and Mary Beth up the stairs.
When they reached a spot on the fifty-yard line about halfway up the bleachers, J.J. said, “Here we are, Katy-bug,” and put the child down. “You’re going to have to go on a diet. You’re getting heavy.”
Katy giggled. “You always say that.”
“I do? I’ll have to think up a new line.” He smiled and tapped her nose gently. “And you’re not fat. You’re just right.”
The little girl beamed. “I want a hot dog.”
“Already?” J.J. asked as he set up the stadium seats on the weathered wood bleachers.
Katy nodded and took a seat between Mary Beth and J.J. Carrie sat on the end next to Mary Beth.
“Let me catch my breath,” J.J. said, “and I’ll do a concession run. What do you ladies want?”
He took orders for hot dogs, drinks, popcorn and peanuts.
“How are you going to carry all that?” Carrie asked. “Want me to go and help?”
“Naw, I’m resourceful. I can handle it.”
“It’s a man thing,” Mary Beth said as his boots clattered down the wooden steps.
Carrie smiled. “I understand macho.” And she did. From the time she was fourteen, she’d learned how to navigate in a male world. That background had served her well in her studies and her work.
Mary Beth waved at someone and Carrie turned to look. Frank was making his way toward them with a pair of dark-haired children about Katy’s size. His twins, she surmised. This was the first time she’d seen him in anything other than business clothes. He had on well-worn jeans and a plaid western shirt under his jean jacket. He wore black boots and a black cowboy hat that looked to be the twin of the one J.J. always wore. And he looked darned good in his cowboy duds.
Darned good.
“Well, hello,” he said to her, smiling broadly. “I’m surprised to see you here.”
“And I’m surprised to see you, Judge.”
“Our family has season tickets for this whole row. Have had for years. We’re all big Mustang fans.” He took three stadium seats from a large canvas bag he carried and started setting them up. “Carrie, this is my daughter Janey and my son Jimmy. Kids, say hello to Miss Carrie.”
They both said a shy hello, then Janey tugged on Frank’s pant leg and whispered, “I want to sit by Katy.”
“Do you mind?” Frank asked Carrie.
“Not at all.” Carrie rose to change seats and by the time the kids had shuffled everybody around to accommodate them, Carrie ended up sitting between Janey and Frank.
“Thanks. They’re bosom buddies,” Frank said, nodding to the two whispering, giggling girls.
“Dad,” Jimmy said, “I’m hungry. Can I have a hot dog?”
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