Page 77 of Country Music Cowboy

What had changed? Something had. And he didn’t like it.

Not only had he spent the night alone, she hadn’t bothered answering any of his texts. That was the part that knotted his insides. The silence.

He didn’t hold with silence. Silence was easy to fill with lies and fears. There wasn’t going to be any silence between them. Not if he could help it. It was pretty straightforward stuff. She was done with him—with this… Or she wasn’t.

He ran his fingers through his hair, the whisper of a melody floating through his mind.

Only one night. Ooh-hoo. Just one more night.

Don’t try to fight. Ooh-hoo. You hold me tight.

Only one night. Ooh-hoo. Girl, that ain’t right.

He hummed a few bars then headed back down the hall to the main living area of the bus. Loretta was crooning to Clementine, curled up in her lap. Watson, Emmy Lou’s black cat, was doing his best to wedge himself next to Clem. Every time Watson tried to lay down, Clementine would roll over and dislodge the cat altogether.

“I think she’s doing it on purpose.” Krystal sighed. “She’s a jealous little thing and doesn’t want to share you with that bad ol’ kitty cat.”

“Watson is not a bad kitty cat.” Emmy Lou picked up the massive black cat. “Are you, baby? Auntie Krystal didn’t mean it.”

“He’s the size of a panther now, you know that, right?” Travis asked. “You can’t carry him around like a baby when he weighs almost as much as you do.”

“I can carry him around however I want, isn’t that right, Watson?” Emmy Lou touched noses with the cat. The cat’s purr was so loud they could all hear it.

Loretta was smiling.

“You need a fur baby,” Emmy Lou said.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” Loretta kept rubbing Clementine’s stomach. “I’m happy to borrow Clem or Watson. For now.”

“I think they’re happy with that arrangement too.” Travis said, watching as Watson slipped from Emmy Lou’s hold to lie on top of Clementine. “That’s showing her who’s boss, Watson.” He chuckled as Clementine’s head popped out from under Watson, the white poof on her head more bedraggled than ever.

“What’s the word today, Emmy Lou?” Jace asked.

Emmy Lou had purchased an impressive stack of magazines and papers to read on the road. If there were tidbits she found interesting, she’d share.

“You and Krystal are having a baby.” Emmy Lou smiled.

“This is the fifth one?” Jace asked.

“At least,” Krystal agreed. “Or I’m experiencing onelongpregnancy.”

“Momma is pregnant.” Emmy Lou looked horrified.

“The headline actually says, Hank King a father again? Or Kegan Scott’s a first-time father?” Emmy Lou said.

Travis was only halfway listening. Watching the color bloom in Loretta’s cheeks was far more interesting.

“That’s a long headline.” Krystal wrinkled her nose. “News must be super slow if we’re now including geriatric pregnancies.”

Loretta’s gaze fell from his, but he saw the way the front of her shirt wavered.

“I’m not sure Momma’s geriatric.” Emmy Lou shrugged.

“How about we change the subject.” Travis held up his hands. “Anything other than our mother’s reproductive status.”

Emmy Lou flipped through a few pages, stopping to read headlines as well as their horoscopes. “Oh, Loretta, yours is way better than mine.” She cleared her throat. “A secret will lead to a deep and abiding love. A person from your past will threaten your happiness but truth will prevail.” Emmy Lou looked over the magazine. “Juicy stuff.” She sighed. “I miss my husband.”

“That is so weird.” Krystal shook her head. “Husband. Can’t you just say you miss Brock?”