Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)(108)

McKay, we’ll hear from today’s sponsors. Ainsley Hamilton, president of National West

Bank, will say a few words about Sundance’s newest bank.”


Polite clapping.


“Thanks, Mayor Gilbert. I’m Ainsley Hamilton, a recent transplant to Wyoming, and I’

d like to thank everyone for the excitement and support in welcoming National West Bank

and its employees to the Sundance community. We’re honored to sponsor Chase McKay’s

appearance and to support his foundation. Since National West Bank is the new kid on

the block, we wanted to show our pride in being part of this great community, alongside

with Settler’s First, in providing Sundance residents with banking choices. If you’re

interested in more information, visit our booth, or better yet, come on in to the bank

and see what National West can offer you.” She exhaled, glad she’d kept her speech

short and concise. “Now onto the money drawing portion, which I know is why you’re

all hanging onto my every word.” That comment brought laughter. “I’ll need a

volunteer to pick a name out of the box.”


Immediately five kids rushed to stage. Four boys and one girl. Tempting to pick the

dark-haired girl since she’d elbowed three bigger boys to wind up in front. But

Ainsley chose the smallest boy with the biggest hat, who trailed behind the others. She

pointed at him. “Come on up here, young cowboy.”


The kid didn’t go around and take the stairs. He took a running jump and threw himself

onto the stage.


This amused everyone at the tables off to the left.


Ainsley bent down. “What’s your name?”


“Miles McKay.” The kid practically shouted the last part, which incited more

laughter.


Didn’t it just figure she’d pick a McKay? “So, Miles, what do you want to be when

you grow up?”


“A bull rider like my daddy and like Chase.”


“I’ve always admired a man who knows what he wants and goes after it. Have your dad

and Chase given you any advice?”


He nodded. “Stay on eight seconds.”


More laughter.


What a charmer. “Okay, Miles, stick your hand in and pick out a winner.”


Miles stirred the pieces of paper before he found the one he liked. When he looked up

from beneath the brim of his little black hat, with those vivid blue eyes and serious

expression, Ainsley immediately thought of another dark-haired, blue-eyed cowboy

charmer. She almost said, “Thanks, Ben,” but caught herself and said, “Thanks,

Miles. The winner of the five hundred dollars is…Alison Toomey!”


After she exited the stage, Steve grabbed the microphone. “Thanks to National West

Bank and Ainsley Hamilton.” He addressed the people at the front tables. “Watch out

for that one, McKay family. Don’t be fooled by her charm, she’s only out for your

banking business.”


Ainsley plastered a smile on her face.


“Let’s get down to it.” Steve did his spiel.


When he finished, Mayor Gilbert took over. “Now it’s time to bring out the man we’re

proud to call our own, the man who represents the great state of Wyoming and our