Texas Standoff. Ruth Smith Alana

don’t they, E.Z.?” he half whispered, not wanting Will to know such a possibility bothered him.

      “He’s joshin’ with you, Buddy,” she reassured him, opening the back door.

      Buddy lingered at the threshold, drinking in the starfilled sky. “Wow!” was her only warning before he bolted for the railing, almost knocking her off her feet in the process. “Look, E.Z. A shootin’ star.” He pointed excitedly and instantly began reciting the childhood rhyme she’d taught him.

      “Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight.”

      She came to join him at the railing as the distant star burned itself out against a backdrop of black velvet.

      “Wish I may, wish I might.” Buddy chanted.

      She concentrated on the brilliant streak and spoke without realizing it. “Feel again what I felt last night.”

      “You weren’t supposed to wish aloud,” Buddy scolded. “Now it won’t come true. You jinxed it, E.Z. Besides, your buttin’ in made me mess up my wish.”

      She felt foolish. “Sorry. I meant to keep it to myself.”

      Buddy wasn’t one to hold a grudge. “It’s okay. There’ll be another.”

      “Come on. Let’s doctor that burn.” Elise had more on her mind than bungled wishes.

      Not so with Buddy. He stayed behind, his face full of uncertainty, his eyes following her across the porch. “Jinxin’ a wish ain’t good. Maybe we oughtta sit out awhile longer. There might be another shootin’ star. You could wish again and make it all right.”

      “You worry too much. It’s no big deal,” she said, scoffing at his concern. “How’d you like a dish of ice cream before bed?” She knew bribery was the best way to budge him.