Maureen Child - Brides & Bargains

As they continued on, one particular display caught his curiosity and caused him to pause. “What in the bloody hell is cow patty bingo?”

Nasira’s gaze traveled to the group gathered around the exhibition. “Well, it clearly involves a cow and some sort of game board and... I believe it is best we keep walking.”

He couldn’t contain his laughter. “I could not agree more.”

They continued on past several artisans with tables full of their wares. As they approached one fresh-faced young woman with baskets of multicolored flowers, Sebastian halted, released his wife’s hand and selected a single red rose. “How much is this?”

“Two dollars,” the blonde replied. “Or six for ten dollars.”

“One will do.” He withdrew his wallet from his rear pocket and pulled out a twenty-dollar bill. “Here you go. Keep the proceeds.”

The teen appeared awestruck. “Thanks bunches. It’s for a good cause.”

“What cause would that be?”

“A new football stadium.”

He started to argue that an orphanage would constitute a better cause, but thought better of it. “Best of luck on your venture,” he said, then turned to Nasira. “For my lovely bride.”

She took the rose and smiled as if he had offered the moon and stars, not a simple posy. “To what do I owe this wonderful gift?”

He kissed her cheek. “For agreeing to wed the likes of me.”

“Most of the time, I happen to like being wed to the likes of you.”

She might rescind her half compliment if she knew of the lies he still harbored. “Shall we take our chances on the games up ahead?”

“As long as they do not involve cow patties.”

“I believe they are games of skill involving tossing rings.”

She hooked her arm through his. “Then by all means, let us test your skills.”

Unable to help himself, Sebastian leaned over and whispered, “I’m definitely up for testing all my skills when we return to the ranch.”

He expected his spouse to deliver a derisive glare over the innuendo. Instead, he received a surprisingly sultry look. “That is altogether possible if you are a good boy tonight.”

Perhaps Rafe had been correct—simple gestures could pay off in spades.

When they traveled on toward the brightly-lit gaming booths, Sebastian spotted a young boy dressed in jeans and miniature cowboy boots, turning in circles in the middle of the sidewalk, swiping the tears furiously from his face. A group of boisterous teens approached him, seemingly oblivious to the distressed child.

Sensing disaster, Sebastian immediately removed Nasira’s hand from his arm, swept the boy up and away from the danger of getting run over by unconcerned adolescents, then set him down near a street light, away from the crowd. “Are you lost, young man?”

He turned his misty brown eyes on him and sniffed. “My dad told me not to talk to strangers.”

Sebastian took a step back so the boy wouldn’t feel threatened. “That is banner advice under normal circumstances. I only want to help you locate your parents and return you safely to them.”

The child seemed to mull that over a minute before he spoke again. “A girl was chasing me and I lost my dad.”

“What does your father look like?” Nasira asked from behind Sebastian.

When the boy turned his gaze on Nasira, he seemed to relax and smiled as if he were quite smitten. “He’s got on a cowboy hat and boots and jeans and I think a blue shirt. Where’d you get it?” he asked, looking at the rose.

“Sebastian gave it to me.” She pointed behind her. “We bought it at a booth not far from here.”

“I might want to get one of those for my...” He lowered his eyes and kicked a pebble into the street. “Mom.”

After exchanging a knowing look with Sebastian, Nasira offered him the flower. “I am certain my husband would not mind if you give her this one.”

“Not at all.” He did mind that the description of the missing parent didn’t provide much hope of immediately finding him. “Is your father tall like me?”

He nodded. “Uh huh. But he doesn’t talk funny like you. Are you from Dallas?”

Nasira laughed. “We are from London, far across the ocean.”

The child’s expression brightened. “We learned about that place in school. I’m in the second grade and I like to ride horses and... Dad!”

Clutching the rose, the boy ran straight into the arms of a man sporting a suspicious look as he headed toward them. As soon as he arrived, Sebastian thought it best to offer an explanation before the presumed father jumped to the wrong conclusion. “We found your son quite distressed and lost. It seems you’ve arrived just in the nick of time.”

“Looks that way,” the cowboy said as he eyed the flower before regarding his child. “You know better than to run off without me, Brady. Your mother’s going to skin my hide for not watching you better.”

“I didn’t mean to do it,” Brady said. “Angie was chasing me and I ran too far, I guess. And then this man picked me up before I got run over by kids and the lady gave me her flower so I could give it to Mom.”

“Mom, huh?” the father asked.

Brady shrugged and muttered, “Maybe Angie,” then turned his attention back to Nasira and Sebastian. “They’re from London. Do you know about London, Dad?”

“Yep, I do,” he replied. “I also know that I told you to stay away from people you don’t know.”

Sebastian offered his hand for a shake in an effort to reassure the man. “I’m Sebastian Edwards.”

The cowboy hesitantly accepted the gesture. “I’m Gavin McNeal, former sheriff.”

No wonder he had looked at Sebastian as if he were a deviant. “You’re no longer in law enforcement?”

His features went from rock hard to only slightly stony. “I gave that up to spend more time with this kiddo, and the one we have on the way. I’m a full-time rancher now, although I do pull deputy duty now and again if the department’s shorthanded.”

A clear message to Sebastian the cowboy could still hold his own around unwelcome strangers. “I’m certain your service to the community is very much appreciated. And to put your mind at ease, Brady did mention he wasn’t allowed to talk to strangers. Of course, I assure you our intentions were perfectly honorable.”

“Yes, they were.” Nasira moved to Sebastian’s side. “However, my husband has forgotten his manners as he has failed to introduce me.”

That could be a rather large strike against him. “My apologies. This is my wife, Nasira.”

“I am Rafiq bin Saleed’s sister,” Nasira added. “You might know him.”

“Only by reputation,” Gavin said. “I did hear something about some folks from England staying at the Shakirs’ place, so I assume that’s you. My ranch isn’t too far from there and my wife, Valerie, and Fiona are fairly good friends.”

Apparently news traveled at warp speed in this dusty Texas town. “We’re only going to be here for a few weeks. Do you have any suggestions on sights we should see while we’re here?”

“You should have dinner at the Texas Cattleman’s Club,” he said. “And when you do, be sure to check out the statue of Jessamine Golden. That’s my wife’s great-great-grandmother.”

“I have seen the statue,” Nasira said. “But I am sure my husband will find it quite interesting.”

Brady began tugging on his father’s hand to garner his attention. “Can we go ride the roller coaster now?”

“Sure thing, bud, as soon as I find your mama, who was hanging out near the arts and crafts last time I looked.” Gavin regarded them again. “Nice to meet you folks, and thanks for corralling the kid. What do you say to Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, Brady?”