Chapter Seven #2
More like a duo being Frannie and Laura-Beth.
Kelley squirmed under the former principal’s regard and shifted.
Her gaze landed on Asher and stuck. If I fall again, will you catch me?
No. That was an ask too far. As was the idea that her cowboy could possibly witness her making a fool of herself in front of him again.
Kelley started to shake her head and make her excuses.
But her little sister spoke up and said, “Not to worry, Mr. Mayor and Ms. Sterling. I’m sure it was just an oversight on my sister’s side.
” Frannie cast a wide smile at Kelley, her words bright, “Kelley has been busy helping Laura-Beth with her wedding that’s coming up real quick.
What with all the dance practicing, her mind is surely twirling.
Can’t have a properly memorable wedding without the dancing, after all. ”
There were nods and murmurs rumbling around the tables. Kelley heard a reference to Kelley’s mystery cowboy partner among the whispers.
“Can’t blame you for being distracted by your cowboy,” Rosalind said quietly. “No one can deny you two went together like a mint julep on derby day. Sweet, smooth and unforgettable.”
Kelley blanched.
Rosalind nudged her elbow into Kelley’s rib and whispered, “Still, perhaps you should skip another sunrise dance and the mint juleps until after the parade.”
There was a lot more she needed to skip with her cowboy than dancing.
Frannie wound her way around the tables to refill water glasses and added all too cheerfully, “Mr. Mayor, I can promise you that the Munroe sisters will have a float in the parade.”
Approval spread across the mayor’s thin face. “I knew your family would not let us down.”
Kelley only hoped she would not let her sisters down.
“It makes my chest swell to see this town coming together,” the mayor stated proudly and studied the parade list once more.
“Now, by my count we need one more float to guarantee Gold Finch a spot in the top three. We can’t miss out on being included in Morning Gallop’s Not To Be Missed Round-Up and also highlighted on their website and in their weekend happenings newsletter. ”
Excitement filled the diner.
Kelley hesitated. The Munroe sisters had not been the only family not on the parade float list. She could think of one other.
The mayor’s words were pensive and deliberate. “Used to be we could count on all our local families in times like these.”
Silence spread over the dining area like the expectant hush before the bell at the starting gate on derby day.
The mayor tapped his finger against the clipboard. “However, I also don’t see the Blackwells on this list.”
Someone cleared their throat. Another person coughed.
Kelley peered at Asher.
Big E set his hand on Asher’s shoulder.
Asher tapped the brim of his hat higher on his head. His expression was contained. Confidence spread through his words. “Mr. Mayor, you can still count on the Blackwell family. Same as always.”
“I mean no disrespect,” Mayor Corbin said and shifted to face Asher. “But you’re gonna have to prove that.”
Kelley winced.
Asher never flinched. He said mildly, “How much do you need?”
“Son, you can keep your checkbook,” the mayor said, then clutched the clipboard tighter and added, “What we need is a Blackwell float.”
Asher wiped his hand over his mouth and said carefully, “A float.”
The mayor nodded. “There was a time not too long ago when a Blackwell float was in every parade.”
“That was my mom’s doing.” Asher’s gaze tracked straight to Kelley and stuck as if he was only talking to her. “July Fourth was one of my mother’s favorite holidays.”
“What a nice way to honor your mother, then,” Rosalind Sterling murmured.
“Can we count on the Blackwells, then?” the mayor pressed.
Asher held Kelley’s gaze and nodded. “You can.”
That sounded like a private promise to her. Kelley exhaled and remembered she stopped being fanciful and foolish the day she signed her divorce papers. Asher Blackwell was getting involved, but not with Kelley.
Two more rounds of coffee refills and the meeting finally concluded. Mayor Corbin and Rosalind Sterling moved to intercept Asher to shake his hand and thank him for his parade participation. The duo called Kelley over to join them.
“Now then, Asher, you will need an approved parade float. We started the safety inspections a few years back after an unfortunate trailer hitch debacle,” Rosalind explained and tapped her eyeglasses up her nose. “I don’t suppose you have a trailer, do you, Asher?”
Asher glanced at Big E. The older cowboy shrugged, and Asher replied, “It’s doubtful.”
“Herman Whittaker has a backup trailer inspected and ready for duty,” Mayor Corbin offered. “You’ll be wanting to see him this afternoon.”
Asher suddenly looked worried. His nod was more automatic than confident.
“I seem to recall there was some history between Herman and the Blackwell boys,” Lynette Arbor piped up, then quickly waved her hands. “But I’m sure it’s long since forgotten.”
Doubt spread across Asher’s face.
Now Kelley was more curious than concerned.
“Best if you take Kelley and a dozen of her blackberry turnovers with you,” Rosalind suggested. “Those can soften up even the sourest of moods.”
“I’ve got some leftover in the back,” Kelley offered. Although they were meant for her cowboy’s private stash.
Beside Asher, Beatrice clasped her hands together and exclaimed, “Oooh, if we’re going to be on TV, we’ve got to have flower garlands for the horses like Asher’s mother used to make.”
Finally, Asher flinched and held up his hands. He shook his head and said, “I’m afraid those just might be way out of my wheelhouse.”
“But your sweet momma taught us.” Beatrice’s words were soothing.
“Everyone wanted to be on her flower committee, but she was rather selective.” Lynette bumped her shoulder against Asher’s and sighed, a wistful note to her words. “We had such fun weaving those flowers for the horses in the parade.”
“You will, too.” Beatrice patted Asher’s shoulder. “When we teach you all that your dear mother taught us.”
Asher’s eyebrows pulled together. He was starting to look slightly ill at ease.
Up until now, he had taken everything in stride. Wanting to offer her support, Kelley said, “Count me in for the flower weaving, too.”
Asher gave her a small, grateful nod.
“Well now, that will be fine.” Beatrice looked from Kelley to Asher and back. Her gaze gleamed and she murmured, “Yes. That will be just fine indeed.”
It would be fine for Kelley. Even though she only just realized if Asher was entering a float he would most likely still be in town for the parade and her sister’s wedding. That meant Laura-Beth would be expecting Kelley to ask Asher to be her plus-one for the big day.
However, asking Asher on a date would invite Kelley’s inner hopeless romantic back into the game.
But that mischief maker tended to set caution aside and leap swiftly forward.
And a wedding reception was the worst sort of venue.
Love would literally be in the air all around her.
There would be no avoiding the other dewy-eyed, love-struck guests, even at the singles’ table.
Good thing Kelley was all about mind over heart these days. Otherwise, she might have considered it all the perfect recipe for romance.