Page 39 of Roping the Rodeo Queen
"We could save your parents a fortune that way."I offer her the champagne flute.
"Don't you dare," the boutique owner gasps, clearly horrified at the thought."This dress is an absolute masterpiece."
Jo takes a sip of champagne, her eyes meeting mine over the rim of the glass.There's something in that look that makes my heart skip---a mix of mischief and sweetness that's uniquely Jo.
"All done for today, Ms.Callahan," Nora says, emerging with pin-pricked fingers but seeming much calmer."We'll have the final alterations ready next week."
As we walk out of the boutique, a crowd of reporters clamor to get a good shot and write down anything we might say.Jo and I pose for pictures, but otherwise, we wave off any questions.The camera crew maintains a polite distance from us and the reporters.
"No spoilers about the dress!"Jo calls out as we make our way through the throng.She grips my hand tightly, pulling me toward the black SUV that's waiting at the curb.Miranda insisted on providing transportation---another perk of our new "celebrity status."But I still don't feel famous.I'm just a cowboy who loves rodeos.
"They act like we're genuinely famous," I grumble, helping Jo into the vehicle before sliding in beside her.
"Well, cowboy, better get used to it."She leans her head against my shoulder, snuggling up to me."I saw the rough cut of the first episode last night.Miranda says our social media following has already tripled."
The driver pulls away from the curb, leaving the small crowd of entertainment reporters behind.
I wrap my arm around Jo's shoulders, feeling her body relax."Was it weird?Seeing yourself on TV, I mean?"
"Completely bizarre.But you look darn good on camera."Jo pokes my ribs."All rugged and mysterious.The camera loves those blue eyes of yours."
I ignore her comment about my eyes.It's...weird."I'm confused half the time, and ready to elope with you in the dead of night the rest of the time."
"That's part of your charm."Jo sits up and turns to face me, tucking one leg beneath her."Clay, are you having second thoughts about all this?The cameras, the show, the publicity?"
I consider her question while watching the Colorado countryside roll past the tinted windows."About marrying you?Never.About turning our lives into entertainment?"I pause, choosing my words carefully."Sometimes I wonder if we're making a deal with the devil."
"Miranda's hardly the devil.More like a very determined businesswoman in designer cowboy boots."
"You know what I mean, Jo.Once this airs, our lives won't be private anymore.Every fight, every kiss, every time I mess up---it'll be out there for everyone to see."
Jo folds her hands around mine."Is that what's really bothering you?That people might see you mess up?"
I shift uncomfortably in the leather seat.She knows me too well."Maybe.Hell, I don't know.Yesterday I was just Clay McKendrick, an unknown cowboy trying to keep his family's ranch from going under.Now I'm supposed to be this romantic hero for millions of viewers."
"You've always been my romantic hero.That hasn't changed."
The SUV hits a pothole, jostling us both.Through the partition, I can hear our driver offering an apology, though his words are muffled.
"What if they don't like us, Jo?"The words slip out before I can stop them."What if we're boring?What if---"
She squeezes my hand, cutting off my spiral of doubt."Then we'll be boring together.And we'll still be getting married, and I'll still love you, and we'll still have the ranch."Her green eyes hold mine with that unwavering confidence I've always admired."The show is just a means to an end, Clay.It's not the sum total of our lives."
"Are you positive you want to run the McKendrick ranch with me?It's way up there in Montana.Your folks are in Colorado."
Her cheeks dimple, and her eyes sparkle."I've heard about this weird metal contraption called an airplane that can take you to almost anywhere in the world..."
"You're hilarious, Jo."
"Cheered you up, didn't I?"She kisses my cheek."Remember what I said."
I pull her closer."The show is just a means to an end.It's not who we are."
I exhale slowly, and some of the tension melts away."When did you get so wise?"
"I've always been the Yoda of the West.You were just too busy staring at my ass to notice."She winks, and I can't help but laugh.
The SUV slows as we approach the turnoff to the McKendrick ranch.I'm home.The place looks a little different---a little better---since the first check from the network cleared.New paint on the barn, repaired fencing, and Dad's medical bills paid up through next year.That alone makes this whole reality TV circus worth it.
