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"Kit is going to be my business partner," she tells him and I open my mouth to protest.
Justin is studying me. "Have we met?" he asks.
I pause to gaze at him. He's nice looking, mid-twenties, but unfamiliar.
"No, I don't think so," I reply. "I've only been in Montana for two weeks."
He continues to look at me, brows furrowed. "Hm," he says, "I'm sure you're right, but you do look familiar."
I shrug. "Sorry."
He nods. "Well, I'll let you get on with your dance lesson. Maybe save one for me later?"
* * *
ADAM
The party is going well. Boone and Kit look pleased with themselves, as they should.
We barbecued two North Starr ranch cows as well as a two dozen chickens and it’s all gone. The tables full of food are nearly empty too, but fortunately there's plenty of desserts and Midge has also laid in a supply of chips and nuts and other snacks for later in the evening.
Just another hour or so until the sun goes down far enough for the fireworks to really show up bright against the sky.
I've found a quiet spot and I'm leaning against a tree having a beer and taking in the scene. There's still a couple hundred people here. The dance floor is crowded.
One thing that’s different this year is the number of people who have shown up with babies and toddlers in tow. They've gravitated to an area under some shade trees which is crowded with strollers and those portable playpen things. The parents have formed a little squad who take turns keeping an eye on all the kids while others go enjoy a dance or two, or a stroll off into the darkness under the starry sky. They come back, usually arm in arm and with a smile on their faces, and check on their little ones and send the others off to enjoy themselves.
I'll be honest. I never paid much attention to babies and toddlers. Got nothin' against 'em, just been busy. But now, I notice most of the new parents are my age. Guys I went to school with. A couple girls I dated way back when.
Now they've got families. Kids. A future.
And what do I have?
An empty beer.
I toss it into a nearby receptacle and go looking for Kit. This thing ain't over. Not by a long shot.
I hear her laugh before I see her and I zero in on the sound like a coyote on a bunny.
Caleb has her out on the dance floor doing one of those old line dances from the 90s. I never could get the hang of those things, but Caleb has a knack for it and apparently, so does my kitten.
Her hips sway as she sashays. Kick, stomp, spin, clap and do it all over again. I take the opportunity to really look at her. As far as anyone else is concerned, I'm enjoying the dancing.
But the music fades into the background and all I know is that watching the most beautiful woman I know smile and laugh and have a good time makes my heart swell with ...
Love.
Fuck.
Yeah, I love her. To my bones.
And I'm not going to let my sister, my brothers or anyone else on the goddamn planet keep us apart.
The music stops and by some miracle a slow song starts to play. Before someone else can claim her, I jump in and grab Kit's hand. "My turn," I say and grip her hip in my other hand. I won’t let her get away.
Caleb laughs and steps off the dance floor. Not sure where he goes after that. Doesn't matter. My eyes are on Kit.
God, she feels so good in my arms. Perfect.
