Page 24 of Rough Cowboy
When I go to move, my ma stops me and shakes her head at me. “Not now.”
Not now? He drops this bomb, and I’m not even allowed to react?
“Did you know?” I growl.
“Hush, now.” She strokes my arm as if that will make it all better.
My insides wind tighter than a bull’s ass in fly season. Sammy and I are a team. We’ve been a team since he rushed out less than two minutes after I was born. Suddenly Elsie’s pregnant, and he’s cutting his career short? That’s a rash bullshit decision that should’ve been run by me first. We’re the Rodeo Wilde Brothers.
“I bought a ranch where Elsie and I will raise our child together.”
“You bought a fucking ranch?” I roar, barely getting the question out, before my mom digs her elbow into my side.
“I didn’t just buy any ol’ ranch. I bought the old Walker ranch. And Elsie and I are going to re-open the rodeo camp.”
Another punch to the stomach. My brother is living out our goddam dream with some random buckle bunny.
I don’t fucking think so.
Chapter Five
ELSIE
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“SO, SAMMY’S THE FATHER.” My sister hands me a blackberry virgin mojito.
As far as non-alcoholic drinks go, the cool, sweet, and tangy drink is my new favorite. And who would’ve thought I’d be sipping the refreshing beverage outside, under the hot sun in the middle of October? Texas is a profound change from New York.
“That’s what the big circle around Sammy’s name says.”
I still can’t believe we got away with it. And just like that, I’m attached to Sammy Wilde for the rest of my life. I’m okay with that. I’m better than okay; I’m relieved.
Lena sets a plate of fresh fruit, veggies, and small sandwiches at the table. I’ve retreated to a corner by myself for a minute without everyone touching my belly, squeezing me with hugs, and catering me with loads of baby advice I don’t want.
“It was cruel to include Silver’s name on the announcement. I might have to leave a bad Yelp review.” She sips her mojito.
