days that they’d had since they’d come to town. If a person stayed in the shade it wasn’t bad at all. Still, the water stand was doing a great business, as was the saloon.
The bronco riding contest had just concluded, and John was returning to his office to drop off his black bag. Thank goodness Chaim was unable and Dustin was out of town. He was tired of his loved ones being in danger, or getting busted up. Chaim, Charity and Lily. He’d all but threatened Charity within an inch of her life to drag a promise out of her that she’d stay out of it. He didn’t want to be setting any broken bones today. He wanted to have a nice quiet time at the celebration, eat a fine dinner with his beautiful new bride, then go home and get a full night’s sleep, that is, after showing Lily just how much he loved her. Was that too much to ask?
“John,” Uncle Winston called, waving him over to a group of people. “I want you to meet our good friends, Martin and Malitta, from over in Sweetwater. They make the trip each year.”
John stepped forward and gripped the man’s hand in a firm shake.
“This is Lily McCutcheon, John’s new wife,” Winston added, introducing Lily. They chatted for a few minutes when John noticed Bixby watching their group from a few feet away. More to the point, the old man watched Aunt Winnie with great interest. The years seemed to melt away from his expression and adoration was the only word John could think of to describe what he saw. Abruptly he knew why Chaim’s brush with death had been so hard on the doctor. If his assumption was correct, Bixby had been in love with his aunt, and maybe still was a little bit. Anything precious to her would naturally be precious to him, too. He sucked in a breath.
“What is it?” Lily asked as they excused themselves and walked on.
“Just a little surprise, nothing important.” Not to us, he thought, wondering how Bixby had coped with it for all of these years.
Tucker came dashing up. His face was flushed from running, and his hair flopped into his eyes. “Shooting competition is about to start.” He pointed with his arm down the street and past the school. “Everyone’s down in the wash and the targets are set. If you don’t hurry you’ll miss it.”
“Come on,” John said to Lily. “I may as well hold onto this,” he added, holding up the medical bag. “As much as I hate to think it, something could go wrong.” He chuckled as they hurried through the crowd. “I guess a doctor’s work is never done. It’s either feast or famine.”
By the time they arrived over fifty spectators were gathered behind the five shooters, and five targets were set out one hundred and fifty feet away. They waved to Chaim and Emmeline, who were sitting in chairs placed in the back of a buckboard. Charity and Brandon stood at the front of the crowd, as well as his aunt and uncle, his two female cousins, and Theodore and Tucker. Although Charity was the only woman in the competition—and a young woman at that—she held her rifle by her side proudly and smiled at them all.
“You all know the rules,” Mayor Billingsworth called out loudly. He was sweating profusely and wiped his face with his handkerchief. “When I give the signal you’ll all shoot together, one shot only, at the target in front of you. The person farthest from the bull’s-eye will be eliminated. Good luck to all of you. Get set, shooters.”
Charity looked around until she met John’s gaze. He gave her a wink, and then a wave to Brandon.
“Who do you want to win?” Lily asked so no one else standing close by could hear. “Your best friend or your sister?”
“Seems I’m in a predicament, doesn’t it?” He pulled her close. “How about I just concentrate on you,” he said next to her ear, giving it a kiss as he finished. “I don’t think I’ve told you yet how beautiful you look.” He let his hand slip down her side just a smidge, feeling her shiver and draw a deep breath.
“Oh, you,” she laughed, her eyes sparkling in the sunshine. “Always the tease. I am going to tell…
“On the ready,” Billingsworth shouted. “Fire.”
Five shots split the air. Everyone laughed and clapped as the mayor and another fellow made their way down the hard-packed dirt until they were at the first target. Walking briskly, the two marched down the line, stopping to inspect each contestant’s work. Soon the man came running back and the mayor walked a good distance away to a safe waiting spot. The man asked one of the shooters to leave.
“On the ready.”
Chapter Fifty-Seven
Charity lifted the rifle to her shoulder and took aim.
“Fire.”
When the smoke cleared she watched as the mayor and the man walked down the line again. She glanced over at Brandon, who had his hat pushed up and an easy grin on his face. He’d been waiting for her to look his way. She gave him a saucy smile, then looked back at John and Lily, standing in the front row with the rest of her relatives. Brandon was feeling pretty big for his britches. She’d been considering letting her aim stray just a hair, but, not now. She knew that look when she saw it.
The helper was back and dismissed the man to Brandon’s left. There were three shooters left. She glanced over at the older man between her and Brandon and wondered at his ability. His clothes were tattered and her eyes widened when she saw that he was barefooted.
“On the ready.”
“Fire.”
Charity lowered her rifle. She drew her bottom lip in between her teeth and chewed. Her concentration had wavered. It was possible she’d pulled up. No, the runner was back and dismissed the elderly man, who shook his head in great disappointment. “Sure could’ve used that money,” he said as he walked away and took a spot to watch the outcome.
“Good luck, darlin’,” Brandon called to her.
She turned.
His grin was mischievous. “May the best man win.”
Before she could respond the mayor called out, “On the ready.”
She hefted her rifle, knowing this was it. She was good, but so was Brandon. She honestly didn’t know who would win.
“Fire.”
Mayor Billingsworth and his helper studied the targets as they went back and fo
rth between them. The man said something, pointing to the center of one, and Billingsworth shook his head, then walked to the other. It seemed it was a tie. The man came running up. “We can’t tell. We’re going to back ‘em up a bit and shoot again.” The crowd cheered loudly and Charity took a deep breath, settling her nervous heart, squelching a burning temptation to look at Brandon again.
“On the ready.”
She sighted down the long gun just like her pa had taught her and held her breath. She pulled the trigger.
Again the men stood at the targets. They shook their heads. They picked them up and kept on walking. She hadn’t any idea how far they’d gone, but it was going to be a true test of her ability.
“I really mean it, Char,” Brandon said, close to her ear and making her jump. She’d been concentrating on the mayor and the targets, and hadn’t heard him approach. “Good luck.” He looked deep into her eyes. “And, don’t you dare let me win. Honestly— I’m happy whatever the outcome.” The admiration in his voice made her soften. She smiled. Without warning, he stepped closer and kissed her square on her lips right in front of everyone, making the onlookers cheer loudly.
“That’s not fair,” Uncle Winston called. “He’s distracting her.”
“I think she’s distracting him.” It was a scantily clad saloon girl who was waving vigorously in their direction. “Helloooo, Brandon.”
Amid the laughter, Brandon held up his hand as if swearing to tell the truth. “I’m innocent, honey, believe me.”
“On the ready.”
Charity took aim, wishing this crazy competition was over and done with. It was as if she could feel the onlookers staring down her back, and the sun was taking its toll. What the heck was taking the mayor so dang long? Her hand tensed.
“Fire.”
There. This would surely decide it. Most likely Brandon had won, and she didn’t care. She turned around and shrugged at John and Lily. Both men came hurrying back as fast as they could.
“I’ve never seen anything like it before in my life,” Mayor Billingsworth stated. “They’re exactly the same. We’ve decided that since the pot is so big, we’re going to split it between the two of ‘em. That way everybody wins.” He pulled out the wad of bills and counted out half to Charity and half to Brandon. “Congratulations, you two.”
“But—” someone called out.
“It’s done. Final ruling from the judge.”
“She’d beat me eventually,” Brandon said. “This way saves my pride. Thank you, Mayor.”
The crowd had dwindled by the time friends and family were finally finished talking about the competition. Charity smiled and listened, once in a while offering a comment. Brandon had a healthy sheen on his skin. He took off his hat and fanned his face. “Sure is warming up. How about we take a stroll to the water stand and get a drink, then go put these rifles away? I want to have some fun.”
She couldn’t hold a grudge against his earlier teasing. “Sure. That sounds good. They might even have some lemonade.” They started to walk.
“Hold up. I’ll be back in a second.” Brandon zigzagged through some people until he’d found the old man who’d come in third. Charity hurried over when she realized what he was doing. “I’d like to give you mine, too,” she said, slipping the money into his pocket. The look on his face was one she’d never forget.
“Thank you, kindly,” he said, overwhelmed. “I don’t know what else to say except that.”
“Well, we’re just visitors, after all” Brandon replied gently. “It makes all the sense in the world that you’d won if we hadn’t decided to come to town. We just wanted to have a little fun.” Brandon snatched up Charity’s hand and they hurried away.
“There, that looks pretty.” Charity stood back, admiring the yellow bow she’d tied around the box dinner she’d prepared for her and Brandon. She and Lily had spent the last hour resting and prettying up after the busy afternoon they’d had. That left them a whole ten minutes to hurry over to the town hall for the auction that would be followed by the ball. “You think he’ll like it?”
Lily laughed at the silliness of her sister-in-law. “Brandon would like it if you had filled it with cold liver and stale bread.”
“You think so?”
“Oh my heavens, Charity, yes. That man sets the sun on you. John and I are having so much fun watching the two of you together. Finally together, I should say. He has told me of your long and complicated courtship.” She ran her hands down her blue-silk dress and took a quick look in the mirror at the hair fashioned half on her head and half falling to her waist. “Give me one second to run up and check on my Tante, and I will be ready to go.”
“Okay. Hurry.”
In the bedroom, Lily sat on the side of the bed and her aunt smiled up into her face. She had her knitting needles out again, but she never seemed to complete a stitch. That was all right, just as long as she was contented.
“You’re set to go, Lily?”
“We are. I just wanted to tell you goodbye. I will be back off and on to check on you.”
“You needn’t worry so. If I feel more energetic later on, I may don my ball gown and come down and join you. It’s been many years since I’ve danced a waltz.”
Lily’s heart trembled. She pushed away the melancholy and pointed to the window. “You should be able to hear the music when it starts.”
“You can be sure I will be listening.”
Lily bent down and kissed her aunt’s wrinkled cheek. “Do you need anything before I go?”
“Just a promise that you will always keep a joyful heart. Foster an innocence of mind and body, and love John each and every day that you are alive.”
Lily laughed nervously at the beatific sounding request. “I promise.”
“Happiness is the greatest good, Lily. Be happy.”
“Finally,” John whispered into Lily’s ear. “I was just on my way to see what was taking the two of you so long. Everyone is waiting.” He took their box dinner from her hands.
Lily glanced around as they proceeded to the front room. She noticed Cradle with Theodore and Tucker, all three washed up, shaved nicely and hair conspicuously slicked back. John’s aunt and uncle were sitting at a corner table with Chaim and Emmeline, the latter’s shining beauty and glow of happiness Lily recognized immediately as love. She waved and Emmeline waved back. After all, when she and Chaim married they would be in-laws. Brandon was at the back of the room, talking with Dr. Bixby and probably tormenting Charity by acting as if he’d not seen her enter. A row of six pretty girls stood in a line along the wall, waiting to have their box dinner’s auctioned off. Becky fluttered a napkin in their direction, getting Charity’s attention while Madeline watched quietly.
“There, Charity,” Lily said, pointing discreetly. “Becky is signaling for you to join her.”
Charity stopped dead in her tracks. “I can’t believe I wanted to do this. I must’ve been possessed by demons.” Her face had lost its pretty glow and was now pasty white.
“Why? Are you scared?” Lily couldn’t believe her sister-in-law was afraid of anything. But a tiny nod affirmed her suspicions.
John turned around. “What are you doing, Charity? Everyone is waiting on you. Get up there.”
“She is scared.”
“What?”
“It’s true. I can’t go up there.” The box in Charity’s hands was quivering noticeably. “You know Brandon—and how he likes to tease me. He won’t bid on my dinner. I’ll be left standing there like a fool.”
“That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard,” John replied.
“Well, then do not do it,” Lily offered. “Tell them you changed your mind.”
John looked at Lily as if she’d lost her wits. “She can’t do that.”
“Of course she can.”
John leaned close to Charity’s face. “Can’t be as bad as when Luke stole your clothes from the swimming hole and you had to run home naked right past the bunkhous
e porch filled with ranch hands. Right?” John gave her a gentle little push. “Go on. It’ll be fine.”
Chapter Fifty-Eight
Moving like a turtle, Charity made her way over to the girls and was the last to draw a number from the hat Mayor Billingsworth held out.
“I would not like to do this either,” Lily whispered as she and John found a good place in the crowd to watch. “I think I would faint straight away. Look at Charity. I have never seen her so wan.”
John chuckled. “You’re right. She looks like a snowwoman.”
Lily turned on him. “Are you making fun of your sister? How mean of you.”
“Now, Lily, I was just having a little—”
“Welcome, ladies and gentlemen. Today is the twenty-second anniversary of our grand Fourth of July celebration,” Mayor Billingsworth proclaimed proudly. “Tonight we kick off the Cattlemen’s Ball with the ladies’ dinner auction and picnic. You all know the rules. All proceeds will go to our fund to make the hot springs into a tourist attraction, and thereby help generate income for our good town. A ladies’ dinner can sell for as high as it can go. Have fun.” He waggled his finger at the first girl and she marched to the middle of the room.
“Who would like to start the bidding on Sara’s dinner? Do I hear five cents?”
Within a minute, Sarah’s dinner sold for three dollars and seventy-five cents, won by the teller from the bank.
“Why, it is the young man from the bank,” Lily said, getting her first look at the buyer as he paid the mayor and escorted Sarah to the back of the room. “He could have offered a little more than that.” She stilled her desire not to like the man who had worked for the horrible Mr. Shellston.”
“Now, Lily, where is your charity?”
“Nowhere to be found when I think of Mr. Shellston or anything else to do with the bank.”
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