Page 77 of Loving Kai

“I believe you, sort of. The boys are excited to meet Kai, and Levi is happy not to be the baby of the family anymore.” Luke whistled, and Gentry waved at him. “I should get back. Enjoy the rodeo.”

“Yeah. You too.”

Gentry flipped him off. “We’re making money. I guess that’s something, anyway.”

It took a few minutes for Maggie to free herself from the booth, but once she did, she got behind the stroller. “Let’s go before they call me back.’

“Where should we go?”

“Well, first off, I need some kettle corn.”

They went to the booth, and Maggie bought a medium bag. Abe nodded toward it. “Are you sure that’s enough for you?”

“I’m going to share it with you.”

“Hmm. I’m more of a funnel cake kind of guy.”

“Get yourself a funnel cake, then let’s go look at the horses.”

Many of the stalls were empty in the horse barn, but when Maggie spotted a horse with his head hanging over the gate looking for company, she went to it.

“Aren’t you a beautiful boy.” She rubbed the horse’s nose.

“Excuse me. Please don’t touch my horse.”

Maggie backed away and turned to face the woman approaching them. “I’m sorry. He’s so…Rachel?”

The woman stopped walking. “Maggie? Oh my gosh.” She looked at Abe and Kai. “I didn’t know you had a family.”

“Oh.” Maggie glanced at Abe. “They’re…neither of them belongs to me. We’re…Abe is my boss.”

“Oh.”

Abe offered his hand. “Abe Buchanan.”

“Right. The pizza guy.” She shook with him. “I suppose this little one belongs to you, then.”

“Yes. This is Kai, my son.”

She bent over and smiled at Kai. “Hi there, cutie.” She stood again and looked at Maggie. “When was the last time you competed? I haven’t seen your name on the roster for years.”

“It’s been a while.”

Rachel patted the horse’s neck. “I’m still at it.” She looked at Abe. “Do you ride? You look like you could be an ex-bull rider. Or broncs, maybe.”

“Not a rodeo guy.”

“Hmm. A missed opportunity, perhaps.”

Maggie took a few steps toward Abe. “Good luck with your ride.”

“Thank you.” Rachel smiled at Abe. “Nice to meet you.”

Maggie took his arm, and they headed out of the barn. Abe glanced over his shoulder at Rachel. “Was she just…?”

“Flirting with you? Yes.”

“Did she miss the two-year-old?”