CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND SEVENTY ONE - A New Assignment

"Don't let Lily talk your ear off about cotton candy," a deep, amused voice chimed in. Rebecca turned to see a tall, broad-shouldered man approaching. He was dressed in worn jeans and a plaid shirt, with a weathered cowboy hat perched on his head. "There's a lot more to the fair than just sugar on a stick." "Rebecca, this is Tom," Martha introduced. "He's been volunteering at the fair for... how long has it been now, Tom?" "Long enough to remember when we still had actual cowboy events instead of just pony rides," Tom said with a wink. He tipped his hat to Rebecca. "Welcome to our little slice of heaven, Miss Rebecca. Don't let the fancy Castelli name fool you – we know how to have a good time here in Cincinnati." Rebecca felt herself relaxing even further in the presence of these friendly faces. "I'm sure you do," she said with a smile. "And please, just Rebecca is fine. I'm here to help, not to stand on ceremony." "That's what we like to hear," Tom said, his eyes crinkling with w