"Are you ready to dance?" Brett asked, tapping her shoulder.
"Brett, I know you mean well, but I don't dance. Don't you remember last summer and the number of times I stepped on your toes? No thanks."
His hand flew to his heart as if wounded. "Once a year I get one, maybe two dances with my favorite cousin, and you're going to deny me that pleasure." Brett sank against the bar. "My world is coming to an end."
How long can I ignore him?Realizing he would not move until they danced, she said, "One dance," and then moved off the barstool.
As they two-stepped around the dance floor, their boots clicking and shuffling on the hardwood floor, Brett smiled. Megan stiffened and fumbled. "What?" she asked.
"Relax. I've noticed a change in you this summer. You seem more confident and ready to take on the future."
Her limbs loosened as she nodded. "I am, but I'm still scared."
"We all are, but you're following your dreams. Good job, cuz." The song ended and Megan pushed Brett towards Faith. Her feet were not made for dancing. "Give me a horse to ride any day," she muttered.
Before she exited the dance floor, someone tapped her shoulder. Turning around, she saw Jason, his hand extended. "May I have this dance?" he asked.
His gentleman-like ways warmed Megan's heart. "Yes, you may, but be forewarned. I step on toes." His ease and gracefulness showed a future heartbreaker. She now stood at eye level with him. Amazing how much he has grown since last summer. As they did the slow two-step, Megan watched Mike and Christa. The young girl's long eyelashes fluttered each time Mike smiled. "What is it like to be in love?" Megan wondered. She allowed her thoughts to turn to dreams. Here she danced with a man, identity unknown, while their hearts played the music. A thread of hope wove a solid chain of love, forever connecting the two. Her heart beat faster and then she stopped the dream. "Concentrate on life," she said, scolding herself. "Love will come later."
When the dance ended, "Happy Birthday to you," resonated throughout the saloon. Charlie sauntered towards the table with a double-layered chocolate iced cake. Sparklers replaced candles.
"Thank you," Megan said. The sweet, moist cake melted in her mouth. When nothing but crumbs remained, the gang ventured into the streets of Carlton. Leather pouches, beaded jewelry, belts, shirts, balloons, pinwheels, fudge, cotton candy, and candied apples filled the booths aligning the streets. Within a few steps of the candied apple booth, Megan stopped. She chewed on her fingernail, debating a treat. Each bite of the juicy apple covered in a sugary glace´ tasted better than the first.