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I looked at the photograph again. I still didn’t like seeing my face hanging in public, but it didn’t feel the same as it had before. I’d chosen to let Caroline use my picture. That made all the difference.
A vendor yelled from the next row over, pulling Caroline’s attention away. One of the volunteers waved both arms, and she sighed.
“I have to go find out what that means.”
“Probably nothing good.”
“Nothing involving both arms ever is.” She took two steps, then came back and kissed my cheek. “I’ll find you before the parade.”
I watched her disappear into the crowd before heading back to the horses.
On my way back, I passed Slade Kincaid and Orville standing outside the arena office.
“Stetson’s coming home next month,” Slade said. “For good this time.”
I’d heard rumors that Slade’s older brother would be getting out of the military soon. Sounded like the rumors were true.
Orville grinned. “That’s perfect. I’m putting together a youth winter clinic.”
Slade shook his head. “You might want to ask him about it before you put him in charge.”
“Of course.”
The way Orville said it made me doubt Slade’s older brother would ever get that chance.
The morning went fast. Around eleven, the parade staging area started to fill. Riders came in first, then the floats and a pack of kids on decorated bicycles. I kept Hank and Gus off to the side until things settled down.
Caroline appeared carrying a radio in one hand and half a sandwich in the other.
“Are you actually eating lunch?” I asked.
She held up the sandwich. “Documented proof.”
“Good.”
She took another bite and looked over the staging area. “We’re five minutes behind, but Orville thinks we’re on time, so don’t tell him.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
A dark shape slipped through the temporary fencing behind her. I saw Hades before Caroline did. He trotted straight into the parade staging lane like he’d been invited.
Caroline turned at the sound of someone laughing. “Oh, no.”
Hades stopped next to the wagon.
“He likes parades,” I said.
“You know that for a fact?”
“No.”
She pointed toward the opening in the fence. “Hades. Out.”
He looked at her and didn’t move.
Caroline planted one hand on her hip. “Do not make me lose an argument with a wolf in front of half the town.”
Hades sat.
