Rowdy nodded. “She’s nervous about tonight. Holding the flag and all.”
Toben thought about the scars on her side. He hoped she wouldn’t argue with him about the alteration he’d made on the saddle. He didn’t want her to hurt if she didn’t have to. And this should help, if she’d use it.
Poppy arrived moments later, sitting pretty on Stormy, her red sequined top sparkling in the Texas sun. She wore a white hat, secured beneath her chin with a bright blue cord. Her jeans hugged her in all the right places, making Toben curse and shift in his saddle.
“Boys,” she said, smiling at Rowdy—barely glancing his way.
“Hold up,” Renata said. “Smile.” She took several pictures. “Y’all look great.”
Toben stared at Poppy, his heart so full.
Her brown eyes met his, widening. “What?”
“Nothing,” he said. Telling her he was a damn lucky man would get her all riled up. He didn’t want that, not today.
“Smile and wave,” she said, winking at Rowdy before nudging Stormy forward.
He and Rowdy followed. Cheeto was having to trot to keep up with the larger horses, so Toben slowed his horse to a leisurely walk. Cheeto could breathe easier.
“Dad.” Rowdy looked at him. “I was wondering if you were going to marry Ma?”
Toben looked at his son. He hoped, in time, Poppy might trust him enough—love him enough—to consider the notion. “Someday, I hope. There’s nothing I want more. Is that all right with you? Since you’re the man of the house and all.”
Rowdy looked at him, long and hard. “You’ll treat her right? Won’t hurt her or run out on us?”
Toben looked his son in the eye. “Only way I’d go is if she asked me to—”
“Even then. You ask her, it has to be forever.” Rowdy shook his head. “Uncle Bob said marriage is hard work.”
“He’s right,” he agreed. He imagined marriage to Rose might be harder than marriage to Poppy. But it was true. He wanted Poppy to have his name, to be his. But no matter what happened between them, he’d be there for them.
“Ma didn’t marry Mitchell, because she’ll ne
ver break a promise, not ever.” He paused. “But I think she loves you that way. Like you love her.”
“I hope so, Rowdy.” His son’s words eased the ache in his heart.
“I can help find a ring,” Rowdy offered. “You should propose with a nice ring.”
Toben nodded. He didn’t want to ding his boy’s enthusiasm, but he knew what Poppy’s answer would be right now. “Let’s keep it a surprise.”
Rowdy nodded.
The parade went off without a hitch. He and Rowdy waved and threw candy and red, white and blue beaded necklaces until their arms ached.
When they made their way to the Stonewall Crossing fairgrounds, they were swapping jokes and laughing. Until he saw Mitchell Lee with Poppy in his arms.
“Hey, look, it’s Mitchell.” Rowdy waved.
Toben nodded, forcing a smile on his face. “Your ma was worried he wouldn’t make it.” He rode up to the fence, making a decision to be the man’s best friend if he had to. He was indebted to Mitchell, if nothing else. The man had taken care of his son and the woman he loved when no one else had—himself included.
He swung down from the saddle, secured both his horse and Cheeto to the fence and swung Rowdy down. Rowdy grabbed his hand and tugged him after him.
Mitchell hugged Rowdy. “How’s it going? I caught a glimpse of you bringing up the rear with Cheeto. Looked good, mighty good.”
“Mitchell.” Toben held out his hand.
Mitchell shot a quick glance at Poppy before shaking his hand. “Boone.”