Page 77 of A Cowboy to Call Her Own

Because she didn’t want to fall first. She wanted a guarantee her love would be returned. That this relationship would not fail. So Kelley protected herself. But it failed because she refused to try and put herself out there. Kelley blinked and dropped her forehead against the table. “I don’t think I’m cut out for this whole love thing.”

Frannie rubbed Kelley’s back. “At least you are talking about love now.”

“It’s not about being good or bad at it. It’s about being true to yourself,” Pauline said, softly. “It’s about believing you are enough, and your love is everything your cowboy needs. And then making him realize it, too.”

Kelley lifted her head. “I have to tell him how I feel.” How she really felt. She had to open her heart and give him the words. Trust that he felt the same.

Pauline nodded. Frannie hummed her agreement.

“I have to show him,” Kelley said louder and flung her shoulders back. She had to show her cowboy that their love was worth the investment. So worth fighting for.

“Not to point out the obvious,” Frannie started, “but Asher is in New York, and you are here. How exactly are you going to show him?”

“I need to get him here.” Kelley tugged her phone from her pocket. “And I need Big E’s help.”

“Isn’t it late to be texting Big E?” Frannie frowned at her.

“Are the stars out yet?” Kelley asked and tried to peer around her sister to see outside.

Frannie swatted her away. “I can’t tell. And I think you need to do more than wish upon a star.”

Kelley laughed at Frannie’s put-out tone, and said, “Big E told me he stays up every night to count the stars.”

“How many does he count?” Frannie asked, dryly.

“Is that like counting sheep to fall asleep?” Pauline asked and looked as if she was considering it.

“No.” Kelley started typing a text to Big E and glanced up. “Whenever Big E is away from his wife, they both go outside and count the first ten stars they see.”

“Why?” Frannie nudged her elbow in Kelley’s ribs. “Either text or talk, but don’t leave us hanging here.”

“Sorry.” Kelley hit Send on her text message, then smiled and said, “When they count the stars it’s a reminder that even though they are far apart, they are still in the other’s heart ten times over.”

Pauline sighed. “That’s sweet.”

Frannie flopped back on the bench. “I want someone to count stars with one day.”

So did Kelley. Her phone vibrated and she smiled wide. “Big E is awake and ready to help me.”

“Are you going to share the plan?” Pauline asked, her gaze curious.

“Simple.” Kelley stashed her phone in her apron pocket. “Big E is going to tell Asher that there is a serious buyer for Maple Moonlight who wants to speak to him in person about the purchase terms.”

“And you’re that serious buyer?” Frannie asked, sounding giddy.

Kelley nodded. She was serious. Serious about loving a cowboy.

CHAPTER TWENTY

He had hiscowgirl in his sights.Finally.

Although, she was still too far away.

Asher stood under the awning of Lucky Lane Tavern. The Red, White and Bluegrass Parade was rolling slowly past him, turning from Derby Hollow Road onto Hitch Post Avenue. Mayor Corbin had kicked off the July Fourth celebration earlier, leading the procession in the Grand Marshal’s horse-drawn wagon.

A string of impressive floats and performers followed. The Barn Dance Blowout where the high school dance team two-stepped and twirled. The Show Ponies. The Horse and Wagon Train. And Myles Groves in his 1950 Studebaker had already gone by to the excitement of the crowd gathered on the sidewalk all around Asher. The high school band followed, and the cheer team tossed candy to the delight of the happy kids. The Hometown Heroes earned applause from the spectators and salutes from the veterans in the crowd.

Flags waved nonstop. Cheers went up nonstop like a sparking current.