“Yes, Laurel told me. So, what are you doing here?”
“Finishing the story about the colonists.” He lifted the camera hanging from a strap around his neck. “You mind if I take your photograph?”
“Oh, no. Not at all.”
“OK, just stand between these two paintings,” he said, gently steering her into position.
Jessie placed a hand on a picture of wild sweet peas. “How's this?”
“Perfect.” Adam took several photos. “I ought to be able to get a good one out of these,” he said.
“I don't know. My face has never been very camera-friendly.” She chuckled and sat. “So, have you been around to see much of the fair yet?”
“Some of it,” Laurel said.
“Well, you've got to watch the rodeo. They had one this morning, and there's another competition this afternoon.”
“Sounds fun.” Laurel gave Jessie a hug. “I'll see you later this week?”
“I'm counting on it.”
Laurel and Adam moved on. They made the rounds of several exhibits and games. Adam stopped at a booth where the challenge was to knock over a stack of weighted bottles with a baseball. Laurel eyed the prizes—an assortment of stuffed animals and dolls. One doll was especially beautiful. It had big blue eyes and a headdress of pink feathers. “That's what I want,” she said, pointing at it. “Can you get it for me?”
“I'll try.” Adam grabbed three balls, and in rapid succession, pitched them at the bottles. He knocked them down on his third try.
The barker took down the doll. With a wink, he handed it to Laurel. “I think this is what you wanted?” He looked at Adam. “You've got a good arm. Ever think about taking up baseball?”
“Oh, sure. The Yankees can't wait to sign me,” Adam said with a laugh. He circled Laurel's waist with his arm and escorted her away from the booth.
The gesture felt natural, but Laurel stepped away. “Robert should be here by now.”
“He's probably heading into town right now.”
“I hope so.” Laurel held the doll at arm's length. “She's kind of silly-looking, but I like her. Thanks.”
“Glad to do it,” he said with a small bow.
They looked at the livestock, then munching cotton candy, moved on to the rodeo. Young men climbed onto the backs of wild horses and bulls. A few stayed on until a bell rang, but most were dumped in the dirt. Laurel couldn't understand why men would do such a thing, but it was entertaining.
At one point, she saw Ray Townsend staring at her from across the arena. Instinctively she moved away from Adam. She knew Ray had been relieved at her engagement to Robert. It meant Celeste was safe from the arms of a colonist.
Ray made his way around the corrals and walked straight to her. With only a glance at Adam, he turned his eyes on Laurel. “Where's Robert? Don't suppose he'd be too happy to know you were here with someone else.”
A mix of anger and guilt swept through Laurel. “Adam and I are friends. That's all. And Robert's in Anchorage trying to sell his produce. He'd be here if he could, if there were a market here. You've made sure that can't happen.”
Ray's lips turned up in a satisfied sneer. “Going into Anchorage won't help him. It won't save his farm.” He glanced at a calf kicking up dust as it bucked past, then his cool eyes settled back on Laurel. “He won't make it. None of you will.” With that, he walked on.
“He makes me so angry,” Laurel growled, watching his back.
“Don't let him get to you. He's nothing but a lot of hot air.”
“I wish that were true.”
“Forget about him. Let's enjoy the day.”
By the time twilight fell over the valley, Laurel had forgotten about Ray Townsend and his threats, and she felt all too comfortable with Adam. It seemed as if they belonged together. Her mind was filled with questions and uncertainties about Robert and their wedding, and she felt guilty for enjoying herself when Robert was late returning. “I'm worried about Robert.”
“I'll bet he got tied up with business and decided to stay over. Maybe it means he's selling a lot of vegetables.”
“I hope so.”
Darkness settled over the fairgrounds, but lights turned night into day. Luke ran up to Laurel. “I've been looking everywhere for you. Mama said it's time to head home.”
Laurel wasn't ready to leave. She glanced at Adam.
“If Laurel doesn't mind, I'll take her home,” he offered.
Trying to remain nonchalant, Laurel said, “I suppose that would work.” She turned to Luke. “Tell Mama Adam's taking me.”
Luke stared at her a moment, then said, “All right. I'll tell her.” He headed toward the parking area, glanced back, then kept going.
“I'm glad we have a little more time together,” Adam said.
Butterflies took flight in Laurel's stomach. If she loved Robert, how could she feel this way about Adam? We're not doing anything wrong. We're just friends enjoying the fair, she told herself. But she knew it was a lie. Laurel glanced at Adam. He'd had a good time. It was clear he loved the valley. Maybe he would stay. If he did, then what should she do?
Robert's sisters, Joanna and Veronica, walked past. Thankfully the girls didn't see them. Guilt enveloped Laurel. I should leave now.
“Do you want to walk a while?” Adam asked.
