Page 83 of Honky Tonk Cowboy

“Two different lilies,” Ethan said. “But they both have some of the other inside ‘em.”

She had tears in her eyes, so she turned away from Willow, who took the hint, and went back outside to wait for her. “It’s beautiful, Ethan. Thank you.”

“You’re not mad? Soon as I ordered it, I knew I should’ve consulted you on the design.”

“I’m not mad. I love it.”

“Good. How are things?”

“Busy and stressful and sometimes frustrating.”

He waited a moment, then added, “But good?”

“Ask me on opening night.”

“I’m sorry I’m not there helpin’ you.”

“And I’m sorry I haven’t been in the crowd supporting you,” she said. “Everyone’s been to a show but me.”

“Like you’ve had a free minute, much less a whole night.”

“We watched your interview on Nashville Today. You were perfect.”

“I felt like my voice was shakin’ the whole time.”

“It must’ve been shaking on the inside, because you came across steady and clear.”

“I hope so.”

“When are you…” Coming home danced on the tip of her tongue, but she bit it back as it would’ve sounded needy. “…heading back?”

“The final interview is Friday afternoon.”

“That’s opening night!” She said it too fast and knew it.

“I know. I know, I’m sorry. But I’ll be there on time, promise. I’m performing. How can I not be there?”

She nodded, then said, “Okay.”

“I gotta run, I’m on in a minute.”

“Stay on pitch,” she said. “See you soon.” Not soon enough, though. She missed him like she’d miss a limb. And she was tired as hell of waiting for a real conversation with him.

“It’s perfect,” Lily whispered.

Tomorrow was opening night. Tomorrow Ethan would be home. “I hope Ethan thinks so, too.”

“How could he not?” Drew asked. “It’s amazin’. And that letterin’ over the doorway!” She pointed at it, singin’ the line from “Home.” “My treasure’s at the rainbow’s bend, where I began and where I’ll end.’”

“She stenciled it herself, you know,” Willow said. “I helped.”

Maria widened her eyes. “I didn’t know you were so artistic, Lil.”

“I’m not. Willow’s help was mostly going behind me, touching up my goofs.”

They all laughed. They were in the original section and had come in from the new main entrance around the right side, so they’d already walked through the addition, seen the stage and dance floor, and the lighting. The front was lined with glass, portions of which could slide open wide. They’d also added retracting wooden walls to the outside. They could be locked in place from inside or outside in case of bad weather. They were closed as girls moved past them and into the original part of the cantina.

Lily was keenly aware that her sister-in-law had still not said whether she liked the changes. Of them all, Maria had loved Manny’s Cantina most—the place and its tacos. She was looking around, nodding, noticing every little thing, and her opinion meant more than she probably knew.