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“Vlog,” Maggie corrected him.
He shook his head no. “That’s not a word.”
“You sound like my dad,” Maggie laughed.
“I see nothing wrong with that,” said a deep voice behind Caden.
He turned around and found a family of redheads—Maggie’s family. His eyes glazed over her beautiful mother and grinned, knowing Maggie was blessed with good genes.
“Daddy,” gasped Maggie. A hint of red covered the splatter of freckles across her nose. “What are you guys doing here?”
“The fair is a public place, Magnolia,” said the older man before turning his attention to Caden and sizing him up. “I don’t believe I’ve seen you around town before. I’m Mitch Swayne,” he said, extending his hand to Caden.
“Nice to meet you, sir. I’m Caden Archibald.”
They shook hands. Caden didn’t blame Maggie’s father for the firm grip. It was what fathers did. Mr. Swayne stood at the same height as Caden but was certainly a lot wider—clearly a former football player in his heyday. The size was intimidating enough, but then came another fellow, with red hair and bigger than the both of them.
“Richard Swayne,” he said, pushing his hand in the way. “Maggie’s brother.”
“And this is my mother, Paula Swayne.”
“Mrs. Swayne, Mr. Swayne,” said Caden, “Richard, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Paula Swayne, redheaded like her daughter, nodded her head in acknowledgment. “Mr. Archibald, welcome to Southwood. I’m glad you have my daughter as a tour guide to our quaint town—she knows everything.”
As the introductions were being made, Maggie placed herself between Caden and her family—a perfect position for Caden to watch her roll her eyes at the undertone from her mother.
“This is my first visit to Southwood,” Caden answered politely.
“Does my daughter have something to do with it?”
“Mama!” Maggie turned her back on her mother and looked up at Caden. “I am so sorry for this.”
It wasn’t uncommon for a mother to worry about a man’s intention with her daughter. Nor was it uncommon for women to introduce their single daughters to him. The Archibald name held clout.
“What my mother meant,” Richard Swayne said with a clearing of his throat, “is, it’s nice to meet you.”
Usually a good judge of character, Caden liked Maggie’s brother. “Thanks, man.”
“Well, what brings you here?” Mrs. Swayne asked in a less pointed tone. Like her daughter, she had bright hazel eyes. Hers just scrutinized Caden.
Both siblings groaned and shook their heads back and forth.
“I am part of a sports agency, Mrs. Swayne,” Caden began. “I have a couple of clients rehabbing here.”
A smile beamed across the beautiful woman’s face, and Caden knew this reason for being in town was believable. “With Erin?”
“Yes, ma’am. I have full confidence in her taking care of my clients,” he went on. “And while I was in town, I figured I’d say hello to an old friend of mine.” Caden pressed his hand against Maggie’s shoulders. A sense of pride washed through him when she stood closer, squaring her shoulders at her mother. So what if it was an act of defiance toward her? Maggie’s parents were called away by another couple, leaving them alone with her brother, who lingered nearby but seemed occupied glancing around the fair.
“And we’re about to get on the ride, folks,” said Maggie.
The screams from the riders began to die down just as it came to a halt. Maggie took a deep breath and glanced upward. To be honest, he didn’t care for the upside-down rides, but if dinner with Maggie tonight was on the line, he’d bite his tongue off before letting out a scream.
“Are you about to get on that?” Richard asked.
“We made a bet,” Maggie said. “First person to scream is the loser.”
Amused, Richard crossed his arms over his chest. “What does the loser have to do?”
