Tracie Peterson Read Free

around for her father or brothers. “I don’t even know you.”
    “Bill,” he replied and extended his hand. “Bill Davis.”
    “Daughtry Lucas,” she replied and extended her small gloved hand to take his.
    “There,” he said confidently, “now we’re no longer strangers. Would you do me the honor of introducing me to your fair city?”
    Daughtry laughed, glad to be free for once. “Of course.”
    The rest of the day passed much too quickly for Daughtry. She ran into Jordy once, but he seemed unconcerned that his sister was on the arm of some stranger. Later, Daughtry narrowly avoided a confrontation with Gavin, when she and Bill happened into a knot of people who stood laughing and talking, blocking the street. As the crowd thinned a bit for them to pass by, Daughtry found Angeline Monroe to be the focal point of the group. Laughing and enjoying the attention, Angeline didn’t so much as nod when she caught Daughtry’s eye.
    “Do you know her?” Bill questioned after they’d managed to slip past the gathering.
    “Yes,” Daughtry replied, hoping Bill wasn’t going to ask to be introduced.
    “She seems awfully young to be flirting with so many men. You ought to have a talk with her folks,” Bill said, surprising Daughtry with his words.
    “People have been trying to tell her folks for years,” Daughtry laughed. “But she’s very spoiled.”
    “Unlike you,” Bill said, his sincerity clear in his voice. Daughtry blushed furiously but said nothing as she kept walking.
    With Angeline just a memory, Daughtry cast sly upward glances at the sandy-haired man who walked beside her. He was as tall as her father, and the width of his shoulders was also nearly the same. He was dressed in jeans and a light brown shirt, but it all seemed rather regal to Daughtry. Perhaps Bill was her Prince Charming, and he would whisk her away from the stifling life she’d known.
    “So how come a pretty thing like you hasn’t up and married?” Bill asked her while they walked the festive avenue of carnival games.
    “Truth? Or would you rather hear some fabulously devised story?” Daughtry asked, completely serious.
    Bill studied her for a moment and laughed. “Truth.”
    “It won’t appeal to you,” she said, glancing around her for the millionth time.
    “You looking for someone?” Bill asked her softly. “I mean, ever since this morning, you’ve been looking over your shoulder and down the street. What’s the problem?”
    Daughtry sighed. “The same reason I’ve never married. I have a very possessive father—and five brothers who feel it’s their duty to fill in for him when he can’t be there to do the job.”
    “I see,” Bill said, and Daughtry thought he sounded a little nervous. “Are they the killing kind or just the wounding and maiming type?”
    Daughtry laughed out loud, catching the attention of several people around them. Stifling her amusement, she waited until they’d walked away from the listening crowd. “I’ve only known them to be the ranting and raving kind, actually.”
    Bill grinned. “Ah, that won’t bother me then. My ears can tolerate the hollering.”
    “Don’t be so sure.” Daughtry glanced at the railroad depot clock and sighed. “I’d better get back. I’ve been gone way too long.”
    “I’ll walk you,” Bill said and tucked her arm around his.
    Daughtry wanted to tell him no, but the truth was, she was enjoying herself too much. Maybe God had decided to smile down on her and allow her to meet a respectable young man after all.
    “Daughtry, I’ve been looking for you.” Her father blocked their path, and behind him stood three of her brothers.
    Garrett was frowning fiercely at Bill, and the scowl was so intimidating that the younger man immediately dropped his hold on Daughtry.
    “I’ve just been seeing the sights and enjoying the fair,” Daughtry said, trying to control her temper. Then, hoping she could smooth matters, Daughtry turned to introduce her