Page 51 of Country Music Cowboy

“It is not.” Emmy Lou cradled the page close. “It’s full of happy memories, so be nice.”

“Which song?” Krystal asked, smiling.

“Does it have a title?” Emmy Lou asked. “Trav, please sing it. Please. It would mean the world to me.”

Loretta was beyond curious now. Not just to hear the song but to see if Travis gave in to his little sister.

“Emmy Lou,” Travis groaned. “I wrote this when we were kids.”

“Please, please, please.” Emmy Lou hugged him tight and smiled up at him. “Please.”

He shook his head, placed his fingers on the guitar, and sighed. “You cannot say a word,” Travis said to Krystal.

“Cross my heart,” Krystal said.

“Remember, you asked for this.” Travis gave Emmy Lou a hard look.

Emmy Lou nodded, all smiles. “I did.”

Travis glanced at Loretta then, his expression almost apologetic. After a few wavering notes, he started to sing.

Don’t you cry, I’m right here, listen to my voice.

Stop you tears, take a breath, time to make a choice.

Shut me out, close the door, face the world alone.

Let me in, take my hand, trust what we have sown.

Tried and true, standing tall, I will never bend.

Black and blue, fly or fall, always your best friend.

All Loretta could do was stare. At Travis. His voice, those words, the notes his fingers set free. Did he not hear himself? Truly?

I’ll be your knight in shining armor.

I’ll be your shelter from the storm.

I’ll hold you close when you are frightened.

And I’ll protect you from all harm.

You’ll be my princess in the tower.

You’ll stand beside me through the rain.

You’ll let my strength give you power.

You know I’ll chase away your pain.

My love is true, never fear. My love for you is here. Never fear.

Travis played a few more notes, then stopped, resting his hand over the strings to stop the vibrations.

“You wrote that?” Loretta asked, her throat so tight it hurt. “Travis…”

“I know.” Travis sighed, running his fingers through his hair. “Are you happy now, Em?” Was he blushing?