Page 6 of Nashville Cowboy
Jackson cursed. He could stay with his father in the home up the hill and get to hear cattle talk all the livelong day and night. Hank Carver would no doubt take pleasure in reminding Jackson that he wasn’t just a Nashville cowboy but a real one. He’d then make his passive-aggressive jokes about what Jackson did for a living. No, thanks. It was rough enough to come back without much success to speak of, but another to have his father remind him daily that he’d made a mistake.
As Lincoln drove them into town, Jackson was treated to the town limits sign which hadn’t changed in years:
Welcome to Stone Ridge, established 1806 by Titus Ridge Population 5,010
*Women eat free every night at the Shady Grind*
Jackson chuckled. Yep. There was no town in the country quite like his hometown. Following the city limits signage was a newer-looking one that read:
*Women are especially welcome*
“This is getting ridiculous,”Jackson said as they passed the new signage.
“We passed ridiculous a long time ago. Beulah Hayes is trying to put together a good old-fashioned email-order bride service. Plus, you know, we got to plan for the future. Ever since we got engaged, Sadie’s mother has her drinking a concoction of garlic, spices, and pickled pig’s feet that’s supposed to favor her having a girl.”
“Yeah, that’s not ridiculous at all.”
Lincoln shrugged. “I’m good with a boy or a girl.”
“Wait. She’s not…?”
“Nah, we’re not pregnant. Just want to marry her.”
“Yeah?Why?”
“Why does anyone want to get married? I love that woman. I almost lost her because I didn’t notice her soon enough. I’d pretty much given up on ever getting’ married unless I met someone from out of town.”
“You can love a lot of people, women included. Doesn’t mean you have to marryanyof them. Think about it.”
“Thought about it. Once I noticed Sadie, I couldn’t un-notice her. Know what I mean?”
“Yup. She got under your skin.”
He understood. At one time, he couldn’t have conceived of a life without Eve. Now he’d lived several years of a life without her and it worked. Mostly. It was hard to have a relationship on the road anyway. With plenty of women to pick from, he couldn’t discern whether a woman wanted him, or just had a hankering to be with a musician. He didn’t have room for a real relationship in his life. He’d been jilted once and divorced once. No, thanks.
Lincoln patted Jackson’s shoulder. “Take it easy. Two weeks is all. I’ll be married to Sadie and you can take off again. You’ll be in and out of here like a Texas windstorm.”
“Well, brother, that’s the plan.”
Chapter 3
Eve heard the front door open, slam shut, and seconds later Jackson Carver stood in the doorframe of the large kitchen. He was, as always, bigger than life to her. Tall and imposing, he looked thinner than some of the more recent photos she’d seen of him online. Lankier. He wore what looked like a day’s worth of beard growth dusting his jaw and chin. His hat partially shaded his face, and thankfully, kept her from those always deep blue and penetrating eyes. Her heart gave a powerful and unwelcome tug.
“Hiya, buddy!” Daisy was the first to hug her big brother.
“Hey, Daisy.”
Oh my Lord, that voice. As always, deep and gravelly and scraping the edges of her girly parts.
Daisy moved aside, and he went for a hug from Mima.
“Why, it’s nothing other than my favoriteNashvillecowboy!” Mima teased him.
“Woman, funny enough, you’re still my favorite grandmother. Even if you won’t tell me when you’re hurt.”
“Now, I didn’t want you worrying about me. I’ve been just fine. And Eve here, well, she’s been helpin’ me get along.”
Everyone’s eyes turned to Eve, the runaway bride. She could feel Jackson’s eyes on her, sharp enough to pierce her skin. Eve took a step from behind Mima, and heart seemingly thumping in her eyes, she found words.
