Free Forever Kisses (Romance on the Ranch Book 7) by Verna Clay

and covered her hand playing with her coffee cup. "I don't want repayment."
    She lifted her lashes and met his gaze. "I don't feel right about–"
    He squeezed her hand. "No, Sally. Don't even go there."
    She must have heard the conviction in his voice because she finally nodded. "Okay. Thank you."
    A few seconds later she withdrew her hand and said, "I better check on dinner."

Chapter 16: Selections
     
    The Three Day Trail Blaze was only days away and although Dovie quelled her outward excitement, she was as thrilled as the children and the ranch guests to learn more about their upcoming adventure. Sage introduced neighboring ranchers Jackson and Annie Martinez and their daughter Angel, a young woman with an infectious smile. The family joined him in front of the fireplace and Sage said they owned the Triple T Ranch, the launching point of the Trail Blaze. He then asked the family to speak. Jackson, tall and lean, explained that the Trail Blaze had been going on long before he purchased the Triple T, and after the purchase he'd seen no reason to stop the ranch's participation.
    Next, Annie and Angel shared some of their experiences over the years, and then Sage took center stage again to go over safety rules. Afterward, he grinned and said, "And now I'm turning this gathering over to my wife, Sarah."
    All eyes riveted on Sarah as she stepped up to the hearth. She said, "As you know, we try to keep our wagon train experience true to the Old West, and, as Sage explained, if you're not ready to leave modern conveniences, you might want to reconsider going. Even though there are portable potties set up periodically alongside the trail, sometimes a trip into the woods may be necessary, if you catch my meaning." Everyone laughed and she continued, "The reason I'm up here, however, is to let you know that the costumes have arrived. Preston and Toby should be entering through the back door any minute to unload them."
    The sound of a door opening had everyone spinning around to see the brothers hauling in a large rack on wheels that was crowded with period clothing. The children squirmed and squealed, as did some of the adults. Dovie's gaze immediately went to a lovely shade of lavender in the center of the rack.
    Preston and Toby grinned at everyone and tipped their cowboy hats before walking back outside.
    Sarah explained, "That was just the first rack of many. But I need to give some instructions before setting you loose to choose two costumes each." She waited for the group to settle down before continuing. "The children with the Big Bro and Sis Organization will each have an assigned adult to help them. The other children will be helped by their parents or guardians. The racks have been arranged by gender and size."
    Michelle said loudly to the girl beside her, "I like that pink dress!"
    Sarah grinned. "And, children, as we've been teaching since your arrival, courtesy is uppermost here at the Lazy M. If someone chooses an outfit you wanted, being jealous and ugly will not benefit you or anyone else. Just find another one. One of the first things that will get you thrown off the wagon train is discourtesy." She pulled a folded paper out of her jean's pocket. "Right now, I'm going to call off children's names and the adults assigned to help them."
    The back door opened again and the twins entered with a rack of men's clothing. Sarah started calling off names and when she got to Roxy's, she said, "Roxy, you are assigned to Dovie."
    Dovie smiled and sought out her charge. Looking as sullen as ever Roxy glared back at her.
    The men continued hauling in costumes while Sarah gave last minute instructions. Finally, she said, "Toby is everything ready?" Toby called from across the room. "Yes, ma'am."
    Sarah made a waving motion. "Okay, great. Children, go find your adult helper and then choose your outfits. Adults, be sure and select your own outfits, too."
    Roxie, with the assistance of her leg braces and canes, started toward Dovie.