After the parade they’d lingered, visiting with people as they headed back to their vehicles. Alex knew they wouldn’t be able to get out any time soon anyway because they’d be blocked in. Once most of the crowd was gone she packed up their chairs and let Matt carry them back to the truck. She could have done it but what was the point in pushing the issue? Besides, it made him feel better to carry them. She took him back to the rodeo grounds, still refusing to tell him what was going on. The crowd was several times as large as earlier at the arena as the rodeo was a longstanding tradition and had a huge turn out from all over, not just locals. At the gate Matt tried to buy their tickets but she put an end to that.
“My date, I’m paying,” she said firmly.
He watched her for just a second, s
