Page 77 of Debts and Desires
30. ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND FAIRS
October 14
Day Forty-Eight
70 Hours to Go
As I slipped into the passenger seat of Carter’s truck, the excitement bubbling inside me threatened to burst. Today was the day Carter had promised to take me to the Georgia National Fair in Perry, and I couldn’t wait to experience it all with him.
I was wearing a dark pink sundress that fell just past my knees with different shades of pinks and white flowers swirling around it and a pair of brown cowboy boots. My hair was up.
“Ready?” he asked. Carter’s usual rugged features softened into a playful grin as he glanced my way. He was in a pair of dark blue jeans, a fitted white T-shirt, tan work boots, and of course, his backwards hat.
“Absolutely,” I replied as I fastened my seatbelt. “I’ve been looking forward to this all week!” He grunted out an affirmative response before pulling onto the road. The sun beat down on us as we drove through the winding roads of Georgia, and the air was filled with the sounds of music coming from the radio.
“So, what’s the first thing we’re gonna do when we get there?” I asked after a while, unable to contain myself.
“Whatever you want.”
“I want the most cliché fair date possible!”
“Alright.” He paused. “I don’t know about you, but I’m starvin’,” he said, casting a sideways glance at me. “First thing I want is a turkey leg and some deep-fried Oreos.” I’d never had either, but they sounded wonderful.
“You and me both,” I replied, my stomach almost growling at the thought of all the delicious fair food awaiting us.
“Good.”
The colorful stalls and vibrant lights of the fairgrounds came into view eventually, igniting a sense of childlike wonder within me. Once parked, Carter came to my side, helping me out.
As promised, our first stop was the food stalls. Greeted by the tantalizing aroma of cotton candy, fried foods, and funnel cakes, my mouth watered. At every place, Carter would ask me what I wanted, then order it for me. Arms full of food, we found a table tucked away. The sounds of the fair faded into the background as we focused on every delicious bite.
“This is amazing,” I said between bites, my words muffled by the mouthful of food. Carter chuckled, nodding in agreement, his own food disappearing rapidly as he devoured it.
Once done, he gathered everything and left me to throw it all in a nearby garbage can.
“Now what?” I questioned when he returned.
“Whatever you want, Buttercup. There're rides, music. I think, a barrel race.” I thought over each option as he spoke. “A pettin’ zoo. And?—”
“Petting zoo?!” I stood. “Lead the way!” He only shook his head, grabbing my hand once more as we navigated through the crowd. I especially liked when he’d pull me in front of him when the onslaught of people got a little congested. He would place his hands on my hips, leading me that way. The feel of his hands on me, his chest to my back, had my skin on fire.
As we approached the zoo, we were surrounded by thesounds of laughter, the chatter of excited children, and the smell of sweet hay with a tinge of livestock.
“You know, I used to come here all the time when I was a kid,” Carter said, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. “My Grandad would bring me and Ty here every October. Always made me feel like a big shot when I got to ride the horses on my own.” He nodded toward the area where the horses were walking in a circle, children on their saddles. He then grabbed a cup of feed for both of us. I smiled, picturing a younger Carter running around the petting zoo with a wide grin on his face.
“Must’ve been a lot of fun,” I replied, carefully taking the cup. “I never really had the chance to do stuff like this growing up.” Carter nodded, his gaze lingering on the pen of playful lambs frolicking nearby.
“Yeah, well, I guess we all had different childhoods,” he said, his voice taking on a somber note. “But hey, at least we’re makin’ up for it now, right?”
I nodded in agreement.
Once we reached the little lambs, Carter knelt, grabbing a handful of the feed from his cup and putting his palm out. At first, only one walked to him, and then a second, soon followed by the rest of them. He moved the food away, letting just his hand in the pen. All traces of his tough exterior melted away as one nuzzled him. Carter spoke softly to the animal. His rough hands were surprisingly gentle as they stroked its wooly coat.
As he looked up and caught my eye, a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips, the warmth in his gaze sending a flutter through my chest.
“I think he likes you,” I teased. “I have no idea why.”
“I attract innocent little things, it seems,” he said, and I didn’t miss the indication as he looked up at me again. “Maybe I can steal one away like I stole you.” I knew my cheeks had to have turned as pink as my dress. He gave a wolfish grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
