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We took a few pictures together, and I smiled at the images, hearing her words echo in my mind.These could be some of our last days together as single girls.

* * *

The Cottonwood Fallscounty fairgrounds were busier than I’d ever seen them, the grass lot lined with pickups and trailers. Cam and I got out of my car and walked toward the dirt arena, where we could already hear the announcer booming and the crowd cheering.

“I forgot how much I loved this,” Cam said, her eyes lighting up.

There was a feeling of electricity in the air, excitement and community too.

That was the one thing I’d missed most about Cottonwood Falls, knowing, despite all its flaws, you couldn’t turn around without seeing someone who you knew would have your back.

Cam and I had a friend group I loved in Austin, but it was never quite the same.

The smell of food from the concession stand hit my nose, and I breathed deeply. “I have to get the nachos here.”

“I’m dying for some popcorn,” she said.

We began walking around the arena toward the white shed where they sold concessions every year at the rodeo. On the way, we ran into our old high school English teacher, one of Cam’s dad’s coworkers at the conservation office, and a former classmate with her three kids.

But then I heard his voice.

“Didn’t think I’d see you here,” Rhett said.

I turned my gaze toward him, connecting with his darkened eyes shaded by a black cowboy hat. Holy fucking hell.

He looked like hot incarnate in a dark green shirt with the top three buttons undone and starched dark blue jeans.

My mouth went dry as I looked back at him, trying to come up with words. Trying to remind myself of reasons why banging it out with him would be an exceptionally terrible idea. I didn’t even notice the guy beside him until Cam said, “Hey, trouble. Long time, no see. Who’s your friend?”

“This is Cooper. And Cooper, this is Camryn.”

Now my eyes landed on Cooper as he shook my friend’s hand. He had dark blond hair that curled under his cowboy hat, a strong build like Rhett’s and warm blue eyes. His hand was so big it nearly enveloped Cam’s.

“H-hi,” Cam said, her usual confidence nowhere to be seen.

Rhett and I met eyes, sharing a small smile.

“Nice to meet you, Camryn,” Cooper said, his voice low.

Hello, Josh Turner, what are you doing in Cottonwood Falls?

Over the speakers, the announcer called, “That’s it for our barrel racers! Up next, the steer roping!”

Rhett nudged Cooper, who was still holding my friend’s hand. “That’s our cue.”

Cam seemed to come to, giving Cooper a small smile, and then waved goodbye.

“Will you be at the bar after?” Cooper asked.

“Maybe,” Cam replied casually. “Depends on how you do.”

He chuckled and walked away. After we got out of earshot, I said, “Nice recovery.”

Cam’s eyes were wide as she turned to face me. “I think I blacked out. What the hell just happened?”

I chuckled. “I think you just met the one.”

Cam shook her head as she walked beside me toward the concessions stand. “We aredefinitelygoing to that bar.”