Page 62 of Texas Splendor
“A couple of hours I imagine.”
“Think there’s any chanceRomeo and Julietis a story about a boy and his dog?” Rawley asked.
Loree fought back her smile. “No, it’s a love story.”
“A boy could love his dog,” he said hopefully.
Loree’s smile broke free. “In this story, he loves a woman.”
Rawley grimaced. “They ain’t gonna do any kissing, are they?”
“Don’t you like kissing?”
“Ain’t never tried it, but can’t see where it’d be much fun. From what I can tell, looks to me like the two people are just swapping spit. I’d rather swap marbles.”
“Rawley!”
Loree turned just as Maggie plowed into Rawley. Breathless, she squeezed his arm. “Rawley, one of the actors is over there showing people his sword. His honest to gosh sword! Come on!”
She tugged on his arm, but Rawley pulled back. He cast a quick glance at Loree, and she saw the longing in his eyes. “I can’t. Told Uncle Austin I’d stay here with Aunt Loree.”
Maggie wasn’t as discreet in her disappointment. “Heck fire, Rawley, we won’t be that far away.”
Rawley hesitated, then shook his head. “Can’t do it. Gave my word.”
Loree placed her hand on his shoulder. “Go on. I’ll be all right.”
“Uncle Austin might not like it.”
“I’ll explain it to him so he does.”
“Suppose I could just run over and take a quick look-see.”
Maggie grabbed his hand. “Come on, Rawley. You won’t believe how shiny his sword is. Looks like it’s sharp enough to cut the head off a Longhorn.”
Loree watched them work their way through the crowd. Her brother had been around Rawley’s age when he’d died. She couldn’t remember if he’d ever looked at a sword.
She felt a light tap on her arm and turned. Her stomach dropped to her knees at the sight of the man and woman standing before her.
“Hello,” Becky said smiling warmly. “I didn’t know you were still in town.”
Loree gave her a jerky nod. “Yes. Yes, I live here now.”
“How wonderful! You’ll have to come visit some Sunday when the store is closed. Did you find the gun you were looking for?”
“Why would she need a gun?” Austin asked from behind her.
Loree’s heart pounded so heavily she was certain he felt it as he clamped his hand possessively onto her waist. “Here’s your water,” he said quietly.
With a trembling hand, Loree took the glass from him. “Thank you. I was already beginning to miss you.”
Austin smiled warmly, dipped his head, and brushed a quick kiss across her lips. “I was missing you, too.”
Loree shifted her gaze and watched as understanding dawned in Becky’s eyes and the blood drained from her face.
“Austin, it’s so good to see you again,” Becky said, her voice faltering. “How are you?”
“Wiser.”
