Page 30 of Wicked Cowboy
Carter had a nice bass voice, but as the song ended, I asked, “You know him?”
He whispered in my ear as we retook our seats, “I’ve met your lawyer. How are you related to Jacob?”
My sister’s husband had sat with us a few weeks ago over grilled hamburgers and now they were in Europe on their honeymoon.
I shrugged. “He married my sister.”
“Jacob Donovan is ruthless in business.” His jaw was clenched. “You talked about wanting a big wedding. Is it because you want to compete with her?”
Huh? He lent me a big shot lawyer to come here and help with Chelsea. My heart thumped as I didn’t understand the accusation.
“No. I’d never win. Indigo is radiant, so I'd never want to try.”
His lips pressed together. “I see.”
My heart twisted in my chest. I had no idea what he meant, but I saw Chelsea in tears and went to hug her. “I’m here for you, Chelsea.”
Her tears on my shoulder were my reason, not money, not competition. I hugged her, though inside, adrenaline rushed in my veins.
Chelsea’s mumbled, “I want my mom and dad.”
“Of course you do. They’ll always love you.” I wiped her eyes and whispered, “But they’ll want you to live your life and make them proud. Your mom always bragged about your good grades and talked about how you loved soccer.”
She squeezed my hand.
Carter stared at us both but didn’t say anything.
Chelsea let out a long sigh and once her face was clean, she said, “I… that’s true. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want them to read to me when I go to bed.”
I squeezed her shoulder and asked, “Do you want me to read to you? I’ll never be as good, but we can try.”
She stared up at the coffins as the minister finished his prayers. “Yeah. Mom loved you.”
“She’ll always love you, Chelsea.” I wrapped my arm around her shoulders. “And you’ll carry her in your heart.”
The service ended and she let out a sigh. She was oblivious to well-wishers and said, “Thanks. I’m going to go and walk with Hudson.”
“He’d like that,” I said and we all proceeded to the burial ground.
Carter carried his friend.
I followed behind Chelsea.
At the burial, we all gathered around the graves and the priest spoke again.
Chelsea held my hand and Hudson’s. I held Carters and this togetherness seemed right, even if it wasn’t.
They lowered Chloe’s body and I prayed. For a moment, I didn’t move at all. I was alone and that was fine. I kept my eyes closed. I hope she knew I loved her and was here to help now.
My skin was electrified like somehow Chloe was here. I blinked and let that sense go. Near me, Carter had some men to talk to, and Hudson spoke to his peers. And beside Hudson, Chelsea hugged her friends.
I stood, unsure where to go, but then Sally came over to me and threw her arms around me. “You already fit together as a family.”
I tugged my dress back in order. “Nice to see you again, Sally.”
She squeezed my shoulder. “If any of you need anything, call me.”
Once she left, Carter, with his hand on his chest, came over and whispered in my ear. “You’re handling the whole funeral like a lady.”
