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

and fast and roped a moving wild horse.
    “Our next cowboy is Pinto Jim,” the announcer called out. Pinto Jim was a raw-boned cowpoke anxious for his chance the moment the gate swung open. The bronco burst into the corral, and Pinto Jim made several quick attempts before time was up. The wild horse went this way and that as the crowd roared in the background, but finally it wore down from all the plunging about. Pinto Jim snagged a jaquima on the horse, threw a saddle on him, and was astride the sorrel’s back just as the buzzer sounded.
    The crowd yelled their approval, and Anna added her voice to the cheers. It was exciting to watch as cowboy after cowboy tried their expertise to rope and saddle a wild horse. She laughed out loud and Edward smiled down at her.
    “What’s so funny?”
    “I was just thinking that we’re mostly standing rather than sitting every time another rider takes the ring,” she said, looking around at the crowd.
    He cocked an eyebrow. “Are you tired, Anna?”
    “No. Not a bit. I was merely commenting on everyone’s enthusiasm. It’s very exciting and I’m glad you brought me.”
    Edward stroked her arm. “And I’m happy to see you enjoying yourself.”
    Anna blushed, noticing Ella watching them with satisfaction on her face. She was glad that she and Ella were friends. She had so few—
    Her thoughts were interrupted by the next event beginning.
    “This is the steer roping,” Edward said. “I think Daniel is doing this event. He’s had plenty of firsthand experience.”
    “What’s he supposed to do?”
    “Rope a steer with his lariat, then hop off the horse and tie the steer’s hind legs up.” She shuddered and Edward chuckled. “Don’t worry. No animals are harmed in the events, my dear.”
    “I’d say he’s strong enough to do that, but I know he’d never harm an animal. He’s much too kind.”
    She opened her fan and waved it over her face to get relief from the pounding sun, glad that Edward insisted she wear a hat. Surely her brain was baking.
    She turned her focus back to the arena. It wasn’t long before one rider was disqualified and another had a bad throw with his lariat, missing the steer. What she found most interesting was how fast the horse and rider and the steer shot out of their stalls simultaneously, with the steer running full speed ahead as if he knew what was coming.
    Daniel rode a beautiful horse and dressed in a cowboy hat and leather vest stretching tight across his broad shoulders. He seemed to fit the part of a cowboy instead of a furnituremaker, Anna thought. She was impressed with the way he rode, self-assured and tall in the saddle. His muscular forearms stretched out the reins once the buzzer signaled, and he pressed his horse forward. In a flash, he was out of the stall and drawing close just behind the steer. He skillfully swung his lariat, which slid around the steer’s head with seemingly no effort on Daniel’s part. The spectators cheered, coming to their feet as they watched him slide down from his mount, tie the steer’s hind legs with a leather strap, and raise his hands in the air to signal he was done—all in under a minute and a half.
    Anna was fascinated at his skill and apparent ease around the horse and steer, not to mention his natural good looks and brawn. Daniel tipped his hat to the audience and with a sweep gave them a deep bow. Surely he’d win.
    ———
    Edward whistled for his friend, then turned and followed Anna’s gaze clearly directed at Daniel. Her face softened and her mouth slightly parted, but her fanning halted. His beautiful wife seemed mesmerized by Daniel’s performance, but there was something else that he saw in her face . . . Was it more than admiration?
    Don’t be ridiculous! She’s just never seen a rodeo before and is impressed, that’s all.
    Suddenly he compared himself to Daniel, something he’d never done before. But then, he’d never been married before either. Daniel had a rugged