Page 19 of Buck Me, Cowboy

“Not immediately, but I want to meet your mother. Help you rebuild that relationship.”

The ease with which she offers to help heal the most broken part of my life leaves me speechless. This woman, who has every reason to doubt me, still sees something worth loving in me.

She studies my face with those intelligent eyes that see too much. “This is terrifying.”

“The best things usually are.”

After a long moment, she nods. “Okay. We’ll try this. For real this time.”

My body shakes as relief floods through me so intensely that I have to close my eyes. When I open them, Rebecca is watching me with a soft and hopeful look in her eyes.

“There’s one condition.”

“Anything.”

“No more rodeo groupies. I know they’re part of your world, but I can’t handle wondering if you’re going to be tempted every time some woman throws herself at you. I trust you, but I don’t trust them.”

“There are no other women.” I take her hands again, needing touch her as I state the most important truth. “There’s only you, Rebecca. You’re the only one I see, the only one I want. Everything else is just noise. There is nothing any of thosewomen could say or do that would make me falter for even a second. I swear on everything—you have nothing to worry about.”

The conviction in my voice must reach her because more of the tension leaves her shoulders.

“The awards ceremony is this afternoon. Win or lose, I want to be there with you. As your real boyfriend this time, not your fake one.”

“Even if I don’t win?”

“Even if you don’t win. Though for the record, your grandfather’s recipe is going to destroy the competition,” I smile at her, and her blue eyes glisten.

This time her smile is genuine, bright enough to chase away the last shadows of our misunderstanding.

“Come on.” I stand and offer her my hand. “Let’s go win you a championship.”

As we walk toward the fairgrounds hand in hand, I realize something fundamental has shifted. What started as a fake has become the most real thing in my life. And for the first time in a long time, I’m not afraid of the future.

I’m excited to build it with the woman walking beside me.

CHAPTER 9

REBECCA

First place in the People’s Choice competition... Rebecca Cooper!”

The crowd erupts as Polly Williamson announces my name from the main stage, but the roar seems distant, muffled by the pounding of blood in my ears. My legs shake as I make my way up the steps, Amos’ proud smile from the front row giving me strength.

“And first place in our Juried Competition for Bean-Based Chili...Rebecca Cooper!”

This time, the cheers nearly knock me over. Both competitions. I’ve won both competitions. The trophies feel impossibly heavy in my hands as I stare out at the crowd, thinking of Grandpa, wishing he could see this moment. Tears of happiness and pride fill my eyes, and love for Amos overwhelms me when I look at him, seeing the same intensity reflected in his gaze.

“Congratulations!” Polly beams as she hands me a second trophy and an oversized check.

I can barely process her words through the euphoria flooding my system. Everything I dreamed of is happening all at once. Some of the people here have been participating in chili competitions for decades…and I won. My mind is in overdrive as I process this, that newbie me and my grandpa’s recipe swept the competition. I can’t wait to tell my family!

I’m making my way back to Amos when a man in a crisp suit and a silver bolero tie approaches me, business card already extended. Behind him stand two other representatives from companies I recognize from the fair’s sponsor list. “Ms. Cooper, I’m Oscar Greenfield from Smithtown Distribution. I’m very impressed with you and your chili. Smithtown would love to discuss putting your recipe into commercial production.”

“You want to produce my grandfather’s recipe?” The words come out breathless, disbelieving.

“We believe there’s a significant market for genuine, family-based products. Your story, combined with the incredible flavor profile, is a perfect fit for us. Take my card and give me a call when you’re home and settled. I look forward to talking with you.”

Two other men approach me, and by the time I leave the ceremony with Amos, I have three separate offers to take Grandpa’s chili to grocery stores across the country. The magazine feature will provide the credibility, but these contracts will make it a reality.

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