Page 72 of The Rebel with Broken Strings
As the families settled in, Aubrey caught Gunner’s eye. He winked, and she felt a flutter in her stomach as she took in the moment.
Charly knelt down in front of her twins, Emma and Ethan, smoothing their matching cowboy hats and adjusting their little bolo ties. The five-year-olds fidgeted, their eyes darting nervously around the bustling room.
“Remember,” Charly said, her eyes radiating calm, “it’s just like we practiced at home. You two are going to be amazing.”
Jaxon squatted beside them, giving his easygoing smile. “And even if you forget the words,” he added with a wink, “just keep on singin’. That’s what real cowboys do.”
Emma’s bottom lip quivered. “But what if everyone laughs at us, Mama?”
Charly pulled her daughter into a gentle hug. “Oh, honey, they won’t. They’re all here to cheer you on. And you know what?” She leaned in close, as if sharing a secret. “Even if they did laugh, it wouldn’t matter. Because you’re brave enough to get up there and try.”
Ethan puffed out his little chest. “I ain’t scared,” he declared, though his trembling hands betrayed him.
Jaxon tapped his son’s hat. “’Course you’re not. You’re a Reed, through and through.”
Aubrey smiled at them, and then looked next to her at Willow, who turned to Eli, who stood stoically beside her, with his eyes fixed on their daughter, Sophie.
“You okay?” Willow asked softly, reaching for his hand.
Eli’s jaw clenched, then relaxed. “Yeah,” he said gruffly. “Just never thought I’d be here, you know? Watching my little girl recite poetry.” He gave a small smile. “No one better laugh at her.”
Willow slowly shook her head. “I’m sure they know better than to do that.”
Sophie skipped over then and looked up at them, her green eyes—so like her mother’s—wide with anticipation. “Do you think they’ll like my poem, Daddy?”
Eli knelt down, his usual reserved demeanor softening as he looked at his daughter. “They’re gonna love it. Just like your mama and I do.”
Aubrey’s heart melted into a puddle on the floor.
A hush fell over the crowd as Willow and Eli’s daughter, Sophie, stepped onto the small stage. Her auburn hair, braided neatly, swung as she adjusted the microphone. Aubrey held her breath, remembering how nervous the little girl had been during rehearsals.
Sophie’s clear voice rang out, strong and steady. “‘The Cowgirl’s Heart,’ by Sophie Cole.”
Aubrey’s gaze flicked to Willow and Eli. Willow’s fingers were intertwined tightly with Eli’s, her knuckles white. Eli’s jaw was set, but his eyes shimmered with emotion.
Sophie’s words painted vivid images, and Aubrey found herself transported. The crowd hung on every word, captivated by the young girl’s talent and poise.
As Sophie finished, silence lingered for a heartbeat before thunderous applause erupted. Willow let out a choked laugh, tears streaming down her face. Eli pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her temple, his own eyes suspiciously moist.
“Did you see that?” Willow whispered, her voice carrying to where Aubrey stood. “She did it, Eli. Our baby girl did it.”
Eli nodded, a rare full smile spreading across his face. “She’s got your spirit. And your talent.”
Aubrey felt a lump form in her throat. She remembered the day Willow had confided in her about her fears surrounding motherhood, worried her past trauma would overshadow her ability to love. Yet here she was, radiating pride and joy.
As the next act prepared, Aubrey slipped to the back of the room. She leaned against the wall, taking in the scene before her. The Naked Moose, once just a run-down bar, now pulsed with life and laughter. The bar hadn’t only become successful, it was magical.
Her gaze swept over her friends. Willow and Eli, their heads bent close together as they whispered words of love and pride. Charly and Jaxon, surrounded by their growing family. And Gunner, his eyes meeting hers across the room, a question in their depths that made her heart race.
We did it, Aubrey thought to herself, running a hand over the smooth wood of the bar.We turned this place into something beautiful. Something that matters.
As if sensing her moment of introspection, Gunner made his way to her side. “Penny for your thoughts, darlin’?” he drawled, his hand finding the small of her back.
Aubrey leaned into him. “Just thinking about how far we’ve come. How The Naked Moose has become…well, everything I never knew I needed.”
Gunner’s arm tightened around her. “It’s not just the bar that’s become something special, hmm?”
Aubrey felt a blush creep up her neck. She turned to him, keeping her voice quiet as the next act took the stage. “I need to tell you something.”
