name on a few signs, but can’t remember the significance.
It only takes three turns off the highway for more clarity to sweep in. The outline of a Ferris wheel and a shitload of parked cars begin to take shape. My muscles strain and flex against the offense charging at me. I draw in a sharp breath, picturing a flood of people gathering in lines, pressing into me as they walk past. Fuck, that’s not a pretty sight. I rub my temples against the sudden pulsing.
“You’re taking me to a county fair?”
“Close,” Keegan sings.
“Can I tell him, Mama?” Excitement vibrates from Millie’s tone.
“Sure, sweetie. Go ahead.”
“We’re going to a rodeo,” she blurts. “There will be horses and cows and sheep and clowns. I might be able to get a pony ride. Isn’t that so cool?” Millie’s skinny legs are kicking in wild disarray when I glance at her over my shoulder.
The clump of spikes lodged in my chest disintegrates with her announcement. “Wow, Peep. That’s awesome. I can’t wait.”
“You’re so good with her,” Keegan murmurs. This isn’t the first time she’s mentioned something along those lines.
“Yeah? It just comes natural.”
“That’s not the case for everyone. Take the other adult in this car, for example.”
“Oh, please,” Josey scoffs. “I’m the best fake auntie ever.”
“It’s fun to rile her up.” Keegan winks at me.
I chuckle. “Yeah, things were getting a bit too serious for a minute there.”
“Oh, oh. Look! We’re here.” If she was a bit bigger, Millie would be shaking the entire vehicle with her bouncing.
I follow her erratic pointing to find a large fairground spanning across the concave valley in front of us. Most of the land is dominated by a massive arena, equipped with a variety of pens and corrals on each end. American pride is painted across every available surface. Banners and flags hang from light poles and fence posts. Even with the windows shut, I can hear country music blasting from the mounted speakers.
Keegan pulls into the designated gravel lot and finds an available space in the center row. We all pile out, heading for the open gates. She passes four tickets over to a man collecting stubs near the entrance.
I still her movements. “Let me pay.”
“Too late. Advance passes were cheaper. It’s already taken care of.”
“I’ll have to treat you next time.”
Her smile is a warm blast to my frosty armor. “You’ve got a deal.”
We stride through a canopy tent, entering our names in a drawing of some sort along the way. Fresh-cut grass and hay waft over with a lazy breeze. Moments from my past flicker in and out of my vision. This feels familiar, a comforting hug after spending too many cold nights alone. Aisles of vendors, fried food, and bleacher seats. All that’s missing is the roar of engines. The thundering of hooves is a decent substitute. I walk a little lighter with each forward step.
Millie gasps and begins flaying her arm toward a colorful booth. “Mama, can I get my face painted first? Please, please?”
Keegan glances at me. “Do you mind waiting for a couple of minutes? This usually doesn’t take long.”
I motion to the available artist. “By all means.”
Josey sidles up beside me. “Yeah, don’t worry about Ford. I’ll keep him company.”
“Oh, great,” Keegan groans and turns away. “I can hardly wait to hear what comes of that conversation.”
Josey chuffs me on the arm. “Welcome to the club. You’re one of the gals now, Ford.”
I let my brows dip. “Uh, thanks?”
She tilts her head back and belts out a laugh. “Just messing around. We all know you two can’t keep up this no-sex charade forever. I give it two weeks, at the max.”
I grunt. “If I’m lucky.”
“Care to place a wager?” She sticks out a palm in invitation.
“On sleeping with Keegan? That has disaster written all over it.”
“Eh, you’re right. Why bet on a sure thing.” She nudges me again. “But as an added favor, I’ll keep Millie occupied so Keegan can be all yours. Go get her, tiger.”
I blink at Josey, letting her words rattle in my thick skull, before busting out a chuckle of my own. “I appreciate you tipping the scale in my favor. You’re really something else.”
She polishes off her nails. “Glad you’re finally noticing. Make sure to pass that along to all of your single friends.”
“If I see any, I’ll be sure to let them know.”
Just as Josey opens her mouth to speak, Keegan and Millie join us along the main path. The little girl’s entire left