Page 104 of Dirty Cowboy

"Chamomile tea," he says, handing me a cup.

I wrap my fingers around the warmth, breathing in the soothing scent.

"Thank you for taking care of me," I say softly.

Eric settles beside me, his arm draping over the back of the couch. "It’s the least I can do," he murmurs. "Not every day I get to rescue a damsel from Thor."

I snort into my tea, nudging him playfully with my elbow. "Ihadthat bull."

He chuckles, tucking a loose curl behind my ear. "I know you did, sweetheart."

We sip our tea in comfortable silence, the flickering glow of the fireplace casting soft shadows on the walls. The steady warmth of his arm around me, and the rhythmic sound of his breathing makes the moment feel easy and right.

I don’t remember closing my eyes, and I don’t remember drifting off, but somewhere between his body heat and the lull of chamomile, sleep claims me.

And for the first time in a long time, I dream of nothing buthim.

The Big Barn glows under the soft shimmer of string lights, casting a golden haze over the wooden beams and hay bales lining the walls. The scent of apple pie and freshly cut straw drifts through the air, wrapping around me in a blanket of home. Sunflowers sit in oversized mason jars, their bright faces turned toward the warm glow. Ribbons in deep autumn colors sway gently with the breeze slipping through the open barn doors, as if the night itself is celebrating with us.

Emma stands beside me, her cream dress hugging her curves, catching the light with every shift of her body. The faint scent of her perfume lingers in the air between us, stirring something deep inside me. She leans in slightly, just enough for me to feel her warmth, the pressure of her against my side sending a bolt of longing straight through my chest.

The ring on her finger glints under the lights, like an unspoken promise of more than I ever expected. It fits her perfectly.Shefits perfectly. Despite her injured ankle, she insisted on wearing a heeled shoe on her good foot, balancing herself with subtle shifts against me. Every time she leans into me, every glance she steals, and every breath she takes, is a reminder that this engagement isn’t pretend anymore. Not for me.

Tomorrow, I’ll have to turn this lie into the truth I crave. Because the thought of losing her? It feels like losing a piece of myself.

“Has anyone seen Misty?” Annabelle’s voice cuts through my thoughts, her concern slicing through the warmth of the night. “She was supposed to help with the pony rides, but no one’s heard from her since last night.”

Blake steps up, his usual easy grin replaced with something more serious. “I stopped by her place. Her bike’s gone, and she’s not answering her phone. That’s not like her.”

Emma stiffens beside me. “We should go look for her. She didn’t seem okay after I fell off Thor.”

A cold knot tightens in my stomach. First the power outage, and now Misty’s disappearance. The uneasy feeling that’s been trailing me for the past twenty-four hours presses heavier against my chest.

“I’ll go,” Blake says, already stepping away. “You two enjoy your big night.”

I nod, even as the worry lingers, pressing against my ribs like a weight I can’t shake. I squeeze Emma’s hand, grounding myself in her warmth.

“Ready?” I ask.

The barn hums with life. Laughter bubbles through the air, mingling with the twang of a country song. Nearly everyone in Lords Valley is here, dressed in their fall best. Even Caroline lurks near the refreshment table, watching from a distance.

Emma hesitates for half a second, her smile faltering before she straightens, smoothing a hand down her dress. “Ready.”

She leans into me, her body molding against mine, and I swear I can feel the rapid beat of her heart against my arm. I have to remind myself this is still a charade. That this is all temporary.

Until I can talk to her father—and her brothers—it all feels like it can slip away. It feels ephemeral and delicate, and that terrifies me.

Grandpa Albert approaches, his face splitting into a wide grin. “There’s my favorite couple! Emma, dear, how’s the ankle?”

“Much better. Eric wrapped it in vinegar and water,” she shifts her weight. Instinctively, I tighten my hold around her waist, fingers pressing into the soft fabric of her dress.

The music fades, and Sheriff Simon’s voice echoes through the barn. “Evening, folks! Before we get to the pie eating contest, Eric Waters has an announcement.”

My stomach clenches. The moment is here and I feel the weight of the lie settle over my shoulders, heavier than it was yesterday. Heavier than it’s ever been. But then I look at Emma and the trust shining in her blue eyes, and suddenly, this lie feels like the truest thing I’ve ever held in my heart.

I take her hand and lead her toward the stage, each step amplifying the pounding in my chest.

I clear my throat, steadying myself. “Thank you all for being here tonight. Lords Valley has always been my home, and I’ve never wanted to be anywhere else. But until Emma came into my life, something was missing.”

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