Page 12 of Curvy Girl and the Grumpy Cowboy

"I thought about you," I admit, the confession slipping out before I can stop it. "In Seattle. More than I should have."

"I thought about you too. Every day."

"That doesn't change what happened."

"No," he agrees, "but maybe it changes what happens next."

I shake my head slightly, even as my body instinctively moves closer to his. "It's not that simple, Jackson."

"Why not?"

"Because I built a life without you," I say, the words coming out stronger than I expected. "Because I had to learn how to want things for myself, not just for us. Because you chose the ranch over me once, and I can't—"

"I was wrong," he cuts in, hands trembling. "I was afraid, Sarah. Afraid of change, afraid of failing, afraid of wanting something just for myself instead of for the family legacy." His hold on me tightens. "I've regretted it every day since."

Around us, other couples dance, oblivious to the earthquake happening between us. I see Cole watching from near the punch bowl. Vincent and his girlfriend sway nearby, her head resting on his shoulder, Lucy sandwiched between them in an impromptu family dance.

"What would be different now?" I ask, forcing myself to meet his gaze. "I still have dreams, Jackson. Big ones. I'm still building something that's mine."

"I know." He nods, his eyes never leaving mine. "And I'm not asking you to give that up. I'm asking for a chance to show you that I can be part of it—that I want to be part of it. I'm still the same man in many ways," he continues, voice low and earnest. "I still love the ranch, still feel responsible for my brothers, still hate crowds and small talk." A small, self-deprecating smile touches his lips. "But losing you taught me that some changes are worth making. Some risks are worth taking."

I swallow hard. "What are you saying, exactly?"

"I'm saying I want another chance, Sarah. A chance to do it right this time." His gaze is so intense it nearly takes my breath away. "I'm saying that if you asked me today to follow you anywhere—Seattle, New York, the damn moon—my answer would be different."

"I'm not going anywhere," I whisper, my voice catching. "I came back to stay."

"I know." His smile is gentle now. "Maybe that's fate giving us both a second chance."

The song ends, but we don't step apart. Around us, couples begin moving off the dance floor as the band announces a short break, but we remain, caught in our own world.

"I'm not saying yes," I tell him, needing him to understand. "Not to everything. Not yet."

"I'm not asking for everything," he replies. "Just coffee. After the auction is over."

I stare at him—this man who broke my heart, who I've never quite been able to forget. The stubborn cowboy who bid on expensive auction items and wore a too-tight suit and asked me to dance in front of the whole town.

"Coffee," I agree finally. "Just coffee."

The relief that crosses his face is almost comical. "I'll take it."

"Jackson?" I say as we finally step apart. "If this is going to work—if we're even going to try—I need to know you're all in. No holding back because you're scared of what might happen."

He takes my hand, his hard-working fingers wrapping around mine with gentle pressure. "Sarah Matthews, for seven years, I've been a man who made the biggest mistake of his life and knew it. I'm done being scared. I'm done holding back. I'm all in."

Around us, the fundraiser continues—people bidding on auctions, the band returning to their instruments, Little Lucy running between tables trailing ribbons from her dress.

But in this moment, all I can see is the sincerity in Jackson's eyes, the vulnerability that this proud, stubborn man rarely shows.

"I need to check on the auction," I say, reluctantly stepping back. "It closes in twenty minutes."

He nods, letting my hand slip from his. "I should probably make sure my brothers aren't embarrassing the family name."

A smile tugs at my lips. "Too late for that. I saw Ethan trying to flirt with both of Doc Walker's daughters at once."

Jackson groans. "Some things never change."

"Some things do," I echo his earlier words, holding his gaze for one more meaningful moment before turning away.

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