Perfectly Matched (The Blue Willow Brides Book #3): A Novel by Maggie Brendan Page A

hand from Edward’s and followed her sister-in-law through the throng of people. Everyone was in high spirits in anticipation of the events, and their enthusiasm was contagious. There were booths with items for sale, from cowboy hats, leather vests, bridles, and saddles to every bit of rodeo paraphernalia one could imagine. Ella bought them both a colorful paper fan, telling Anna that the crowded stands could get warm in the sun.
    A few minutes later, the men joined the women, and they moved into the area that was laid out in a semicircle equal in diameter to the length of the grandstand. Anna marveled at the number of the spectators crowding the grandstands and the parade grounds, and laughed at the children who ran up and down the steps of the stands, waiting for the show to start.
    Once they were seated, it wasn’t long before the show began with much pomp and circumstance. A small eight-piece band struck up “The Star-Spangled Banner” as a cowboy on a white horse, carrying a large American flag, waved proudly when he flew past the spectators. Right behind him were cowgirls and cowboys who comprised the contestants for the various events, wearing brightly colored outfits. Anna rose to her feet, along with Edward and his family, to cheer and yellas the riders all circled the corral then formed a long line in the center with the flag in the middle.
    She smiled up at Edward and knew he was enjoying watching her. “This is quite a show, Edward.”
    Edward swiped the tip of her nose with his finger. “This is only the beginning. There’s so much more to come.”
    “Is that Daniel in the lineup?” She squinted in the bright sunshine at the row of riders.
    He laughed. “Yes, my dear, it is. Daniel loves cowboying when he’s not woodworking. He grew up on a ranch, and his pa still runs the Crow’s Nest. I’m sure he’s in the stands today somewhere to watch.”
    Anna was surprised. Daniel was like a gentle giant whose hands caressed the wood he worked with. This side of him seemed strangely out of character. This indeed will be fun , she thought. She watched as the line of contestants rode their horses single file out of the arena.
    Over the loudspeaker, the announcer introduced himself as Billy McKinley of Cheyenne, along with judges H. H. Metcalf, Carey Culver, J. H. Gorman, and P. G. Webster, who occupied the stand facing where the events would take place.
    “Ladies and gentlemen. We’re here for a good time, and today you won’t be disappointed. We have some of the best participants this side of the Mississippi.” The announcer paused and the crowd roared their enthusiasm. “Without further ado, our first event of the day is bronc roping, so hold on to your hats!” he said in a booming voice. “Remember, folks, these ponies have never felt a rope before. The pretty little sorrel here will be roped by Bill Smith. Good luck, Bill!”
    Edward leaned close to Anna’s ear when she frowned. “He’s right. These ponies are taken right off the range and can be fiery and mean.”
    “Oh . . . really.” She was concerned now for Edward’s friend. It had never occurred to her that there might be danger at this huge event. She had much to learn, she realized.
    “Yes, it takes a practiced hand and a willing fool to mess around with wild horses or bulls.”
    Anna watched Bill wave his hat at the admiring crowd then plunk it back on his head, readying himself for the release of the horse from the chute. The wooden gate of the chute was let loose, and Bill pressed forward into a fierce battle, the horse’s hooves sending dust flying in every direction. He made three brave attempts to rope the wild horse’s neck but missed every single one. The crowd cheered him on, but he never came close to putting a saddle on the pony’s back. The buzzer sounded and Bill gave up, shrugging his shoulders as he headed out of the corral.
    Anna was caught up in the excitement. She wondered how in the world one rode that hard