Page 93 of Buckled in Barbwire

Paisley’s mouth pops open, forming a small circle. “That sounds… acceptable.”

“Be warned,” I rasp while backing out of the room. “I’m starving, and I won’t stop until you beg me.”

“We’ve got it made, sister.” Bianca raises her soda to mine.

I stretch from the comfort of my camping chair to tap her can. “Impromptu trips to barrel jackpots are the best. This one has poles too.”

“Bonus!” She pumps her fist. “We’re gonna bring home some big money.”

We’re parked at the Shetland County fairgrounds, waiting for our next turn to ride. The sun is shining. Our cooler is packed to last us all day. A gentle breeze chills us under the autumn heat. Four horses are tied to the trailer. Manure and dirt hang heavy in the air. It’s a core memory in the making.

“Haven’t done this since Mom was alive.” Bianca’s wide smile fades, hidden in the shadows of grief.

“How are you doing?” It’s been too long since I’ve asked.

“Depends on the day.” She sniffles and drops her gaze. “Ijust miss her.”

“Constantly,” I murmur. A familiar ache stabs at my chest, reflecting my own sorrow. “You’ll always have her close. She’s weaved in the best parts of you.”

Her nod is fast. “Right.”

“It fucking sucks that she’s gone,” I blurt. The foul word blasts through the heavy weight of despair.

My friend hiccups a laugh and bats at a lone tear. “Gosh, it really fucking does. She was totally fine until she wasn’t. I’ll never get over that.”

My arm loops around her shoulders for moral support. “Is there anything I can do?”

Bianca leans into me, our chairs tipping inward. “You’re already doing it.”

The knot in my throat doubles. “I’m glad we have each other.”

“Couldn’t manage without you, babes.” She straightens, swiping at her wet lashes.

“And now we’re related.”

“In name only.” Her eyes roll to the cloudless sky before she sobers again. “Has Brody talked about our mom?”

My shoulders shrug deeper into the folding chair. “There have been a few moments where he’s brought her up but I didn’t want to pry.”

“You’re probably the only one who can.”

I choke on a snort. “Yeah, right.”

Bianca squints across the crowded arena grounds, but is focused on the past. “He’s different after you started butting heads. Happier. More carefree. I haven’t seen him like this since before he got a big boy job at the company. You’re changing him, Lee.”

“We bring out the worst in each other,” I mutter.

“That’s not true. Not anymore.” Her smile returns. “I think you’re really good together. You should give him an actual chance to win you over.”

Which reminds me of when her brother asked for the same thing, and why I agreed. “Want to hear something strange?”

“Always.”

“While we were on our not-honeymoon, Brody asked me to stay after I found out about some of his lies. He thought an extra night would change my mind.”

“Uh-huh, yep.” She rolls her wrist. “And then what?”

“While I was deciding what to do, the sky opened up and the sun poked through. Those streaks of light spoke to me. I felt this… presence. Like a message from above.” Heat rushes up my neck and I hide from her stunned expression. “It sounds loopy when I say it out loud.”

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