Page 21 of Country Music Cowboy

“Thanks.” He hadn’t meant to sound so dismissive.

“No, I mean it.” She grabbed his arm. “I’m sorry. And thank you, for tonight.”

He stared down at her hand. “You’re welcome.”

The dressing room swung open and Emmy Lou peered out. “I thought I heard you, big brother. Hi, Loretta. Congratulations on the award—and the performance. You two had me sobbing.” She stepped aside, holding the door wide. “Come on in. I was just keeping Daddy company.” For a split second, Emmy’s smile faded. His little sister was worried.

“I could use a water.” Travis winked at his sister, the only reassurance he could offer up at the moment. “You?” he asked Loretta. Now that a fragile peace had been established, he was in no hurry to see her go.

As expected, Loretta hesitated. But a tentative smile formed and she nodded. “Water would be great.”

Inside the dressing room, things were crowded. Emmy Lou was hovering, doing her best to smile—even though she looked like she was close to tears.

“I’m sure Brock is missing you,” Travis said, giving his sister a one-armed hug. “I got this,” he whispered.

Their father was half-watching the television broadcast of the awards show, preoccupied by the care of his Stetson Diamante cowboy hat. It was his father’s favorite hat—and worth a damn fortune.

“See you out there, Daddy.” Emmy Lou pressed a kiss to their father’s cheek and left.

“You ready?” Travis asked. “Make sure you read the right name. People don’t like it when you call out the wrong one.”

“I’ll do my best.” Daddy chuckled. “I’m proud of you. Both of you.” His blue eyes shifted to Loretta. “I can’t imagine that was easy.”

“No, sir.” Loretta shrugged, blushing from his father’s praise. “I’ve never been so afraid of messing up onstage.”

“Sometimes the only way to face our fears is head on.” Hank smiled. “I’d say you did just that.”

“Speaking of which.” Travis cleared his throat. “Can we have a moment?” He spoke to the hair and makeup team and the stage assistant waiting to help as needed.

Loretta stood, her water bottle held close, and headed to the door.

“No, now, you can stay, Loretta. Let Travis or I take you back.” It was clear, his father wasn’t about to take no for an answer.

Because his father, the one and only Hank King, was a true gentleman. A man of his word. A family man. Loyal, to a fault.

“If you’re sure?” Loretta asked, her gaze bouncing between them.

Travis nodded. She already knew what he had to tell his father anyway. She’d been the one to spare them all a red carpet nightmare.

“What’s going on?” His father stood. “Your sister was nervous as a long-tail cat in a room full of rocking chairs.”

Travis had to chuckle. “I guess we’re all a little worried.”

“About?” His father frowned.

“Momma’s here.” Travis had to force the words out.

The subtle shift in his father’s features was telling. “Well…that’s fine.” But the words were thick, gruff. “I can’t say I’m surprised. She loves this sort of thing.”

“The attention?” Travis winced at the disapproving look his father shot him. He took a deep breath and said, “She is here with Kegan Scott.” There was no keeping the hard edge from his voice.

There was a beat of silence.

“All right.” His father did his best to put on a brave face, but his hand was shaking when he went to reach for his hat. “I appreciate the heads-up, son. Best to know now.” He stared down at his hat, turning it in his hands. “How about you two go on out, find your seats. I’ll be out in a minute or two.”

There was no way he could leave his father now. “Dad—”

“I’m fine.” His father clapped him on the back. “Go on, now.”