Page 135 of For Cowgirls and Kings

MATEO

June 20th, 2025

“She’s all yours.”The clank of keys against my palm sounds more like a horn sounding, sending the soldiers rushing into the unknown before them. Which is honestly reminiscent of how I’m feeling.

I don’t know how I got here, and now that it’s happening, I don’t know what comes next. But I feel certain in my convictions, and even steadier in the end goal, and therefore, I’m ready to forge on into the unknown.Slay the dragon, Mateo!

I snort at that thought, and the red haired lady in front of me stares like I’ve lost my mind.Which is entirely possible.

“Sorry, thank you.” I tuck the keys into the front pocket of my work jeans, and glance down at my current attire. Work jeans still dusty from what I was doing before I rushed over here, a ratty grey T-shirt stained with sweat and Texas sand, and faded cowboy boots. Not my usual look.

Correction.Didn’t used to be my usual look.But for the first time, I feel comfortable in my own skin, even if I’ll miss getting dressed in pressed jeans every day.

“Well, I hope that it all turns out—” She purses her lips.

“Thanks, truly.” I offer her a small smile, and her cheekspinken. She’s a pretty woman, close to my age, if not a year or two older, but she does nothing for me. Not when a raven-haired, fire-breathing cowgirl-princess used to fill my bed.

And will again, if I have anything to do about it.

“What do you plan to do with it?”

I expected this question to come about once I owned the building, but I still haven’t figured out the right answer. “Keep it the same for now. But eventually, I’d like to expand it.”

“It’s a staple for the people here,” she tacks on, a timid but straightforward statement. I nod, agreeing with her.

“I’ve come to church here for many years, with my family. Plus, it’s the home of some very special memories. I won’t be doing anything to get rid of any of that.”

She physically relaxes. “Well, I better be going.”

I nod again, and she leaves without another word.Maybe she was waiting for something more?There was no ring on her finger, and I definitely know when a woman is flirting, but I’m not single, and I wasn’t flirting.

Not when the next puzzle piece just clicked into place—the image of my future starting to take shape like a well-loved photo in front of me.

The roof of the large tin building shimmers as waves of heat dance off, recoiling back into the blue sky. The air conditioning unit whirs loudly, mixing with the rustling of the wooden sign hanging from the large entry arch at the entrance of the parking lot. Other than that, it’s just my steady breathing, and the slow, steady drum of my heart.

The last month has been hell without Dale, and hell because, well, upheaving the life of yourself and hundreds of others comes with its growing pains. In this moment though, I feel an overwhelming sense of calm—utter peace and comfort.

This is what I was meant to do. There’s no question in my mind, and for that I’m grateful.

I stride toward the door of the old sale barn, passing by the side of the building which causes me to pause. I can almost picture Dale and I, ten years younger, full of innocence and hope, pressed into the shadows there, sharing a kiss that changed the entire trajectory of my life. Maybe I didn’t know it then, but I sealed away my fate that day. I sold her my heart, my soul, and I’ve been an empty lonely man without it every day since.

Walking into the giant open room, I flick on the light which hums as each of the bulbs fade into a warm glow. It’s empty beyond the permanent arena that fills the room with the familiar scent of dirt and cattle, and a set of old, fading bleachers that could use a good power wash and fresh coat of paint. The concrete floor’s dusty, and sand clings to the walls.

To the naked eye, it might look like the kind of investment someone might run from. But me? I see memories, I see traditions, I see the West and small town charm. I see home.

Now I just need to get the girl to share the dream with.

The dust settles around my truck, the enormous house stretching to the right of me in a grand, wooden “L”. It’s an incredible house, with mature trees blossoming in every direction around it, and garden beds overflowing with bright red rose bushes. It belongs on the front of a magazine, and I only hope that it can keep its sparkle once it gains its newest owner.

It would be a shame for it to crumple under the weight of such displeasure. But I can’t worry about that now—it’s a little too late for such concerns.

I smile as I notice the car parked in the driveway, and without pulling the keys from the ignition, I jump out, taking long strides to the door as it swings open.

“Mama.” I wrap my arms around her thin waist, crushing her to me. Her arms wrap equally as tight around me—it always has amazed me the strength she keeps hidden in this frail body of hers.

“Mateo! This place is beautiful.” She squeezes me once more for emphasis before releasing me, her arm sliding around my waist and turns to take in the image before her. My arm rests on her shoulder, her bob-style grey hair swept into a small twist and pulled to the side.

“Think it’ll be the next time you see it?”