When the first strains from Cookie’s fiddle filled the air, a roar went up and people began to dance in earnest.
“We’re gonna take you up on that offer to watch the girls if you’re sure you don’t mind,” Houston said.
“I don’t mind,” Loree assured him as she released Austin’s hand and took Gracie into her arms.
“We’ll just dance one dance,” Amelia said.
“Dance as many as you like.”
“I’m going to make my wife stop working and do some dancing,” Dallas said before walking off.
With a huff, Rawley shifted Faith off his lap, stood, and held his hand out to Maggie. “Come on, Brat. You asked first.”
Maggie hopped out of her chair and followed him onto the dance floor.
Austin helped Loree sit in the chair Maggie had vacated, then he sat beside her, easing Faith onto his lap. She reached up and planted a sticky sarsaparilla scented kiss on his cheek. “Love ya.”
“I love you, too,” Austin said quietly.
He glanced over at Loree. “And you.”
She pressed her cheek against his shoulder.
“We won’t stay long,” he promised. He looked toward the waltzing couples.
“They all look so happy,” Loree said quietly.
Cameron and Becky passed quickly in front of them before disappearing in the crowd. “Yeah, they do,” Austin said.
When the music stilled momentarily, Amelia came over and took Gracie from Loree. “Come on, girls. Let’s go get some punch.” Houston scooped A. J. into his arms before holding a hand toward Faith. “You thirsty?”
She nodded and slid off Austin’s lap. Austin watched his nieces, all in identical red dresses, traipse toward the table like performers in a circus parade. He glanced at Loree, her hands folded over her apple red stomach. He leaned toward her. “Do you dance?”
She wrinkled her nose. “I went to a couple of balls in Austin, but that was a long time back.”
He pulled gently on a curl dangling near her temple. “Is that where you met Jake?”
“I told you there was no Jake.”
“Who did you dance with?”
Sighing, she narrowed her eyes. “I danced with somebody named John and … Michael.”
“That’s it?”
“I wasn’t exactly the belle of the ball.”
“What do city boys know?” he asked.
“A good-looking woman when they see one.”
“Not on your life.” He stood, held out his hand, and helped her to her feet.
“Thought I spotted you over here,” Cameron said, diverting Austin’s attention away from Loree. “Would you mind if I danced with your wife?”
Austin caught the look of surprise in Loree’s eyes, and suddenly, he wanted every man in this room to dance with her. “No, I don’t mind.”
“You don’t mind do you?” Cameron asked Becky. “I’ll be leaving you in good company.”
