Page 84 of Nanny for the Cowboy

The crowd claps, and while the applause isn’t booming, it’s definitely there. Several eyes turn toward me as I force myself forward and onto the stage.

“Hey there, everyone.” I run my eyes over the crowd as I take the microphone off the stand. “I’ve got a few songs prepared for you, and they’re meant to get you up on your feet and dancing. So don’t be shy.”

Says the woman who’s about to have a panic attack from just speaking to the room.

But I settle myself, take a deep breath, and then my eyes find Brooks’s again. Something about having him to focus on makes the nerves bearable. I’m able to focus on his gorgeous hazel stare and nothing else.

The music starts up behind me, a few local musicians playing the instrumentals, and I begin to sing “Jackson,” the guitarist offering supporting vocals.

I’m pleasantly surprised when a bunch of people get up from the chairs and start dancing. It’s not many, but as the set progresses, more and more people get to their feet and start lighting up the dance floor.

I took Rosie’s suggestions on song choices, and fuck, am I glad I did. These are the right kind of tunes to get the local “country folk” moving. Though, I did slip in a few of my favorites in the set list of ten total songs.

“Thank you!” I smile, giving a little bow as people actually cheer. “But we’re not done yet! Here’s a chance to catch your breath before we hit the ground running again.”

The music for the ballad starts, and like they have been all night, my eyes find the table off to the right near the front, where my family is watching.

My family…Brooks and Darby. I think they count at this point.

The gentle tune has couples slow dancing, and I don’t look away from Brooks as I croon the romantic words. My heart is so damned full, and I know that I have him to thank.

I’ve wanted to perform like this for so long, and if it weren’t for Brooks’s encouragement, I was going to tell Rosie no.

My mind goes everywhere and nowhere as I sing, lost in the words but remembering how badly I wanted to do this when I was young. Hell, I’d dreamed of being signed by a label.

Though, I’ll admit. This? This intimate setting, where I can see people dancing, enjoying themselves, I think it’s way better than some pop star lifestyle.

Making people happy with the power of music is the actual dream. That and to bring joy to the people closest to me.

Brooks grins as I finish up, and he’s the first to start clapping, just like he has been all night, evening beating my dad.

God, I love how supportive he is.

My stomach clenches as we take a brief break between songs. I used the L word. Even if it was only in my head, I felt the impact.

I’m not sure what to do with that.

Regardless, I don’t have the time to dwell on it because the show must go on, and I finish out the set, floating on cloud nine by the time it’s done.

The crowd cheers for me as I take a bow, and my pulse is through the roof—adrenaline and joy and relief all swirling together.

Things calm down, and I walk to the side of the stage where Rosie is waiting for me, a huge grin plastered on her face. She gives me a big hug as I step off.

“You did so good!” Rosie bounces up and down a little. “I’m so proud of you! Please say you’ll do this again.”

Sticking out her bottom lip in a faux pout, Rosie clutches her hands together in front of her chest.

“You know,” I smile, looking out over the crowd and seeing Brooks again, Darby waving frantically as he stands in his seat, “I think I will.”

Rosie claps her hands together, smiling as big as the sun. “Fantastic! Ugh, yay! I will book you for another performance right away. This is going to be so damn…fantastic!”

All I can do is laugh, and when I can finally leave the stage area, all I want to do is run to Brooks and throw my arms around his neck. My dad is right there, though, so I fight back the urge, promising myself to give in to it when we’re back home.

Running happily over to them, I hug my dad first, squeezing him tightly as he gushes over me. Darby is next, practicallythrowing himself at me, and then I’m treated to an amazing high-five from him that leaves my palm stinging.

“Ow, dang, buddy! That was intense!” He laughs, and I ruffle his hair as I smile up at Brooks. “You’re one lucky duck, too. You’re up way past your bedtime.”

He grins, beginning to tell me about a Kiddy Cocktail that sounds like more cherries than anything else.

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