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Barrel rushed in after them, drawing the attention of the onlookers. “A little excitement, folks. Be assured they’ll take our cowboy to be checked out.” He waited until the crowd settled down. “We have a special treat for you today. Amanda Swanson, from Kicking Horse Ranch, will be demonstrating the barrel racing event. Amanda is a regional and state champion. We’re lucky to have her.” Looking toward the gates, he saw her nod. “Let’s welcome Amanda!”
Lifting their hats, the ranch hands whooped while the guests clapped. Entering through the gate, she took the barrels at a slow pace the first time around while Barrel narrated. She increased her speed for the second go-round, and drove even faster the third time.
Her demonstration finished without a glitch. Sliding to the ground, Amanda walked Sugar to the fence, giving the audience a close-up view of the horse and equipment used to race barrels. She patiently answered their questions.
Amanda’s was the last demonstration of the day. She stayed to answer questions and greet the guests before walking Sugar back into the barn. Beginning to untack the mare, she stopped at the sight of Wyatt and Virgil walking toward her.
“Thanks for coming, Amanda. You did a great job out there.” Wyatt nodded toward the arena.
“Anytime you need someone, give me a call. If I’m available, I’ll be here.”
Virgil inserted himself between her and Sugar, taking over untacking the mare. “I know you have to get back to your husband.”
She whispered her thanks, picked up her duffle, and continued to her truck.
“How is Mark?” Wyatt slid off the saddle and blanket, setting it on the rack.
Virgil shook his head. “As well as you’d think. He’s got a long recovery, and still will never be a hundred percent.”
Mark Swanson had been injured the previous year while training a stallion. Something had spooked the horse, triggering his flight instinct. The stallion reared back several times, his hooves landing on Mark. The rancher was lucky to be alive.
Virgil hung the bridle on its hook. “My last visit to their ranch was a week ago. He’s in a wheelchair. It took him months to recover enough to get that far. It’ll be a long time before walking on his own.”
“Gotta be tough on Amanda.”
“She’s a strong woman. They’ve shared duties at the ranch for a long time.” Virgil joined Wyatt as they left the barn. “They have two hired hands who’ve been with Mark for years. I believe the ranch will make it.”
Logan drove his truck the short distance to the Kelman Ranch late that afternoon. He’d finished his work early to watch the rodeo. Now he faced dinner, a movie in his room, and bed.
“Saturday night and nowhere to go,” he muttered, taking the last, slow curve toward home.
The ranch hands at Jake Kelman’s spread were married, as was Jake, and Logan’s brother, Quinn. The only single man, he usually tried to find someone from Whistle Rock to meet him in town. Barrel, Jimmy French, Brady Blackwolf, or sometimes, Sam. She usually arrived with other ranch hands. Still…
Slowing by the side of the road, he called Sam. “Hey, it’s Logan.”
“Hey, yourself. What’s up?”
“Any chance you’d want to grab dinner in town?”
He could hear the chuckle in her voice. “Sure you don’t want to go alone? You’d have a better chance of meeting someone if you’re by yourself.”
“Nah. I just need to get off the ranch for a bit. Are you up for it?”
“Sure. I’d like to get out myself.”
“I’ll pick you up at seven. That enough time to get ready?”
This time, she chuckled into the phone. “I’ve learned to be ready on short notice.”
“Yeah. The life of a ranch hand.”
“No kidding. Seven is fine. See you then.”
Ending the call, he slid it into his pocket, glad he’d taken a chance.
“You have to be kidding.” Logan took a bite of his double patty burger.
“Nope. The lady thought cutting her hair and wearing men’s shirts would hide her womanness.”
