“Smeared it—and that was my bad. I shouldn’t have asked you a question while trying to apply your lip color.” Charity dabbed at the corner of Van’s mouth with a round cosmetic pad. “And as for my question itself, sorry.”
“For what?”
“I kind of insulted Billings, and I get that you like it there.”
“Uh-uh. Don’t be sorry. We’re friends. You get to say to me what you really think.”
“Okay, let’s try this again.” Charity commanded, “Hold still, lips parted—I mean it this time. Don’t move.” Neither of them spoke as Charity stroked on Van’s lip color. “Perfect.” She stepped back an inch or two in the limited space. “Jameson really likes you. I can tell.”
Van answered honestly. “And I really likehim.”
Charity blew out her cheeks with a hard breath—a very un-Charity-like action. “Well, okay. I just want you to know. He’s a good guy, and I would love it if you two got together in a permanent way, and I—”
“Charity, honestly. How many ways can I say that’s not going to happen?”
Charity showed her the hand. “Excuse me, Miss Bronco. I was not finished speaking.”
“You’re right. Sorry. Please continue.”
“Thank you, I will. I just want you to know that Jameson is someone you can count on. Someone you can trust.”
Van almost scoffed at that one. But then she thought twice.
True, Van used to have a certain idea of him, an idea based on what she’d heard of him years ago. Back then, they all said that he liked a good time, but he didn’t get serious with any girl. Really, though, those had only been rumors. She hadn’tknownhim then. He’d been three or four years ahead of her in school, a popular, good-looking older boy from a well-to-do family, someone all the girls her age crushed on.
She needed to stop judging him by what she’d heard about him growing up. If everyone judged Van by old rumors, they would probably view her the way Maura seemed to—as someone trashy and dangerous, someone who wouldn’t hesitate to try to steal her man.
“Vanessa,” said Charity sternly. “Stop scrunching your forehead. You’ll get wrinkles.”
Van laughed. “A few wrinkles never hurt anyone.”
“Maybe not. But as rule, Miss Bronco is never wrinkled. Her wardrobeandher skin are always pristine.”
“It’s a whole new Miss Bronco nowadays, and don’t you forget it. She could be anyone, a regular girl—even someone’s single grandma.”
“Of course she could be anyone. But this year, she’s you. And a smooth brow is prettier. Given a choice, you might as well be pretty.” Charity closed up her makeup kit. From the hook on the back of the bathroom door, she took the gorgeous, spangled hat she’d brought from home. “Here, now. Hold your hat and let me fix your hair.” Van sat up straight, cradling the hat on her knees, keeping still as Charity fussed with her hair. “Okay, hat, please.”
Van handed it over, and Charity set it just so on her head.
“There.” Charity studied the final effect. “Perfect. My work here is done. You’re ready to wow them.”
Van spun on her stool and grinned at herself in the mirror. “Bronco’s Favorite Pet Contest, here I come.”
Chapter Seven
Van and Charity walked out together to join the day’s festivities. Held in a pretty, rolling pasture dotted with alder and burr oak trees, Bronco’s Favorite Pet Contest had drawn a good crowd.
“It looks great,” said Charity, and then she went to join Jameson, who’d saved her a seat.
Van agreed with Charity’s assessment. Daphne had gathered her minions—kids of all ages who volunteered at the pet sanctuary, as well as any spectators who happened to show up early. They’d all pitched in to set up folding chairs in rows. They’d hung flags and red, white and blue bunting from every available tree, booth or bit of outdoor furniture, including the judges’ table, the trophy display, the refreshment area and around the podium. Now, they’d all taken their seats, many with pets of their own.
Van took the front-row seat reserved for her and watched as Daphne’s many young helpers, more than half of them summer camp Young Adventurers, emerged from the nearest barn with pets on leashes and leads, in carriers and cages. Everyone applauded as the kids brought out cats and dogs, several pigs, a few goats, more than one exotic bird, and various small, furry creatures, too. Van spotted a ferret, a family of hamsters and a large number of rabbits. The helpers and their charges formed a wide arc behind the podium and the trophy display.
Daphne stepped up to the podium. She thanked everyone for coming and reminded them that all Happy Hearts pets were either rescues or animals born right there at the sanctuary.
“Each of these loving fur babies is available to you and your family. I hope you’ll consider giving one or more of them a caring, forever home.” She swept out a hand to a couple of teenagers seated at the table with the big sign that read Adoption Center. “Toby and Allison are ready to help you adopt the favorite pet of your choice—and now let’s get the contest underway.”
Daphne went on to introduce the five judges, after which she grinned at Van. “I’m going to need a little help handing out the trophies and ribbons, so I want to introduce you all to my dear friend and soon-to-be sister-in-in-law. Ladies and gentlemen, youngsters and pets, let’s give a big welcome to our own Miss Bronco! Show her some love with a round of applause!”
