Page 63 of Dirty Cowboy

Grandpa Albert’s weathered hand covers mine, his grip firm yet comforting. His deep sigh carries the weight of years, of experience, of knowing things I don’t yet fully understand.

“All I want is for you both to be happy,” he says, his voice softer now, as if he’s passing me something sacred.

I cup my palms over his, the warmth of his touch anchoring me. My voice is barely above a whisper, but it holds a truth I can’t deny. “I love Eric with all my heart.” The words slip out effortlessly, surprising even me with their weight. If only I could say them to Eric himself. If only I knew what his response would be.

With a soft sigh, I add, “And I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him.”

The words hang between us, a delicate mixture of truth and wishful thinking.

Grandpa Albert studies me for a long moment, then nods, satisfied. “Good.”

He shifts in his chair, his tone taking on a new gravity. “Now, tell me about your father.”

The lump in my throat returns. “Stage four colon cancer,” I say, the words thick, heavy. “He doesn’t have much time.”

The sadness in his eyes mirrors my own. “I’m sorry to hear that.” He squeezes my hand before letting go, giving me space to breathe. “Wouldn’t you rather be by his side right now?”

My chest tightens, the familiar war raging inside me.

“I should be,” I admit, my fingers tracing the round edges of my untouched sweet bun. “This round of chemo is… It’s killing him. I should be there, but Eric needs my help?—”

His brow lifts. “What help does he need?”

“I promised I’d find Huntz.”

Grandpa exhales slowly. “Emma, Huntz isn’t lost. Everyone in this town knows where he is.”

I swallow. “I also need to be here for the Fest. For Eric’s announcement. It’ll make our engagement official. It’s important.”

Grandpa bites into his sweet bun, chewing thoughtfully. I take a bite of mine, the buttery dough melting on my tongue, but it does little to ease the nerves tightening my stomach.

“If you need to leave before then, I understand,” he says gently.

His words hit me like a blow.

“What?”

“Family is everything,” he continues, his voice kind but firm. “You won’t get this time back with your father.”

I set my fork down, the conversation suddenly too much. “Soon,” I promise. “I’ll go home soon. Probably right after the Fest, and we’ll figure out the rest.”

“Eric should go with you,” he says, his tone leaving no room for argument. “He should be by your side.”

I wish it were that simple.

“My brothers aren’t exactly comfortable with our age difference,” I admit, feeling the weight of the lie pressing against my ribs. “They don’t even know we’re together.”

His frown deepens. “Estonia was fifteen years younger than me,” he says, his voice taking on a nostalgic warmth. “And she was the finest wife a man could ask for. Age is just a number in matters of the heart.”

“That’s what my father tells me,” I smile, feeling a rush of affection for the two men who’ve been quietly guiding my heart. “Thank you for being so understanding. You make a great grandpa.”

He gives me a playful wink. “Tell me, Emma,” he says, his tone shifting. “Could you see yourself putting down roots in Lords Valley?”

The question catches me off guard.

I glance outside, where the land stretches endlessly, golden fields swaying gently in the morning breeze. This town is unlike anything I’ve ever known. It’s slower, simpler, and full of a richness I can’t quite explain.

“It’s beautiful here,” I say honestly, surprised by the longing in my own voice. “There’s a peace in Lords Valley that you just can’t find in the city. And the people… They’re real.Grounded. It’s refreshing.”

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