She brushed her fingertips through Heath’s long hair and said breezily, “I didn’t have any special favorites. Sometimes, I bought a piece of fry bread. One time, when I was very young, I remember picking out a doll.” She shrugged as she adjusted her grip on Heath. “I never really cared if I got to buy anything. I mostly just liked being there.”
He observed Layla closely. She seemed to be so much happier than she had been just this morning at breakfast. She craned her neck as if she might be able to catch a glimpse of the fair in the distance. He thought she looked beautiful, and he was proud to be escorting Layla and his son into town.
As he maneuvered the buggy into an open space, Layla murmured excitedly to Heath. Mark hopped down from the buggy and raced around to help Layla and Heath down as well. When his hand touched hers, electricity sparked, and the apples of Layla’s cheeks turned a deep shade of red.
“Where should we start?” Mark asked, keeping hold of Layla’s hand.
“It doesn’t matter,” Layla replied with ease. “I’m just glad we’re here.”
They walked around the fair, Layla and Mark taking turns carrying Heath and describing everything they could see. Booths were lined up, one next to the other. Large white wooden booths had stylized signs positioned in front of them, announcing their wares in vibrant colors. If someone wanted to try a new elixir or a hair serum, they just had to sidle up to one of the spots. Keen salesman waited to speak to the people weaving in and out of each area. A bright green booth held a variety of vegetables. The squash looked enormous, as did the pumpkins.
A large blue cart was placed in front of one section of the booths. Layla wondered how the booth operators felt about this cart obstructing their customers’ path to their goods, but they didn’t seem to mind as people streamed in from all over to look at what the blue cart offered. The man running the cart was dressed in a snappy blue suit in a similar shade to his cart, and he told the crowd that he could offer them cold glasses of tea if they just lined up properly. Most people were intrigued by this concept and did as he instructed.
Further down the dirt path, the booths and carts petered out where a stage was erected. Throughout the day, bands went on stage to sing for half-hour increments. Some played musical instruments, like the guitar or banjo, while they sang. Others used spoons and other household utensils to help them keep a beat. Heath became excited when a local church choir took the stage and sang familiar hymns. Flapping his hands gleefully, reaching out as if he wanted Layla and Mark to move as close to the singers as possible.
The Flints spent a great deal of time in the horse barns, not only describing the horses and foals but also telling him about the goats, sheep, and cows, letting Heath reach out to pet all the animals.
“I think he liked the goats the best,” Mark remarked as they walked away from the animal paddock.
“I remember liking them very much when I was a child, too,” Layla said. “They are rather docile, or at least, they seem to be when they come to the fair. Maybe they’re not always that way.”
Mark considered it. “I wouldn’t know; I’ve never raised goats. Since they eat anything and everything, I’ve never really thought they were appealing, but seeing the way Heath took to them, maybe I’ll think about buying a few.”
“That sounds like a plan,” Layla nodded approvingly. “I think that’s the fruit district over there. Let’s go see if Mrs. Lawson baked any of her world-famous pies.”
“Mrs. Lawson? World-famous pies?” Mark asked, his step lightening as he walked quickly to keep up with Layla.
Layla led the way toward the stands that Mark could see were overflowing with different kinds of fruit, even from a distance. “Mrs. Lawson’s pies are the best in three counties. We’ve got to get you a slice.” She touched Heath’s tiny hand. “And we’ll get you a piece, too.”
Several men and women were gathered, clamoring around one booth. According to a white and blue sign perched just in front of the stall, it belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Lawson.
“Layla, dear,” a lady with a large red bonnet called out. Her dress was also red, but it wasn’t garish as it was covered in white polka dots.
“Mrs. Lawson!” Layla replied as Mark followed her toward the front of the line with Heath.
“Layla, it’s been so long since I last saw you. Let me look at you, darling,” Mrs. Lawson said enthusiastically. “I hear you’re a married woman now.” She glanced from Layla to Mark and Heath.
“Yes, Mrs. Lawson,” Layla said and lifted her head proudly, which tugged at Mark’s heart. “Allow me to introduce Mark Flint, my husband. And this is Heath, his son.”
“Hello, Mrs. Lawson,” Mark greeted.
Mrs. Lawson tickled Heath just under his chin as she cooed, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Flint. And that is one beautiful boy you have there.”
“I thank you kindly,” Mark replied.
“So, can I get you all some pie?” Mrs. Lawson asked cheerfully, still smiling at little Heath.
“Yes, please,” Layla said. “What kinds did you make for the occasion?”
“You know me, I made strawberry. I also baked some peach and a black cherry pie, but I sold both of those first thing this morning. I think I’ve still got a few slices of blueberry and raspberry, but I’ll have to ask Mr. Lawson to check.”
“Mr. Lawson? Did someone say my name?” Mr. Lawson appeared at his wife’s shoulder, giving the crowd a warm smile. His eyes brightened when he noticed the trio. “Why, Layla! It’s nice to see you here.”
Layla smiled politely. “It’s nice to see you too, Mr. Lawson. I’m glad we stopped by your booth when we did. It sounds like you and Mrs. Lawson have been rather busy this morning.”
“That is indeed the case, Layla.” He tipped his head quizzically at Mark. “You must be Mr. Flint. I’ve heard about you, of course.”
Mark shifted Heath in his hands and nodded. “This is my son, Heath. We’re eager to taste some of this famous pie Layla has told us all about.”
