“Bjorn’s an optimist.”
The afternoon settlesinto something almost normal, if normal includes a polyamorous group manning a chili booth while a naughty goat holds court.
Wyatt reaches over and tucks a curl behind my ear, his fingers lingering just long enough to make my skin warm. It’s a simple gesture, but from Wyatt, every touch is deliberate, planned, and intentional.
“You’ve got sauce on your face,” he says softly.
“Where?”
“Everywhere.”
“That’s not helpful.”
He kisses me instead of answering, which may not clean my face but is certainly welcome. Someone whistles.
Jesse steals a bite from my spoon when I’m not looking, then grins when I catch him.
“That was mine.”
“What’s yours is mine,” he says with a grin.
“That’s not how it works.”
“It is in our spreadsheet.”
“I thought we burned the spreadsheet. Or at least deleted it from Wyatt’s laptop,” I say.
“I’ll never forgive you for that,” Wyatt scowls, but then bursts out laughing.
The guy’s learning. I gotta give him credit.
Boone’s gathered a crowd of kids around Rita, who’s surprisingly tolerant of the attention. Probably because they keep feeding her festival food against my wishes.
“Now, who can tell me the most important rule about goats?” Boone asks his audience.
“Don’t trust them!” a kid shouts.
“Correct! They’re all criminals. Especially this one. She’s wanted in three counties.”
“Really?” a little girl asks, eyes wide.
“No,” I interject. “She’s only wanted in this county. The others haven’t caught her yet.”
Rita bleats, sounding proud. One of the kids offers her a French fry. She accepts it regally, like a queen receiving tribute.
“Can we pet her?” another kid asks.
“Sure, but watch your fingers. And your jewelry.”
The kids giggle, taking turns petting Rita while she tolerates them because she’s expecting more food.
This is our life now. Chili competitions without feuds, family events where both families actually talk, children learning important life lessons about goat crime.
“Never thought I’d see this,” Mr. McCoy says, appearing at my shoulder.
“Which part?”
“All of it. Your dad and me not shooting at each other. You with my boys. That goat wearing a crown.”
