Page 21 of A Jilted Bride for the Cowboy

Cadence whirled back to the corral, but of course, she’d missed whatever had happened. “I’d better focus.” She glanced at her roommate again. “Don’t give up on the grumpy cowboy so easily.”

“I’ve known him for what, five weeks now? And I haven’t seen a genuine smile yet. Not that I’m looking.”

“Sure, you are. You optimistically extroverted types can’t stand it when everyone isn’t like you. It kind of eats at you.” Cadence held her breath. That had been a daring thing to say to someone she honestly barely knew.

“Shows what you know. I’m perfectly capable of writing people off if they aren’t someone who seems fun to hang around. Life’s too short to let a Doogie Downer sprinkle rain on my parade.”

“Speaking of parades.”

“Right! It’s almost time. Get some more shots here and then let’s go. The younger kids have been decorating their bikes. And then it’s almost time for the chuckwagon. Did you smell that amazing food? They’ve got ribs in the smoker.”

“I did smell it, and I’m already starving.”

“And then there’s the barn dance and fireworks tonight.” Paisley emitted a happy sigh.

“I hear you were the chief planner for all of today’s events.”

“It’s been so much fun! Nadine had the connection with the chuckwagon people, though, and we were too late to get one of the bigger local bands to perform.”

“So, who’s doing music?” Not that they were likely a big enough name for Chicago to have heard of them.

“The Delgado brothers from over near Saddle Springs. They’re excellent fiddlers, and some of their kids are going to play with them.”

Sounded like a boot-stomping, western, good time, and a far cry from the gala taking place soon in Chicago.

Cadence winced. Mom and Dad would likely still go, as would the Bradleys, but whether the two couples would even speak to each other was anyone’s guess. She could hope someone else provided a little drama to take the press’s mind off the canceled wedding and trying to get statements from their parents.

“Gonna dance tonight?”

Cadence blinked Paisley back into focus. “I… don’t know? I’ve never danced western-style, and I don’t know anyone here.” Except Graham. Would he ask her? Would she say yes if he did?

One thing was certain. Mr. Grumpy Cowboy over there wouldn’t ask. If he did, she’d turn him down. She didn’t need that kind of negativity in her life.

* * *

Graham stood on the lodge steps, feeling out of place in his new clothes even though they were supposed to help him fit in. Grandfather had sent him to Jewel Lake yesterday and told him to buy western duds at From Stetsons to Spurs. Felicity, the woman who worked there, had been happy to outfit him in jeans, a snap-front shirt, a bandana, a hat, and boots that were actually more comfortable than they looked.

Now Weston could stop griping that he didn’t have the proper footwear for riding. Not that Graham wanted to ride. He just didn’t want his cousin to make fun of him.

The bandana was over-the-top ridiculous. Graham only spotted a couple of other people wearing one. Maybe he should fold the fabric up and stuff it in his pocket. He loosened the knot.

An elbow poked his ribs as Cadence’s floral scent informed him of her presence. “Don’t you look all Montanan? Is that what they call people from Montana?”

“I don’t know what they’re called.” He glanced at her and felt his eyes widen. “You cleaned up pretty fine yourself.”

She did a little twirl, and her jean skirt flared out around her knees. “Like it? Paisley loaned me this outfit. We’re almost the same size.” She curtsied.

“You two doing all right together, then?” He hadn’t had much chance to talk to her since their kayaking adventure a couple of days ago.

“Yeah. She doesn’t talk all the time.”

“Just most of the time?”

Cadence laughed. “You’ve got it right. Seriously, though, she’s nice.”

“Glad to hear it.” Graham could barely take his eyes off Cadence. The cowgirl outfit looked cute on her, different from her usual casual elegance, but still attractive. Then again, he’d think she was beautiful if she were wrapped in a towel. Not that he should think of her dressed in a towel. He ducked his head to hide his flaming cheeks.

“Have you grabbed something to eat yet? Those ribs smell amazing, and there are baked beans and potato salad and a bunch of other kinds of salad, too. Oh, and burgers and sausages and buns. Also, dessert…” Her voice trailed off.

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