Page 115 of Nate

Markie burst out laughing. “It was, wasn’t it? It’s just a good thing there isn’t a betting pool.”

Nate chuckled. “Thanks a lot. I just wanted to say hi. I need to get back to the ranch.”

“Alright. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Nate touched his hat, walked out, and smiled all the way home.

****

Markie sat on her sofa, watching a movie, when her phone buzzed with a message. She smiled when she saw a text from Nate.

Hey, darlin’. Are you spending Friday night with me?

If you want me to.

I do. That way, I don’t have to worry about trying to pick you up Saturday before the fair.

Markie frowned.What do you mean?

I have to take the trailer to the fair since I’m taking Mystic, so I’m not sure how I’d be able to pick you up.

Oh, okay. That’s fine. I’ll come to your place after work.

Can’t wait, sweetheart. I’ll see you then. Stay safe.

I will. Night.

Night.

She was anxious to see him. It had been a few days since he’d stopped in the hospital that day after having lunch with Rafe. She couldn’t wait to see the race. She just hoped everyone stayed safe.

Saturday, she sat in the passenger seat of Nate’s truck as he drove into town. She was so anxious to see everything.

“I can’t wait to see the race. I predict you’ll come in… third. Behind Rafe and Warren.” She grinned.

“Make that fifth. I can’t beat Gage Beckett or Trick Dillon either.”

“I had to go to Trick Dillon’s place yesterday. His horses needed their vaccines. That was the first time I ever met him and his wife, Rayna.”

“They’re both great. Rayna is his second wife. His first wife, Kaylee, died in a car accident a few years ago.” Nate shook his head. “That man was devastated.”

“Oh, I didn’t know that. But I do know that is one handsome man.Whew,” she fanned her face with her hand.

“Hey! What am I, chopped liver?”

Markie laughed. “You are a gorgeous, sexy cowboy. I was just saying Trick was handsome. Oh, and their daughter is adorable.”

“Harlee’s mother was Kaylee.”

“That’s sad that she’ll never know her mother, but I could tell she loved Rayna.”

“Yes, she does. Trick spoils them both.” He leaned forward. “I need to see where I can unload Mystic.”

“There are a bunch of horse trailers over there.” Markie pointed to a field filled with trailers.

“Alright. Thanks. I’ll pull in there.”

She waited as Nate maneuvered the truck and trailer and stopped next to another one. They both stepped out and met at the back of the trailer.

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