Time for a change of subject. “Gina organized a picnic basket for us. We need to swing by and pick it up.”
At the show grounds, Nolan parked his vehicle in the competitors’ car park and placed a paper badge on the dash.
“No running off,” Yvonne said, turning to face her boys. “We need to go with Nolan to look at the animals first.”
“If you’re really good, we’ll go on the rides later this afternoon,” Nolan said.
The boys jumped up and down, and Yvonne smothered a grin. “You have to behave.”
“I’ll come back for the picnic basket later,” Nolan said.
Spring had arrived much earlier than normal this year, and Yvonne left their coats in the vehicle. She picked up her handbag and fell into step with Nolan. The boys ran ahead, arms outspread like plane wings.
“I enjoyed last night,” Nolan said.
Yvonne brushed a lock of hair off her face. “Did you sleep well?”
“I did.”
“My work is done,” Yvonne said.
Nolan checked on the boys. They were still running ahead, arms outstretched. “What sort of sex toys?”
Yvonne scanned their surroundings before answering. “I have a clit stimulator, a vibrator, a butt plug and some ben-wah balls.”
“We haven’t tried anal—” Nolan broke off when a group of elderly ladies climbed out of a newly arrived vehicle.
Nolan’s mother.Great. Just great.If Elizabeth said anything rude to her sons, Yvonne intended to deck the woman. And she wouldn’t pull her punches.
“Ah, Nolan,” Elizabeth Penrith said. “Good timing. We need help to carry our things to the Exhibition hall.”
“It will have to be quick,” Nolan said. “I have to help Dad with the cattle we’ve entered in the show.”
“Oh, good,” one of Elizabeth’s friends said, her stern face softened by gratitude.
“Michael. David.” Yvonne summoned the boys to her side.
“Excellent.” A third woman with tightly rolled blue curls handed Michael a small blue box. “Can you carry this for me, young man?”
“I don’t think—” Yvonne started.
“Nothing breakable,” the woman said. “Boys like to feel useful. It keeps them out of mischief.”
Yvonne knew her boys and wasn’t so sure.
Elizabeth threw visual daggers, and Yvonne ignored them, taking a box of assorted flowers, ribbons and fabric in her arms.
They followed the elderly ladies to a large hall. The cavernous room was abuzz with conversation when they entered, the scent of flowers and baked goods heavy on the air. Some of the displays had obviously been done the previous day. Elizabeth led Nolan, Yvonne and her boys to an area that was currently empty of entries.
“Is this a timed competition?” Yvonne asked the blue-haired lady. Mrs. Williams, she thought, dredging through her memory.
“Yes, and it’s always such fun. We have a short time to organize and start at ten.”
“Good luck, ladies.” Nolan casually snared David’s hand and stopped him from racing away down the aisle. His other arm, he slipped around Yvonne’s shoulders.
Yvonne almost chortled at the dried prune expression on Elizabeth Penrith’s face and cuddled into Nolan, presenting a family unit to anyone who glanced their way. Petty, yes, but she enjoyed it all the same.
Yvonne took charge of Michael, and they wove in and out of men and women carrying flowers, sponge cakes and boxes of jam and chutney.
