Page 25 of One Sultry Summer

“You did a great job! Are you ready for more rides?”

“Can I go on the merry-go-round?”

“Of course.”

“Can you ride with me this time?” She wasn’t looking at me, she was looking at Valerie and waiting for an answer.

“I would love to!” She said, smiling broadly. I nodded in agreement. Looking at Valerie, my heart filled with gratitude. We had just enough tickets to ride the merry-go-round. Once the gate opened, Emily ran to the white unicorn. I picked her up and placed the strap around her waist and buckled it. I watched Valerie study the horse next to Emily.

“Daddy, go help her.” I nodded and walked overto Valerie.

“Let me give you a hand. It looks like you have to ride this side saddle.”

“What do you mean by side saddle? Remember, I’m from the city and I’ve never ridden a horse before.”

I chuckled. “Listen Ms. Dictionary… side saddle means a rider has both feet on the same side of the horse. It’s typically used by a woman rider wearing a skirt.”

I picked her up and lifted her until she sat firmly on the horse. “Oh my!” She said, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

“No worries. Now you do. Hold on to the reins or the pole.”

“I’ve got in now. Thank you.” She bit her bottom lip, and I turned my head to see if the ride was going to start before I embarrassed myself and kissed that bottom lip of hers.

“Okay, I’m going tohold onto Emily.”

The ride slowly turned around in circles, and the carousel horses, tigers, and zebras moved up and down to waltz music playing above and around us. We went round and round several times. As the merry-go-round came to a stop, I unbuckled Emily and removed her from the unicorn. I walked over to Valerie as she was struggling to find a way down.

“Hold on, I’ve got you.” I placed my arms out to help her slide down, except in the process, her skirt got tangled in something and began to lift. “Crap!” I said out loud as I draped my arm around her butt to keep the skirt from rising higher. Her face was next to mine, and I could see her face change to beet red. “It’s okay, I don’t think anyone saw anything.”

“Do you think you can release me now?” I didn’t realize how tight I was holding her body next to mine. The wind picked up and I smelled wildflowers again. A very distinct smell that I found very alluring. I tugged at her skirt a fewtimes freeing the material that was snagged on the strap from the carousel horse.

“Daddy, can we get a snack?” I looked down at Emily pulling at my pant leg and released Valerie from the hold I had on her.

“I think we spent enough time at the fair. Let’s go to Grandma’s and have dinner.” There was music playing by a local band. Emily took our hands “We’ve got to dance Daddy!” As we danced together, laughing and joking, I felt a spark of something I hadn’t experienced in a long time – true joy. We eventually left, satisfied with our day at the fair. As for me, I was thankful to have Valerie spend the day with us, however, we hadn’t accomplished a damn thing on her behalf, and I felt guilty about that. I didn’t even introduce her to one member of our community.

Chapter 9

Valerie Masterson

The golden afternoon sun warmed my skin as we walked back to the inn. We basked in the glow of the day’s light, and my arms glistened with perspiration. The warmth here is nothing like back home, and it would take some time to become accustomed to it. I looked at Emily, and it was no surprise that she was tired after our day at the festival.

Watching Emily enjoy herself today reminded me of my youth, running through the sprinklers on a summer afternoon and waiting for the sound of the ice cream truck coming around the corner. It’s funny how life is when you’re young and have no responsibilities. Today, surroundedby the festival’s infectious energy, I lost track of time.

I suppose I was swept up in the joyous moments and laughter around me. Before I knew it, my job was the last thing on my mind. Tomorrow, I’ll be ready to refocus and dive back into my responsibilities and inquire about available real estate. Hmm, why wait until tomorrow?

“Mr. Woods?”

“Yes?”

“Do you know whom I can speak to about property for sale?”

He paused and shot me a glare sharp enough to cut like a knife. “There’s nothing quite like having someone ruin a lovely day by draining all the fun out of it.”

“Pardon me?”

“You heard me.”

I was appalled at his rudeness. “There’s no reason to be a jacka…lope.” I stopped myself from calling him a jackass. I took a deep breath to calm myself. I didn’t want Emily’s tender ears to hear what I thought of her father.

---