Page 79 of A Cowboy to Call Her Own

“Yes.” Amusement spread Pauline’s smile wide. “Apparently, Mayor Corbin’s comments were very convincing. So, they wanted to see what all the grilled cheese fuss was about for themselves.”

Asher squeezed Kelley’s hand and said, “There is a lot to make a fuss about when it comes to Kelley’s cooking.”

“We know that. Now we need to show theMorning Gallopstaff,” Pauline said, looking cheerful. “But you should also know that Mayor Corbin would also like the diner to have a booth at the festival.”

Kelley shook her head. “The festival in the next hour or so?”

“That’s the one,” Pauline said.

Frannie sputtered. “Uh. Okay. That’s nothing to worry about, right?”

Kelley looked at Asher. Concern flickered in her hazel eyes.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he said and smiled. “I’m here for you. Tell me what you need. I got you.”

She searched his face, then her grip relaxed, and she said, “Together.” Certainty came through in her words. “Together. We totally got this.”

* * *

Hours later, thefestival officially closed to allow families to prepare for the fireworks show, Kelley stood in a clearing on Whistle Bend Bluff. She shook her head. “This was a bad idea.” Turning on an LED candle, she placed it inside a Mason jar and muttered, “What was I thinking?”

Frannie laughed, gave Kelley a quick hug and took the Mason jar from her. “You were thinking that you are in love, and you want Asher to know it.”

Kelley scanned the clearing she had chosen to make her declaration to her cowboy. A large navy-and-white gingham blanket covered part of the grassy area. A packed picnic basket, several plush pillows and more blankets sat on top. Mason jars lined the entire perimeter, sitting on rocks and tucked into the longer grass. The candles inside the jars flickered, adding a mellow glow to the area.

“I think it looks amazing.” Frannie set her hands on her hips and surveyed their work. “It’s private and romantic and magical.”

“Like a secret garden for two.” That was what Kelley had envisioned. Still, she bit her bottom lip and considered the bouquet of a dozen red, white and blue roses near the picnic basket. “Maybe the flowers were a bit much. Who gives a cowboy flowers?”

“I think they are a perfect touch,” Frannie countered and adjusted several Mason jars to her liking. “And remember what I told you about what each rose color represents.”

“I got it.” Kelley bent and straightened the tassels on the blanket. “And if I can’t get the words out or if they get stuck in my throat, I’ll just thrust the roses at Asher and tell him these say it all.”

“You’re going to get the words out fine.” Frannie chuckled. “You just need to speak from your heart.”

Kelley rounded on her sister. “Francine Marie, when have you ever spoken from your heart to a cowboy?”

“I haven’t,” Frannie said, her words soothing. “And this is why you must get this perfect grand gesture completely right so I can one day follow in your footsteps, big sister.”

“Is this supposed to be a grand gesture?” Kelley blanched and shook her head again. “I don’t think it’s grand enough. And more importantly, will Asher consider it grand?”

“Wrong thought. Never mind.” Frannie stepped to Kelley’s side and wrapped her arm around Kelley’s shoulders. “This is just you telling a cowboy how you feel about him. The rest of this is a pretty backdrop.”

“And if he doesn’t feel the same?” Kelley arched an eyebrow at her little sister.

“As if.” Frannie’s gaze fairly danced. “The entire town watched Asher practically push Edie and Elliot out of the way so that he could sweep you off Maple’s back today at the parade.”

Her first time being swept off her boots and Kelley had rather liked it. A lot. She grinned. “Asher didn’t push them.”

Frannie chuckled. “Well, he certainly made his presence known. And Asher had every cowgirl in town sighing all day over how he looked after you and stuck by your side in the diner booth at the festival.”

That was quite nice. Asher had not hovered, yet her cowboy had seemed to know when Kelley needed him and been right there. Admittedly, Kelley liked knowing Asher was within quick reach. “I looked after him, too.”

Frannie tapped her finger lightly on Kelley’s nose. “And that is why you two are a perfect match.”

That and so many other reasons. Kelley clasped her hands together underneath her chin and nodded. “You’re right, Frannie. This is just what I wanted. And it is going to be grand.”

Frannie gave Kelley’s shoulders a squeeze, then checked her cell phone. “Laura-Beth and Wes are almost here with Asher. So that is my cue to leave.”