Page 19 of Chasing Liberty
“I thought that was you, Liberty! Fancy seeing you here.” Kaitlynn came gliding up and gave Liberty a tight hug like they were best of friends. She supposed donating to the children’s church program last year helped erase the years of torment between the two. “Hi, Wyler.” Kaitlynn practically licked him with her eyeballs.
“Evenin’, Ms. Stewart.” He touched the brim of his hat.
She turned three shades of red. “Now, Wyler. Just like I told you at the parade. Call me Katy.” Her smile stretched like a rubber band being pulled by an angel’s fingers.
“Parade?” Liberty asked as she looked from Kaitlynn to Wyler.
“Oh? Wyler didn’t tell you that he built one of our floats for the Sagebrush Founder’s Parade? Modestandgood withhis hands.” Kaitlynn’s eyes sparkled as she looked up at him through her heavily mascaraed lashes.
“He must have forgotten to relay the information.” Liberty forced a laugh that sounded more like a grunt.
“Well, you’ve been out of town,” Wyler said with an edge to his tone.
“How naughty of you to keep this man all to yourself, Liberty. He’s such an asset to the community.” Kaitlynn laid her hand on Wyler’s bicep and gave it a subtle squeeze.
Liberty cleared her throat. “I know, what a shame.” She wanted to puke, and that wasn’t the morning sickness talking. “What are you doing outside of Sagebrush Pines, Katy? Oh, you don’t mind if I call you Katy, do you?”
“Of course not.” She finally released Wyler’s arm and excitement traveled over her pretty features reminding Liberty of a human Minnie Mouse. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to let you two in on my little secret. I’ve entered the chili contest for the annual Sagebrush Harvest Picnic. I’m trying a new recipe this year and I had to come all the way over here to find my secret ingredient.”
“I love a good chili.” Wyler rubbed his stomach.
Liberty wasn’t sure how Kaitlynn entering the contest was a surprise considering she entered and won every year.
“Then can I borrow your tastebuds and let you taste-test my recipe? I sure could use an honest man’s opinion.” Kaitlynn fluttered her lashes. “I can tell you aren’t a man who minces his words.”
“I never turn a home-cooked meal down, ma’am.” His smile fired up Liberty, but he didn’t seem to care.
Kaitlynn, as cute as a button, practically popped out of her heels. “Are you two…?”
“Talking? Yes,” Liberty said dryly.
“I was referring to…oh shoot. I’ll just spit it out.”
“Thank you,” Liberty muttered. “Spit away.”
“Are you two back together? I mean, not to be rude, but it’s been a known fact that you two are separated.”
Liberty wanted to tell Kaitlynn that she’d have to wait a while before she could sink her French tipped claws into Wyler, but Liberty didn’t want to send the sensitive Kaitlynn running off butt hurt. “We are—”
“Back together,” Wyler blurted and pulled Liberty close, kissing her on the cheek. “Right, snookums?”
She didn’t like being backed against the wall but the last thing she wanted, or needed, was the town talking about her relationship, or lack thereof. Planting a smile on her face, she patted Wyler’s cheek a little too firmly. “Right, buttercup.”
“How cute! Then that means you’ll be attending the Harvest Picnic together?” Kaitlyn appeared slightly shocked, or was it disappointment? Maybe a bit of both.
“Of course,” Wyler said.
“Since itisheld at Sagebrush Rose and my sisters and I help organize the event together,” Liberty said, fully aware that she hadn’t participated in the effort as much as she should. For ten years the Rose family had hosted the event that both brought the community together for a day of entertainment and events.
Kaitlynn didn’t stay upset for long. Her smile reappeared full force like she was auditioning for a toothpaste commercial. “Then I expect you two will be entering the couples’ competitions. The ladies’ auxiliary and I have a few exciting new games up our sleeves this year.” There she was, placing that dainty hand on Wyler’s arm again. “Of course, you two don’thaveto enter as a couple. I’m still available.”
“I’m afraid I don’t think—”
Wyler interrupted Liberty again to say, “We’ll be signing up. There’s nothing my wife loves more than engaging in a little friendly competition.” He winked. His grin wasn’t so charming.
This man!
“Oh, we wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Liberty cringed. She wasn’t the game player type.