Page 116 of Texas Splendor
“You play better than I did when I was four.”
Joseph’s golden eyes widened as the sun glinted off his blond hair. “Truly?”
“Give you my word.”
Loree flashed her husband an appreciative smile. At four, Austin had never played the violin, but she knew he would never mention that fact to Joseph. He loved Joseph because the boy favored Loree. He loved all his other sons because they resembled him in looks, temperament, and talent.
The train whistle pierced the air.
“I see the town!” Zane cried, and the boys scrambled to the window and pressed their noses against the glass.
Austin took Mark from Loree’s lap and held him up so he could see over his brothers’ heads.
“Is that big building Aunt Dee’s theater?” Zane asked.
“Yep.”
“Are we going to perform there?” Grant asked.
“We might. We’ll have to discuss it with your Aunt Dee.”
“I’ll wager that she’ll let us,” Grant assured him.
The train lurched to a stop. Giving the other passengers time to disembark, Loree gathered up the boys while Austin reached for his violin case. Along with the instrument nestled within it, it had gained a few scars to remind them of its journeys over the years.
With two-year-old Mark firmly placed on her hip, she allowed Austin to herd the boys onto the wooden platform. He reached for her hand.
“Not nervous, are you?” she asked.
“It’s been a long time.”
“Uncle Austin?”
Austin turned at the deep slow drawl. Loree watched recognition and surprise dawn in his eyes as he stared at the tall, lanky man dressed as though he’d just come in off the range.
“Good God! Rawley?”
The man smiled and extended a hand. “Yes, sir.”
Austin jerked him into his embrace. “Good Lord, boy. You grew up.”
Rawley stepped back. “Yes, sir, I reckon I did.” He removed his hat and gave Loree a warm smile. “Aunt Loree.”
Austin took Mark from her. She stood on the tips of her toes and wrapped her arms around Rawley. “It’s so good to see you.”
He hugged her close. “You’re a sight for sore eyes, that’s for sure.”
He released his hold on her. “Ma said the platform would break beneath the weight of the whole family so everyone else is waiting in the ballroom at the hotel.”
“Blimey! Are you a cowboy?” Zane asked.
A slow smile tugged at the corner of Rawley’s mouth. “I reckon I am.”
“Have you got a gun?”
“Yep, but I can’t wear it into town on account of the city ordinance that prohibits guns.”
“And a ‘orse?”
