Page 14 of Big Daddy Bull Riders

“We sure do,” Slater said.

They walked across the hardwood floor and to a booth in the back. Along the way, Jackson and Slater greeted a few other patrons.

Once they sat—with Mina on one side and the two cowboys on the other—she said, “Looks like this is a pretty close-knit town.”

It was Jackson who answered. “We’re not big at all. You sorta get to know everyone in a town this size.”

“Add the unique bond that most of us share,” Slater chimed in, “and well, you get to be pretty close.”

Questions flooded Mina’s mind, and she reminded herself that this was a friendly dinner and not an assignment. She wanted to make sure this didn’t turn into an interview. Still, it was only polite to make conversation. And what better way to learn about her new home?

“You’re talking about everyone being Bigs or Littles?” she probed.

“Yep,” Slater answered. “I guess noteveryoneis. Take Marsha, for example. The woman who greeted us. This is her place. She was here before our kind took over this town.” He laughed. “But she loves us. And we love her.”

“So, she’s not a Mommy?” Mina wondered aloud.

“Nope.”

“But she appreciates what we all did for Big Cedar,” Jackson broke in. “This town was dying. Her business barely survived on tourists that came through here on their way somewhere else. We still get a fair amount of that. But now, well, there’s enough locals to not only keep her afloat but provide a good living.” He looked proud as he added, “She does all right for herself.”

The conversation was interrupted when a woman of about thirty approached, holding three menus. She was cute and Mina loved the way she wore her hair in pigtails.

“Little Amber,” Jackson said with a pleasant smile. “How are you, honey?”

The woman giggled as she placed the menus before them. “I’m good. How are you two crazy cowboys?”

Jackson laughed. “Sounds like she has our number.”

Slater laughed, too. “We’re doing all right.”

“Heard you had to chase a horse down Main Street,” Amber said.

Slater dipped his head. “News travels fast.”

“It’ll travel faster when we have a newspaper.” The waitress looked at Mina. “You must be Mina. It’s so nice meeting you! All the Littles have been excited about you coming.”

The words made Mina feel good. She was still blushing when she said, “It’s nice meeting you, too, Amber.”

A thought suddenly hit Mina. Did Amber have her eyes on one of the guys? And why did she feel jealous if that was the case? She didn’t know Jackson or Slater. She certainly had no claim to either one of them. And especially both of them!

You’re being ridiculous. Don’t be jealous.

Thankfully, her fears were quickly dispelled as Jackson asked, “How’s your Daddy?”

“He’s good. Working with his trees,” Amber replied. “But he’ll be here to get me in a couple of hours, if you want to say hi.”

“We’ll probably have moved on by then,” Jackson said. “But we’ll drop by y’all’s cabin soon and sit a spell for a visit.”

“Ooh. And maybe me and Little Mina can play!” Amber winced. “Sorry. I guess I shouldn’t assume you’re a Little. But that’s what all my friends around town have told me.”

Mina, feeling embarrassed for having been jealous, waved off the apology. “Don’t worry—I’m definitely a Little!”

Amber perked up. “Have you seen the playground yet?”

“No. But I can’t wait!”

“Maybe we can all meet there soon.”

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