Almost Perfect. Judy Duarte

      The hayride and barn dance were the highlight of a Buckaroo week. As long as Jake had committed to fulfilling the reservations his sister had made over a year ago, the weekly event would go on as planned.

      “All right,” he told her. “One dance.”

      But something told him that wouldn’t be enough for Victoria Winston.

      Now if he could just get the woman to go back to her cabin or encourage her to have a facial. Maybe catch one of the sunset rides into the canyon. But he doubted that any of his suggestions would work and opted to bow out gracefully. “You’ll have to excuse me, Vickie. I’ve got to get things lined up inside. Then I have a lot of work to catch up on.”

      “Sure, Jake, I’ll excuse you. But don’t forget about the dance on Friday night.”

      “No, I won’t forget.” Jake tipped his hat, then headed back to the house.

      When he stepped inside the kitchen, Maggie was busy wiping Sam’s face and hands. She had her back to him and didn’t speak when he entered. Something told him that wasn’t a good thing.

      Kayla, on the other hand, giggled out loud.

      “What’s so funny?” he asked.

      “You got a big, red, reindeer kiss on your face.”