Page 116 of Nate

“Nate?”

Markie turned to the voice and smiled.

“Hi, Warren.” Nate shook his hand.

“Hey there, Dr. Russell.”

“Hi, Warren. Please, call me Markie.”

“Thanks, I will. This is my wife, Peyton. Peyton, this is Dr. Markie Russell.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Russell. What kind of doctor are you?” Peyton smiled and Markie thought she was a beautiful woman.

“Please, call me Markie I’m a vet. That’s how I know Warren.”

“I see.” Peyton looked at Nate. “It’s good to see you, Nate.”

“You too, Peyton.”

“Are you racing, Nate?” Warren asked him.

“Yes, though I know I don’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of beating you.” Nate grinned.

Warren chuckled. “You never know.”

“Rafe is racing too.” Nate smirked.

“Oh, hell. I think his horse can beat Blaze.”

“Then why doesn’t he race?” Peyton asked.

Nate looked at her. “He’s never been interested. I talked him into it, since I was racing.”

“Thanks a hell of a lot, Nate,” Warren said, laughing.

“There he is now.” Nate nodded toward a truck pulling a horse trailer pulled up next to his.

They watched as Rafe walked toward them. He grinned and shook hands with Warren and hugged Peyton.

“I’m not happy you’re racing, Marshall,” Warren teased.

“Why’s that?” Rafe smirked.

“You know why. If any horse can beat Blaze, it’s Rocket. It’s all for fun anyway. I just happen to be lucky enough to win the past few years.”

“Luck had nothing to do with it, Warren. That horse of yours can fly,” Nate said.

“He does love to run. We’re going to walk around a little. I’ll see you at the race.” Warren shook Nate and Rafe’s hands, nodded at Markie, then took Peyton’s hand and they walked off.

Markie’s stomach growled at the smells coming from the food vendors. She smiled as she could hear kids screaming and laughing on the rides. She looked at Nate.

“I want to get on the Tilt-A-Whirl.” She frowned when Rafe chuckled.

“You go right ahead. I’ll watch,” Nate said.

“You won’t go on it with me?”

“No.”

---