Page 67 of Starring Role

Once, Jimmy and Coop had to go onTomorrow, Today!together, which made Cooper superstitiously nervous. The last time he'd been on that show, everything had gone to hell. But this time, his rock was with him. Jimmy spent the whole time they were on camera with an arm slung around Coop, his big, easy grin and winning mannercharming the panties off the two female hosts. Coop barely had to say a word, just smile and look modest.

The most unexpected thing about being interviewed with Jimmy, though Coop realized he should have expected it, was how generous Jimmy was. Jimmy took every excuse to compliment Cooper's acting, his character, his love for the show, his genuineness and friendliness—everything about him,one way or another. At first, it was shockingly embarrassing, but there was nothing Coop could do to hide from the praise when they were on the air together, and it made for such good coverage that no one else was ever going to stop Jimmy, either.

Coop lobbed as many compliments back as he could, and basked in the warmth of being appreciated once he had adjusted to it, despite sometimes beingembarrassed. It was nice to be interviewed with someone who didn't wish he would disappear and was as passionate about the show as he was.

Today, one of their rare days with nothing scheduled, they were hanging out on the family farm. Sure enough, they'd decided to move back to Jimmy's home.

Coop had been uncertain at first, not wanting to live in Jimmy's family's pocket, not wanting topress their luck by being around them and relying on them too much. But Jimmy was hopeful, and in the end, it made sense. They were safe there, looked after by a pack of cheerfully protective wolves. No reporters got past the family, though sometimes they went away laden down with unexpected purchases from the farm's little stand: apples, smoked meats, jelly, vegetables, or honey.

Jimmy washappy, surrounded by his family. He belonged in a pack. When he wasn't being constantly compared to his brothers, he liked hanging out with his folks, and getting up early to do milking, all of it. He was more self-assured and happy here, and he was already a pretty self-assured and happy guy in general.

As for Coop, he felt peace and safety soak into his soul when he was on the farm. Therewas so much nature there, and quiet if he wanted it, and he didn't have to perform. He could be himself around the family. It took time to get used to that; he hadn't had that experience with family being like that before. It had taken some time and a lot of patience from the Holdsts, but eventually, he'd begun to feel like he belonged here as much as Jimmy did, that this was his family too.That was something he'd never thought he'd have: a happy family. It was even more unexpected than becoming a famous actor, which he'd at least dared to hope for.

Whenever they had to be away for work, returning to the farm felt like coming home—letting out a big, relieved sigh when you knew you could settle in and feel safe.

That was a big surprise, too. Feeling safe. He felt safe in hisrelationship, his living arrangement, his finances, and (most of the time) his job situation. These were wonders he was only beginning to grow accustomed to and hoped he would never take for granted. It was odd and wonderful that acting wasn't the most important thing in his life anymore. That it didn't need to be.

Now, he was here on this beautiful farmland, near a babbling stream, undera shade tree with this gorgeous wolf who would shortly shift back into the man he loved and probably make love to him.

He looked down at the wolf. "You're so pretty," he whispered.

He didn't expect to be understood, but the big fluffy tail started going wildly, and with an odd little yip, Jimmy-the-wolf turned and bounded away, straight into the water, just like his brothers would have done,wild and energetic. Coop heard him splashing away in the distance. He'd be back soon, Coop knew.

Overwhelmed by the joy of life.Cooper stretched back on the grass and laughed so much, his whole body shook with it. It felt so good to be alive.

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the end