Page 52 of Country Music Cowboy

Loretta’s heart was thumping like crazy. He had no idea how good the song was—how goodhewas. Honest to goodness. She turned to look at the Emmy Lou and Krystal.Exactly.She wasn’t the only one in shock.

Jace—even Sawyer. All eyes were on him. Andno onewas laughing. At the moment, everyone was pretty speechless.

When Emmy Lou didn’t answer, he looked up—braced.

“You have no idea.” Loretta shook her head. “Travis, that song is beautiful.”

Emmy Lou was crying. “I forgot… How could I forget?”

“Trav.” Krystal blew out a slow breath. “I mean. Damn…” She shook her head. “I feel like you’ve been holding out on us all this time. Why?”

But Travis looked confused. “You’re serious?” His blue-green eyes bounced around the room, then sought her out.

“One hundred percent,” Loretta said. “This is a showstopper, Travis King.” She was happy for him. And proud. “I love every word and note and chord. Youneedto sing this. This needs to be on the radio.”

He was smiling—not his usual bone-melting, panties-on-fire sort of smile. This one was sweet and uncertain. Shy, almost. It might be Loretta’s favorite Travis smile so far.

***

Travis was glad he’d convinced everyone to get out of the house. Schmitt’s Store was a little biergarten off the beaten path that was full of nothing but good memories for them all.

Travis popped another fried pickle into his mouth. “You sure you don’t want one?” he asked Loretta.

“A fried pickle?” She frowned. “I’m sure.”

“Have you ever had one?” he asked, pushing the basket her way. “You can’t judge if you haven’t tried them. Besides,nobodymakes them this good. Nobody. Schmitt’s Store has a reputation for their fried pickles.”

“I’m pretty sure you’re making that up.” Loretta’s skeptical eyebrow raise aside, she was picking up one of the crispy and golden pickles. “One bite.”

“You’ll thank me.” Travis waited, watching her. “That doesn’t count. That’s not a bite, that’s a…a nibble.”

Loretta sighed louder this time and took a large bite.

“Better.” He nodded, waiting for her to chew and swallow before asking, “And?”

“Fine. They’re delicious.” She admitted defeat—not that she was pleased to do so. “Happy, now?” She took another pickle.

“Yep.” He slid the bowl of ranch dressing closer. “Dip it in that. Heaven.”

She shook her head, but she was smiling. “Anyone else? Before Travis eats them all?” Loretta pushed the basket into the middle of the table.

“Oh, don’t you worry.” Krystal laughed. “TheyknowTravis. For him, it’s a bottomless pickle basket.” She took a pickle.

“Which is good or he wouldn’t share.” Emmy Lou nodded. “It has been a long time, though. They might have forgotten.”

“Nope.” Travis smiled. “Mr. Schmitt saw us—and gave Dad a big ol’ hug.”

His father smiled. He seemed…relaxed. Everyone was. Everyone, except Sawyer. Hell, he seemed more uptight than ever.

“What’s up?” Travis asked. “Expecting a raid or something?”

Sawyer barely acknowledged him.

“We’ve never brought you out here, have we?” Krystal asked, leaning into Jace. “Ithasbeen too long since we’ve been here.”

“This is where Daddy cut his teeth.” Emmy Lou smiled. “At least, that’s what Daddy likes to say, right?”

Their father nodded.