AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She nodded. “Yes, and I’m a stickler about accounting. If I learn that even one penny has been diverted or gone astray, I’ll be alerting them both to have your institution investigated.” Regan trusted him about as far as she could toss him.
“Well, I—I, it’s been nice speaking with you.”
She stood. “Same here.”
After breakfast, the Lees loaded up their wagon with Regan’s contributions for the bake sale and headed into town for the Founders Day celebration. Main Street was as crowded with vehicles and people as Regan had ever seen. Red, white, and blue bunting decorated the buildings along with small American flags. Paradise was celebrating Founders Day in a big way. The popping sound of firecrackers punctuated the air and drivers held on to the reins of their horses and teams to keep the animals steady. Anna said, “I’m glad we left Shadow at home. I don’t think he’d like the firecrackers.”
“I don’t think so either.”
“I hope he doesn’t get too lonely while I’m gone.”
Regan gave her a hug. “I think he’ll be okay.”
Colt drove the wagon to the field behind Miller’s store. Because of the parade, people were being encouraged to use the field for parking instead of lining the street. After finding a spot, they walked the short distance back to Main Street. Regan asked Anna, “Where’s your favorite place to watch the parade?”
“In front of Papa’s office.”
“Then look for us there.”
She nodded.
The schoolchildren would be marching in the parade, too, so Anna was left at the bank with their teacher, Mr. Dunbar, and the children who’d already arrived. Regan and Colt walked to claim a spot in front of his office.
“How long is the parade usually?”
“Ten minutes.”
She laughed. “Ten minutes?”
“Small town. Small parade.”
And to her amusement, he was correct. Marching first was Odell and his trapper friends decked out in snarling bear hides, complete with heads, teeth, and claws. She’d never seen anything like it, but she joined the bystanders in applauding and cheering. Next came buggies driven by the Paradise business owners: banker Arnold Cale and Glenda; store owners Chauncey and Lacy Miller; undertaker Mr. Beck, Heath Leary, and smaller establishment owners like Dovie. Regan wondered if her friend and the gambler would ever work things out between them.
Regan asked Colt, “Why aren’t you marching?”
“Not much of a parade man.”
The business owners were followed by the mounted men of the Ranchers Association. A few of the earlier marchers like Odell had circled the block to be with them thus earning the opportunity to be cheered twice.
Last but not least were the children along with the proudly marching Lucky, who received a rousing cheer of his own. The smiling children waved the tiny flags they’d made in school. Regan didn’t see Felicity, but put her absence out of mind. She and Colt cheered loudly when Anna walked by and their daughter turned their way and grinned.
And that was that.
Colt looked at his pocket watch. “Twelve minutes.”
Regan laughed, put her arm in his, and they left for the field behind the store where the activities would take place.
It was a day of games, food, and fun. The ladies’ horseshoe tournament put on by the Paradise Ladies Society was a big hit. There were only four competitors, but many people bought tickets and everyone gathered around to watch Regan battle it out with Lucretia Watson as the final pair. Lacy lost in the first round to Lucretia. Bets were placed while good-natured taunts flew back and forth.
It was a tense fight. The women were tied until the final throw. Regan’s shoe stopped just short of the stake and her supporters groaned. Lucretia’s shoe hit the stake, circled it for the win, and the onlookers cheered. Regan walked over and lifted Lucretia’s hand high in the air and the adulation soared.
As the bets were paid off, Regan walked to her husband’s side.
He asked quietly, “Why’d you do that?”
She asked innocently, “Do what?”
“Shorten your throw on purpose.”
