The Rancher's Summer Secret by Christine Rimmer

Author:Christine Rimmer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-04-11T22:03:48+00:00

Chapter Seven

Van and Charity walked out together to join the day’s festivities. Held in a pretty, rolling pasture dotted with alder and burr oak trees, Bronco’s Favorite Pet Contest had drawn a good crowd.

“It looks great,” said Charity, and then she went to join Jameson, who’d saved her a seat.

Van agreed with Charity’s assessment. Daphne had gathered her minions—kids of all ages who volunteered at the pet sanctuary, as well as any spectators who happened to show up early. They’d all pitched in to set up folding chairs in rows. They’d hung flags and red, white and blue bunting from every available tree, booth or bit of outdoor furniture, including the judges’ table, the trophy display, the refreshment area and around the podium. Now, they’d all taken their seats, many with pets of their own.

Van took the front-row seat reserved for her and watched as Daphne’s many young helpers, more than half of them summer camp Young Adventurers, emerged from the nearest barn with pets on leashes and leads, in carriers and cages. Everyone applauded as the kids brought out cats and dogs, several pigs, a few goats, more than one exotic bird, and various small, furry creatures, too. Van spotted a ferret, a family of hamsters and a large number of rabbits. The helpers and their charges formed a wide arc behind the podium and the trophy display.

Daphne stepped up to the podium. She thanked everyone for coming and reminded them that all Happy Hearts pets were either rescues or animals born right there at the sanctuary.

“Each of these loving fur babies is available to you and your family. I hope you’ll consider giving one or more of them a caring, forever home.” She swept out a hand to a couple of teenagers seated at the table with the big sign that read Adoption Center. “Toby and Allison are ready to help you adopt the favorite pet of your choice—and now let’s get the contest underway.”

Daphne went on to introduce the five judges, after which she grinned at Van. “I’m going to need a little help handing out the trophies and ribbons, so I want to introduce you all to my dear friend and soon-to-be sister-in-in-law. Ladies and gentlemen, youngsters and pets, let’s give a big welcome to our own Miss Bronco! Show her some love with a round of applause!”

Everyone clapped some more, and one or two whistled as Van got up, waved to the crowd and went to join Daphne at the podium.

For the next three hours, Daphne introduced each category and Van passed out the trophies. Spectators brought their pets forward to compete, and the helpers did the same with the Happy Hearts animals.

The categories of competition changed depending on the species. Cats got points for qualities like dignity and mesmerizing eyes. Dogs were judged on friendliness, best bark and willingness to chase and fetch a ball. The usual animal-competition traits of obedience and conformation didn’t even get a nod. Furry friends at Happy Hearts tended to march to their own individual drums, and few of them had pedigrees.

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