Later on, the whole family went to the town fair. Betty had spent the day doing her chores, with Walker planning his next trips. He also took the time to fix a couple of smaller things, burnt-out lightbulbs and clogged drains. Still, the kids were looking forward to the fair, so things had to be done quickly. This was a once a year thing. It was getting harder and harder to organize it. Many of the young people had moved away and the old people didn't actually have the energy. Besides, the town coffers were ... let's not say empty, but there wasn't too much cash either.
Anyway, Betty and Erin spent the early afternoon in the kitchen finishing the cakes and then, finally, the whole bunch left. As they arrived, there was quite the crowd already. The school band was playing some Sousa, people were cheering, Del pounded a keg of his home-brewn beer and Walker relaxed. Betty and Erin started selling the cakes and people commented on her slimmer frame. Betty was wearing an old dress that fit her again now, and she loved it. She had kept it carefully in the back of her wardrobe, certain that she would never wear it again, and guess what, it fit her perfectly. Well, not too perfectly, actually. She did have bigger breasts before. But that was nothing a little stuffing couldn't help.
As the hours passed, people were letting lose. The cakes were long since sold out, the school band had stowed away their instruments and Stan and his band were climbing on stage for the dance. Walker took Betty by the hand and asked:
"Care to dance?"
"Sure, dear."
He pulled her on the dance-floor as the band launched into a fast number. Walker Jr. and Erin had wandered off to hang out with their friends and eat the wonky cake they couldn't sell. The pair flew over the dance-floor and Walker was having fun. Betty was so energetic, she was really lifting his spirits. She was laughing, keeping up with him. They were feeling young again. Betty was having tremendous fun. It was as if she got her life back. As they spun over the parquet, she kissed him. A few drunks cheered and she kissed him again. Longer. Deeper. With tongue. He blushed and recoiled a little, but she smiled at him and this was such a nice moment, he just couldn't care about what people would say.
The music got more romantic and they slow-danced for a while, grinning stupidly as they enjoyed themselves. Just as they were about to deeply fall in love with each other again, forgetting all the strain and annoyance of everyday life, there was a commotion.
Nancy and Mike were fighting.