Page 63 of Nashville Cowboy
Boy wasn’t that the truth. And in a town like Stone Ridge, women did not play seconds to anyone.
“Thank you for taking her in when you did.”
“Well, son, you loved her first.”
He nodded. “I did.”
“And now? You still love her.”
“Yeah, I love her.” He grinned, knowing he’d made Mima’s day.
“Just tell her how you feel. You’ll see. Everything will work out.”
He glanced over at his guitar case sitting near the front door and thought of the song he’d perform today. After that, Eve would have no doubt as to where she stood with him.
* * *
Sadie wokethe morning of her wedding overjoyed, even if she was in bed alone. She reached for Lincoln’s pillow beside her and hugged it, taking in the wonderful scent that was all his. They’d decided to spend the night before their wedding apart, an old-fashioned throwback which had pleased both her mother and Mima.
Today, Sadie would marry the man she’d adored since she was sixteen years old.
Her phone buzzed, a text from “My Cowboy”:
Love you, my bride. Can’t wait to get hitched.
Her heart filled with a wave of love tugging her hard with its intensity. She typed back:
I love you, cowboy. Forever and Ever. xoxo
She added a dozen heart emojis.
This morning, her mother wanted to take Sadie to breakfast at their favorite restaurant in Kerrville. Her last breakfast as a single woman. It was a sweet idea, and Sadie appreciated her mother accepting Lincoln. Last year there had been a doctor visiting who expressed interest in Sadie. Mom had run with that, thinking that a physician in the family would ensure Sadie would always be financially secure. But Mom came to accept that Lincoln, one of her son’s best friends, would now be an official member of the Stephens family.
As Mom drove them to Kerrville, Sadie could hardly contain her excitement. “Are you sure we’ll be back in time? Eve is going to do my hair and makeup before we leave for the church.”
“We have plenty of time, honey. You are getting dressed in the bridal suite? No point in driving anywhere in that beautiful dress. It might wrinkle.”
“Of course.” Her foot jiggled. She didn’t like being this far away from her wedding dress.
Though the idea was ridiculous, she couldn’t stop thinking something might go wrong today. Maybe someone would spill juice on her wedding dress. Horrors! Or…today would be the day her waist would have expanded enough to where she couldn’t fit in it. The thought made her stomach clench. The dress was gorgeous, taffeta, with a sweetheart collar, and a long train. Instead of a veil, she was wearing a simple tiara. Eve would do her hair in a regal bun.
“There’s just a few things I wanted to talk to you about before you’re married.”
“Yeah? What about? Please don’t tell me about the wedding night. I already know everything.”
Mom made a face. “Yes, Iknow. This is about the bigger picture. Longevity.”
Her mother wanted Sadie’s marriage to Lincoln to last, and that warmed her, so she’d listen to every word of advice. No matter how outdated. Once they were seated inside The Pancake and had ordered their favorite coconut macadamia nut pancakes and waffles, Sadie steered the conversation.
“I already had the bride’s lecture from the women of SORROW. I heard all about the men of Stone Ridge and how special they are. How I should always let Lincoln believe he won the argument even if he didn’t.”
“I don’t care what any of those biddies had to say.” Mom took a sip of her coffee.
Sadie laughed. “Tell me what you really think.”
“If I’d listened to their advice, I probably wouldn’t still be married for more than thirty years.”
Sadie patted her mother’s hand. “Please don’t worry about me and Lincoln. He’s never going to leave me, and I’m never going to leave him.”
