Summer Nights (Fool's Gold #8)(28)

From where he was standing, he overheard one saying to the other, “Sasha’s pilot was picked up for a midseason replacement. It’s a police ensemble with him playing the new rookie. He’s going to be a national heartthrob about two days after it first airs.”

“Finn will be so proud,” the sister with short hair said, then laughed.

“Are you Shane?”

He turned and saw a tall brunette with curly hair standing next to him. She held a child in her arms. A little girl maybe a year old.

“Hi. I’m Pia Moreno. I coordinate the festivals in town and I understand you’re helping Annabelle with her horse dance.”

“I’m teaching her to ride,” he admitted. So far they hadn’t gotten to the dancing.

“Good. Now there’s a parade route of about a mile. The horse will just be walking for that. The actual performance comes at the end.”

He felt that strong need to bang his head against a wall starting up at the base of his neck and spreading. “Parade route?”

“Didn’t Annabelle mention that?”

“No, she didn’t.”

As Khatar had appointed himself Annabelle’s love puppy, Shane had figured he might as well use him in the ceremony. But a mile-long parade route meant getting him used to riding around people.

“I’ll get you a copy of the route,” Pia told him. “It’s very straightforward. A couple of streets and you’re there. We’re going to have a raised platform so everyone can see the sacrifice.”

“Sure. You wouldn’t want anyone to miss some poor guy getting his heart cut out.”

Pia laughed. “It’s going to be the highlight of my day.” She fished a business card out of her jeans back pocket and handed it over. “Call me if you have any questions. I’ll get you the parade route in the next week or so. Don’t worry about permits. We’re very parade friendly in this town and we’re folding in the ceremony with an existing festival.”

“Lucky us,” he murmured.

He watched her walk away, then felt his gaze slide just a little to the left. From where he was standing, he had a perfect view of Annabelle. Not that he wanted to watch her. He just couldn’t seem to help himself. Like his stallion, he’d found himself in the unfortunate position of desperately wanting the feisty librarian.

He turned away before anyone caught him ogling and nearly ran into an older woman with white hair and a tailored suit. Something about her was familiar. Before he could figure it out, she stopped in front of him and supplied the answer.

“Mayor Marsha Tilson,” the woman said. “You’re Shane Stryker.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Had he been wearing a hat, he would have removed it immediately.

“I’ve been wanting to get over to the ranch to meet you, but town business is especially distracting these days. Please excuse my tardiness, Shane. I hope you’re settling into life here in Fool’s Gold.”

“I am.”

“Good. I understand you’ve closed escrow on the land you bought and will be building a stable and a house. Excellent.” She smiled. “The town thanks you for your future tax contributions. And the employment of our local contractors. Jocelyn is one of the best. She’s been in the Sacramento area for the past couple of years, working on a large subdivision. Thankfully she’s returned home and plans to stay. You’ll be pleased with her work.”

Shane wasn’t sure if the mayor was making conversation or giving him instructions.

The mayor pulled a small piece of paper out of her jacket pocket and handed it to him. “This is the name and number of a friend of mine. Your mother mentioned you were looking for some horses suitable for riding.”

Shane didn’t even glance at the paper. “I’m not buying any horses right now.”

Mayor Marsha’s blue gaze remained steady. “I understand you have your breeding program, Shane. These horses are for the children. You’re giving riding lessons, aren’t you?”

Even though the room was at a comfortable temperature, he felt the first itchy sensation of sweat on the back of his neck.

No. The word was easy enough to say. Riding lessons for kids? He was a busy guy with a small empire he was growing into a medium-size empire. Except he’d already agreed and backing out wasn’t an option.

He swallowed.

“The horses come with all the necessary equipment. Saddles, bridles.” She smiled. “I’m not familiar with the details.” She continued to hold out the paper. “He’s expecting your call.”

It was as if a force he couldn’t see or explain propelled his arm forward. His fingers closed around the paper and drew it back.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Her smile widened. “Trust me. This is a good thing.”

He was less sure.

“Oh, there’s also the matter of Wilbur.”

“He’s the guy who owns the horses?”

“No. Wilbur is a pig. An unfortunate name, but there we are. Wilbur is available. For Priscilla.”

Shane remembered getting a good night’s sleep and having a couple of cups of coffee. His brain should be working just fine. But he couldn’t seem to make the connections.

“You’re offering me a pig?”

“For your elephant. I heard she was lonely. I don’t think a cat is going to be enough of a companion. You have a couple of mares who will be part of the herd, but they won’t match her intelligence. Pigs are very smart. Or so I’ve heard. He’ll be arriving next week. If it doesn’t work out, let me know and I’ll have him returned.”