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Gayleset down the fork beside her empty plate.Shewas used to eating alone but being surrounded by strangers in the hotel’s dining room at a table for one was a new experience.Notnecessarily a bad one, just new.
Thesun had set outside the massive windows, guests turning to ooh and ahh as the fiery ball dropped behind the mountains, leaving streaks of purple and pink in its wake.
Howhad she forgotten the striking beauty of this place?
Asudden sense of nostalgia sparked a deep desire to explore her old stomping grounds.
Checkingher app,Gaylesaw the temperature had dropped significantly.Atthese elevations, nightfall brought a distinct chill to the air.Shethanked the waiter and went to her room, grabbed her fleece jacket and headed out.
Asshe passed the front desk, the manager greeted her, cheerfully.Theyoung man was nowhere to be seen. “Headingout?”
Gaylepaused, offering a tentative smile. “Yep.”
“Funplans tonight?”
Gaylewas no longer accustomed to small talk from strangers. “Notespecially.”
I’vebeen living inNewYorktoo long, she chastised herself.
There, when a stranger struck up conversation it was viewed with a heavy dose of suspicion.Shereminded herself she was in theWestnow where things were slower and kinder.Toher estimation, when a city’s population rose, courtesy and warmth inevitably declined.
Thewoman said, “Youshould go to the dance.”
“Whatdance?”
“It’sour annualStarsandStripesgala.Wrapsup theWildflowerFestivalwith a big 'ole shindig.I’dbe there now ifIdidn’t have to be on shift.It’sheld atKeeler’sbarn.”
Gaylehad no idea what theWildflowerFestivalwas. “Abarn?” she said, quickly realizing she was coming off as a big city snob.Sheadded, “Youmust mean the kind of barn that it’s in vogue these days.”
“Right.It’sall fixed up with lights and such.”
“Soundsnice but it’s been a long time sinceI’vevisitedBreckenridge.MaybeI’lljust walk around town for a bit, check out the river.”
Thephone rang and the manager said a rushed, “Havea good time,” then smiled and waved as she answered the call.
Gaylewaved back and walked out into the cool night.
* * *
ToLily,Keeler’sbarn looked like something out ofBridesmagazine.Rustic-chic with high wood beams, strung with twinkle lights and a massive barn door that was slid open to accommodate the crowd.Theair was crisp, carrying the scents of fresh popped corn and hay.Themoon was full, casting a heavenly spotlight on the grassy expanse.Itwas incredibly atmospheric.Andromantic.
Aband was playing country music.Peoplemilled about outside the giant structure, chatting.Inside, a huge dance floor had been laid out.Lilylooked around at the distinctly western crowd.Therewere more ten gallon hats and spurred boots than she’d seen in a lifetime.ShespottedWendy, the red-headed bistro owner, dancing with a young man, her eyes set onWyatt.
Wyatthad spoken little on the drive but it was a companionable silence.Lilywondered what was running through his mind.Sheglanced at him in his distressed jeans and button-down.Helooked so . . . rugged, like he’d be called any second to herd cattle.Hewas tapping his foot to the music as if itching to get out there.
“Wannatake a spin?” she asked, tilting her head toward the dance floor.
Wyattgave her a skeptical look. “Really?”
“I’dconsider it.”
Wyattsmirked. “Ithought after coercing you onto the stage, you’d be hesitant to put yourself out there again.”
“Actually, the opposite is true.Afterthat,I’mpretty sureIcan do anything.”
Wyattextended his hand, palm up. “MayIhave this dance?”
Lilycurtsied and took his hand.Itwas strong, a perfect fit.
