Molly was surprised that his answer was quick, simple, and clear. He and his brother were close. She wasn’t expecting that. He never talked about him.
“You don’t seem to keep in touch.”
“Not that kind of relationship. We could be apart for five years, but when we got together, it would be like there’d been no separation. I feel like that about everyone in the family. We weren’t taught to fawn all over each other. It’s a Montana thing. Family is family and always will be. We might not be in touch, but it doesn’t mean we’re not close. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone, but especially him.”
Molly thought about that. It was the best explanation he’d come up with so far. It was a Montana thing. Maybe a western thing. Okay, well, maybe that helped.
“How’d the relay race come about?”
“It’s a Stampede tradition going back years. I started competing with girlfriends when I was thirteen. We firstcompeted in fourteen-and-under and later eighteens. They’re some of my best childhood memories—a horse race with best friends on your team. Later, the barrel racing ladies liked to group up and compete when they were in town for the rodeo. It’s unusual for a barrel racing team to not win women’s unlimited. You know, they’re professional riders on professional horses. Super competitive races. The fairgrounds will be packed. The races are very popular.”
“You’re going to be on a good team.”
“Sounds like it. But the competition will be as tough as it gets. How does Cheyenne ride?”
“She won’t let you down. She rode competitively growing up. She hasn’t kept it up like Mom and Kitty, but she can ride. Are they bringing their own horses?”
“Yes.”
That pleased him. He was smiling and shaking his head.
“You’ll be a good team.”
Chapter 20
Molly woke up Thursday morning feeling nervous. Big day. The McKinnons were coming. Bart was going to see his family. She had fourteen people for dinner. She’d done most of the work already, but the worst part was waiting. She knew they were arriving early to mid-afternoon. She knew Cassie and Kitty wanted to work their horses out that afternoon, and Molly was planning to ride with them. She was looking forward to that. Maybe Cheyenne would join them. And, hopefully, Bart could entertain the men.
Over breakfast, Bart asked, “What’s the day look like?”
“I thought we’d check on the dogs after breakfast. Then I need a couple hours in the kitchen. It’s barbeque baby back ribs for dinner. Your family is bringing the meat. We’ll soak them in barbeque sauce and bake them on medium heat for a couple hours late in the afternoon. Then the guys will put them on the barbeque to char about fifteen minutes before we eat. We’ll cut and serve them in two giant bowls. It will be festive and good.”
“I’m happy to help.”
“I so appreciate that. You’re a great kitchen pal.” She gave him a smile. She really did appreciate that about him. “When we get back from the dogs, I need a couple hours to put togethera macaroni and cheese bake. I’ll have it ready by 1:00, then the logistics get a little awkward.”
“What’s up?”
“Well, your family is going to be rolling in early afternoon, and the ladies want to work out their horses after the long drive. So I’m hoping you’ll greet the guys and get them checked in and bring them over to the cabin. Your family is bringing the ribs. I’m hoping you can slather them in barbeque sauce and put them in the oven around 4:00 at maybe 350 degrees. We’ll take them out of the oven at 6:00 and put the macaroni and cheese in for a one hour bake. Then we can barbeque the ribs at 7:00 and eat shortly thereafter.”
“Sounds great. And happy hour?”
“I’m hoping you and the guys can chop up some meat and cheese for platters while the ladies are riding. I’ve got loads of stuff in the fridge.”
“No problem. Drinks?”
“The McKinnons are bringing Jack Daniels, Glenfiddich, and wine. I’ve got beer and soft drinks in a large chest that Willie and Buck are bringing at noon. It will be serve yourself.”
“This is going to be fun.”
“Thank you for saying that. I’m about as nervous as I ever get. My boyfriend’s family is coming for a four day visit and I’m on point for entertaining.”
“Let’s go check on the dogs.”
The pups were getting run through their paces when they arrived. A young trainer was working with them as Julianne was leaning against a fence watching.
After greetings, Molly asked, “What are we learning today?”
“At this age, we’re starting the most basic obedience training. What you probably think happens in the first phase actually happens in the second.”
