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Redemption Road

Page 47

by Katie Ashley

Instead, he focused on the target in front of him. His first shot pinged against the center of the bulls-eye, knocking it down.

“Great shot!” I exclaimed.

“What prize?” the man asked.

“It’s the lady’s choice,” Rev replied.

I laughed. “Really?”

“Of course.”

“Hmm,” I murmured as I gazed up at the stuffed animals on display. A cute brown and white dog caught my eye. “I’ll take that one,” I said, pointing to it. The man took it down and then handed it to me. “Thank you..”

“Come on. Let’s try some other ones,” Rev said.

“Ah, I’ve created a monster, huh?” I teased.

“Yes and no. I fully intend on having you play some as well.”

“Me?” My voice squeaked.

He grinned. “Why not?”

“Rev, I wouldn’t even begin to know how to shoot,” I protested.

“We’ll find you one that doesn’t involve shooting.”

“One thing I haven’t told you is I’m not very athletic.”

“I’m not sure I’m too surprised to hear that.”

I smacked him playfully on the arm. “Hey now.”

“Here. Let’s try this one.” He motioned to a booth where smaller children were picking up floating ducks to match prizes.

“I don’t think I’m so bad that we have to start at a kiddie booth.”

Rev laughed. “Okay, okay. You pick one.”

I gazed around at my choices. “How about that one?” Across from us was a booth which boasted milk jugs. To win you had to toss a ring over the top. I figured it couldn’t be that hard.

“Looks good to me.”

After we walked over, Rev paid the man for some tickets. I was handed three rings. My first attempt didn’t even make it to the milk jug. The next smacked against the bottom. And after I put some oomph into the third, it went flying behind the jug.

When I dared to look at Rev, he gave me an innocent look. “Want to try again?”

“Sure. Why not?”

Once again he paid and I was handed the rings. And once again I managed to get them nowhere near where they were supposed to be. “Again?” Rev asked.

I shook my head as I fought the embarrassment I was sure was tinging my cheeks. “No, I want to find the nearest concession stand. I plan to drown my inadequacies at carnival games in some cotton candy.”

Rev laughed. “Sounds like a plan.”

It wasn’t too hard locating the food. We simply had to follow the delicious smells wafting through the air. I decided on a corn dog and fresh lemonade along with my cotton candy. Rev ordered a funnel cake and a beer.

When Rev once again got out his wallet, I sighed. “What’s wrong?” he asked.