Page 42 of Her Wild Cowboy Billionaire

Her hands were clammy, and she walked into the bathroom to dry them. She’d done a simple makeup that emphasized her eyes, with a pink gloss on her lips.

Mindy appeared at the bathroom door and leaned on the door frame with her arms crossed over her chest. “Mom, you look gorgeous. Travis is going to love you.”

If only that were true. “Thank you, my little firefly.” Willow passed Mindy and went into the bedroom. “The sitter should be here soon. You mind Mrs. Johnson and go to bed when she says to. I’ve left the same instructions that I told you about. You may stay up until ten tonight. I don’t know when I’ll be home. I guess that depends on how long Travis wants to stay at the ball.”

“He’ll want to stay all night,” Mindy said with authority. “He wants to show you off and take advantage of every moment he has with you. Why don’t you just marry him?”

I know Mindy wants a dad, and she wants Travis to be the one. In my heart, so do I. “There are lots of reasons. We don’t really know each other is the biggest. I want to know more about him, and I’m sure he wants to know more about me other than I was being stalked by a madman.”

“I don’t know. That was a pretty big something to know about someone. You were different when I was little. Then the bad man started following you.”

“You’re right I was. But now that there is not a threat anymore, I think I can go back to just being your mom and a nurse.”

“Do you think you’ll still work after you and Travis get married?”

“Since I don’t know that we’ll get married, I intend to work as soon as I find another job. And just think, you can go back to school and be with your friends.”

She threw out her arms and twirled in a circle and started singing a song by the Pointer Sisters. “I’m so excited. I just can’t hide it...It’ll be like the first day of school all year.”

Willow let out a breath and checked herself again in the full-length mirror. I’m fine. The dress is beautiful and Travis will be pleased. So why am I so nervous? “It will. Have you told Ramie you’re coming back and you can see each other every day in person? She’s been your best friend since you were in kindergarten.”

“I know, but I haven’t told her yet. I haven’t had time. I thought I’d call her tonight. Mrs. Johnson used to like to watch movies when she comes over. She didn’t have HBO. I bet she’ll be happy for me to be on the phone in my bedroom.” Mindy was looking out Willow’s bedroom window. “Mom, Travis is here, and he brought a limo.”

Willow tried to seem nonchalant, but she was almost as excited as Mindy. “Of course, he did. Everyone will probably arrive in a limo. It’s a formal occasion, after all.” I’ve never ridden in a limo before. I feel like Cinderella going to the ball and finding her prince. Except my prince is in that car outside and I trust I won’t turn into a pumpkin at midnight.

“He’s headed to the door. I’m gonna open it for him.”

“All right, tell him I’ll be down in a few minutes.”

“Okay.” Mindy ran from the bedroom.

Willow heard her pound down the stairs.

“Travis,” said Mindy. “You look spectacular. You and Mom will be the best-looking couple there.”

“I hope so, little firefly.”

Willow stopped at the top of the stairs in time to see Travis hug Mindy. They love each other so much. Am I wrong to wait to marry Travis? I know I will and he knows I will, so what am I really waiting for? Am I so afraid of marriage that I would put it off, even though I love the man who wants to marry me?

She descended the stairs, head high and shoulders back. Willow had forgotten how low the front was. The bodice might have fit like a corset, but the neckline was unquestionably a demi cup. Her breasts rose high, and her cleavage was definitely on display.

Travis gave her a once over and then settled his gaze on her face.

Score one for Travis. She’d bet the other men at the ball tonight won’t be so tasteful. This was the first time she’d seen him in something other than casual ranch wear. He filled out his tux impressively. Even though she’d seen him with his shirt off, his shoulders looked even broader in the tux. He looked so dashing in his tuxedo with a black bow tie and cape.

“You look absolutely ravishing.” Travis held out his arm.

“Thank you, kind sir.” She bent and kissed Mindy on the forehead. “You be good for Mrs. Johnson. I have my phone if you need me for any reason. Okay?”

“We’ll be fine. Mrs. Johnson is in the kitchen making popcorn for the movie. I might watch it with her. It’s the live action Beauty and the Beast with Emma Watson. You know how much I love that movie.”

“I do. Have fun.”

“I will. You, too.” Mindy turned her gaze to Travis. “You take good care of my mom, or you’ll answer to me.”

He crossed his heart. “I promise to protect her like she belongs to me.”

Mindy narrowed her eyes. “Okay. Just so we’re clear.”