Free Bobbi Smith by Halfbreed Warrior

Hawk enters, I’m going to have to warn the boys about their bets. Bruiser would be a tough one to beat.”
    “You don’t have to worry. I’m not going to enter the race,” Hawk answered. He would be going to San Miguel for the Stampede, but only to investigate the rustlers.
    “Why not?” Randi was surprised. “Are you afraid Angel and I would beat you?”
    “Very funny,” Hawk said, smiling in spite of himself.
    “The Stampede is quite a celebration,” Wade added.
    “Have you ever been to one?” she asked Hawk.
    “No.”
    “Then this will be your first,” she stated with conviction. “There’s a social on Friday evening. The race and a shooting competition are held during the day on Saturday, and then the big dance is that night.”
    “It’s definitely a good time,” Wade told him. “Especially since it’s payday.”
    “I guess I’d better show up. I can’t miss Angel’s big race.”
    “That’s right. She’s expecting you to be there,” Randi said, but she realized that she was the one who really wanted Hawk there.
    The thought surprised Randi, although she knew it shouldn’t have. These past few days she hadn’t seen much of Hawk. She knew her father wouldn’t be pleased, but she’d actually found herself looking for him. When he’d ridden in with Wade a short time before, she’d been delighted. She had sought him out, for she’d wanted his opinion on the condition of Angel’s leg before taking her mare out for the test run.
    “When does everybody go into town?” Hawk asked.
    “The boss will pay us Thursday night, so most of the boys will head in as soon as we get done working Friday. We have to be there to cheer for Randi and Angel. They’re the pride and joy of the Lazy S,” Wade said.
    “Let’s just hope we live up to your high expectations.”
    “You’ve never let us down before,” Wade said with confidence. “You’re going to do just fine.”
    “We’re going to find out real soon; that’s for sure.”
    Randi led Angel back into the stable, leaving the two men outside.
    “It’s good that we’re going to town. You never know what we might be able to find out while we’re there,” Hawk said thoughtfully.
    “That’s right. Talk is cheap down at the saloon when all the hands get liquored up. Since it’s payday, there will be some serious drinking going on.”
    “I’ll be ready to ride whenever you are.”
    “I’ll check with the boss and find out if there’s anything else we need to get done before we go. No matter what, we’ll be there in time for Randi’s big race.”
    “You’re right. We can’t miss that.”
    Pat Walker was unusually excited about the weekend ahead as she drove her buckboard into San Miguel. She’d left her trustworthy foreman, Ken Gilbert, in charge back at the ranch, and for the first time in ages she was off to be with her friends again. Pat realized she might even have some fun—if she could remember what fun was after dealing with all the trouble she’d been having on the ranch. Of course, Wade was going to be there this weekend, too, so she had the pleasure of his company to look forward to.
    The prospect of being with Wade and enjoying herself brightened Pat’s spirits as she reined the buckboard to a stop in front of her friend Jeannie Stewart’s home. Jeannie had invited her to stay the night, and she was glad.
    “It’s about time you got here!” Jeannie called, hurrying out on her front porch to welcome Pat when she saw her drive up. She’d been watching for Pat and was eagerly looking forward to spending the weekend with her longtime friend.
    Pat climbed down from the buckboard, and, after tying up the horse, she went to give Jeannie a warm hug. “It’s so good to see you. We are going to have so much fun this weekend.”
    “Yes, we are,” Jeannie agreed. “I’ve been baking all morning for the social tonight.”
    “Need some help?”
    “Of course, I was counting on you! I told the ladies who are running