Page 58 of Timber's Line

“I know.”

“Gentlemen, gather round. Those of you still in the race for Timber’s heart, you’ll be leaving for the Friday Fair in a few moments. I hope you didn’t fill up. Lincoln, Mason, and Jimmy will be waiting for you. I hope you took some pointers from them,” Sal says, and all the suitors move toward the vans.

“Sal, what’s going on?”

“Steer wrestling.” Sal grins.

“Not as bad as bull riding.”

“No, last two places go home.”

“Okay.”

He studies me for a minute. “I know some of the guys make you feel uncomfortable, and I expect this weeds some of them out.”

I just nod, wondering how much he knows.

After the guys leave, Dayton included, I finish my breakfast with the others.

Brice taps my shoulder. “Timber, I’d like to introduce my girlfriend, Leia.”

“Girlfriend?”

I rise out of my seat to get the whole story.

“Yes. I know it’s unconventional for him to go on a dating show, but it was the only way he could talk to his brother,” she says as she shakes my hand.

“I think it’s sweet.” Ivy giggles.

“It is. Nice to meet you. Brice left that part out when he told me he was Dayton’s brother.”

“I’m sure he did after he looked at you,” she teases him.

“What? She’s pretty,” Brice whines.

“I agree. You are pretty. I hope you make the guys work for it,” Leia says, and I can’t help but blush.

“Time to go,” Memphis calls. No one in town misses out on the fair. Linc brings his horses, Ever makes treats, and others bring food. It’s grown in the last couple of years.

When we park, I head to the arena with McKenna in tow. Skye and Alexa are saving seats.

“How are things going?” Skye stares at me, trying to see past my responses.

“I’m okay,” I assure her.

“I’m kind of excited to watch this,” Alexa says, squirming in her seat.

“Jimmy and the boys are going first in the steer competition to show them how it’s done, and then the guys get to go.” Skye pats my knee.

“It’s only small cows, so no one will get seriously injured,” I say, even though I know a few I would want to get hurt. That’s rude of me, I shouldn’t think that.

We cheer on the guys when they take their turns. Linc, Mason, and Jimmy all make it look easy, but they’ve been doing it for a long time.

“I love seeing him in action.” Skye looks as if she’s in awe of Linc.

“I love it after he does the bull riding event.” McKenna winks.

“Me too,” Alexa chimes in.