And Portia knew exactly who she wanted Ruth to meet. They found a place to park the buggy and joined the crowd for the walk to the event. Entering the main area was like stepping into an outdoor fair. There were large rings set up for the various horse races, a corral for the bull and bronco riders, and everywhere you looked were legions of people of all races and ages. Making their way through the crowd, they heard conversations in both English and Spanish along with laughter and music. In the air were the mouthwatering smells of roasting pigs and beef. Women were frying tortillas and grilling chilies next to fragrant pots of beans.
“This is amazing,” Ruth said happily. “I’ve read about rodeos a few times in the Chicago papers but seeing it with my own eyes takes my breath away.”
Portia was glad she was enjoying herself. “It’s come down to us from Mexico, and celebrations like this one are held all over this part of the country.”
“What do we do first?”
Truthfully, Portia was hoping to spot Kent but knew finding him in the large crowd was going to be difficult. But the fates were with her. “I see Kent and Matt. Let’s find out if they’ve signed up for any of the contests.”
“Lead the way.”
It took a few minutes to make their way through the crowd to his side but when he saw her, his smile brought out her own.
“Good morning. Was hoping to find you,” he said.
“Same here. Morning, Matt.”
“Morning, MissPortia. Morning, MissAdams.”
Portia asked, “Have you two signed up for any of the competitions?”
Kent replied, “I’m on my way to the registration table now. Matt’s decided he’s not entering.”
“I’ve been at these things enough times to know that I’d only be laughed at. Think I’ll spend my time eating and looking at pretty girls.”
Portia saw him staring longingly at Bonnie Neal, a pretty young brunette holding a frilly green parasol to protect her from the sun. She was speaking with an older woman and when the woman moved on, she turned and looked over at Matt.
Kent seemed to have noticed his young ranch hand’s interest, too, because he asked, “Do you know her?”
Matt nodded. “Her daddy is one of the big ranchers. Her name’s Bonnie Neal, but she doesn’t even know I’m alive.”
Portia asked, “Then who’s she smiling at?”
Matt went still.
Even with the thick crowd passing in front of her like a river current, it was easy to see that Matt had her attention. “You should go over and say hello,” Kent said.
Looking terrified, Matt shook his head.
“Go say hello, Matt.”
“You think so?”
Kent pushed him gently. “Go. We’ll see you later.”
Portia watched him approach Bonnie and his shyness reminded her of James Cordell.
Kent said, “I probably shouldn’t yell at him to stop staring down at his boots and look her in the face, should I?”
Portia and Ruth grinned, and Portia said, “No. You’ll only embarrass him.”
“Then I need to stop watching.” Fitting actions to his words, he turned his back and Portia doubted she’d ever get over how silly he could be at times. “Did Oliver and Sylvia come with you?” he asked.
She shook her head. “He isn’t feeling well. The train ride took a lot more out him than he thought. Sarah and the staff will take good care of him though.”
He nodded.
She thought she saw a shadow cross his face and it made her wonder if the father and son were still at odds.