Say You Won't Let Go Google(22)

When I stand in front of the microphone, I pretend it’s like my last concert. I envision Cooper standing in the crowd. My memory recalls his smile, his eyes, and the way he makes me feel.

“Are you ready for some country music, Houston?” I ask the crowd and lose myself in the screams.

For just a second, my eyes move over to where Wade stands, and he tilts his chin in approval.

I’ve got this.





“I miss you.” I twist my hair while lying on my bed talking to Cooper. “I think you should just come finish out the tour with me.”

“Who would make sure Wyatt doesn’t burn the farm down?”

“That is true. I’m pretty sure Angie could handle him,” I offer as another option. “Although, she ain’t exactly a farmer.”

Cooper sighs. “I wish I could, darlin’. I’d be there right now if things weren’t so crazy here.”

I understand, I just hate it. Every part of me wants him here with me.

“I know.”

“How did the show go?” He changes the subject.

“Good. I was nervous, but I made it through.”

I fill him in on some of my worries, being careful not to make him nervous as well. As much as I may say I wish Cooper were with me, I know he’s where he has to be. He’s invested a lot of money into Townsend Ranch. He bought his father out and then had Wyatt come in as a partner, but Cooper is majority shareholder. The two of them have really started making a name for themselves, and they even bought some land off the Henningtons to expand. It’s becoming more and more of a family-owned business with them combining resources.

“You should get to bed,” Cooper says through a yawn.

“Me?” I giggle. “You’re probably fallin’ asleep on me.”

“I’m beat.”

I roll over, wishing I could snuggle up next to him. “I love you, Cooper.”

“I love you, too.”

“I keep thinkin’ all this is a dream.”

He laughs. “If it is, I’d like to keep sleepin’.”

“Thank you for making sure I was safe before you left. I haven’t had anyone take care of me in a long time. Hell…maybe never.”

My life growing up didn’t have baked goods or men making sure I was set. I was lucky if my father knew I was alive. Cooper is the complete opposite of the type of guy I thought I’d end up falling for. I don’t know why, but I really thought I’d be like my mama and marry some idiot who drank too much.

“If you let me, I’ll make sure you never worry about anything. All I want is for you to be happy, Em. I’ve waited a long time for this. I’m not goin’ to let it go.”

Dear Lord, this man is freaking perfect.

“You make me very happy, Cooper Townsend. Very, very happy.”





Chapter Eleven


Cooper



“Are you listening?” Presley waves her hands in my face. “Earth to Cooper.”

“I hear you. I’m just thinkin’.”

My sister’s grin spreads, and her eyes light up. I know what’s coming. My nosy-ass sister is about to ask a million questions about whatever is going on with Emily. I’ve been able to keep the new generation of busy bodies away for the most part, but it was just a matter of time. Mama has done her digging, but thankfully Emily’s family was never part of their clique.

“’Bout Emily?” Her eyes drop to her feet as she shrugs.

I’m not buying it. This has to be eating at her. Emily is part of my sister’s group of friends, so there’s no way this is just whatever for her.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“I would, in fact.”

“Too bad.” I start to walk out of the office and hear her behind me.

“Cooper!” She groans. “I’m your sister. You should talk to me about girls. I can help, since I am one and all.”

I laugh while shaking my head. “You’ve never helped before.”

“Umm. Grace?”

How the hell did she help with that? All she did was push her to Trent’s arms. I’m not saying it wasn’t the right thing, but it sure as fuck didn’t give me what I wanted at that time.

“Considering Grace is married to your brother-in-law, I’m going to say you suck at helping.”

“You didn’t love Grace. You weren’t meant for her, and you know it. I helped her and you both see that.” Presley’s hands rest on her hips. “We both know I’m right.”

Damn her.

“Sure you are.”

“You can just say thank you.” Her suggestion is punctuated with a tiny tilt to her chin, which makes me laugh. She’s just like our mom.

“Thank you for what? For drivin’ me nuts?”

As kids, we fought like crazy, but she was my best friend. With both of us touring in the rodeo, we were forced together each weekend. My sister was amazing to watch, she shined when she raced. As we got older and she met Zach, our relationship became strained. Even if she doesn’t see it, I’m glad we’re past the bullshit. Having her and my nephews back in Bell Buckle has given my entire family a sense of peace. More than that, it gave me my sister back.