"That's sweet," I say. "But no one's proposing today." I roll my eyes as the bid keeps increasing, $800, $1,000, $1,200.
"These men have that much cash on them?" Rachel asks.
I shrug. "I have no idea what they have."
At $1,700, Brady has his wallet out, counting his bills. "Damn it," he says. "Anybody have cash I can–"
Luke chuckles next to him. "No one's lending you money. We want a cowboy to win."
Brady growls as Cole pulls out a stack of bills. "$2,000," he says.
Sarah's eyes widen. "Going once, going twice. Sold," she says, "to Cole. For $2,000, he's going to take Laura Callaway out to a picnic and a dance. Congratulations, sir," she says, collecting his cash.
Cole grins and his buddy Luke slaps him on the back.
My cheeks are burning though.
All eyes are on me because that was a big declaration. And that declaration was from a cowboy.
And a cowboy is the kind of man I said I would never, ever fall for.
5
COLE
I put on my best blue jeans and a button-down shirt, my finest cowboy hat on my head, and I even shine my boots. I know I need to make a good impression on Laura because that woman is a hard read.
When I won today, she didn't beam like I imagined she would. Instead, she looked down, shy, embarrassed, and I just hope it doesn't mean that she was wanting Brady to win her basket. Maybe it just means she's the quiet type.
I don't have to drive to pick her up. I just have to walk across the yard to the big old ranch house where she lives with her aunt and uncle. Leroy and Ella are on the porch when I step up, reaching out to shake their hands.
"Good evening," I say to both of them.
Ella smiles, "Well, Cole, that was quite the spectacle today, you winning the basket like that. I think everyone's going to have to step up their game come next year."
I smile. "Well, it goes to a good cause, right?"
Leroy nods, "It sure does. I want to tell you, son, the work you did today at the barn was impressive. I know you're a mighty fine cowboy and can rope the horses here as good as anyone, but I don't think I'd ever seen you work with a hammer and nail."
I shrug. "I've been building a place out on Meadowbrook Lane on the weekends, so I'm pretty handy."
Leroy frowns. "That wasn't handy. It was more than that. You're really good and I don't think half those fools on the crew today knew what they were doing. I'm glad you were there to set them straight."
"Well, I'm glad I could be of help," I say.
"I'm sure you're looking for Laura," Ella says with a smile, "I'll go see if she's ready and let her know you're here."
"Thank you, ma'am," I say, tipping my hat at her.
Alone with Leroy on the porch, he looks at me with intention. "Laura doesn't date much," he says.
"All right," I say, "I know she hasn't been back in town that long but..."
Leroy shakes his head. "It's not just that. She has been through a lot. I'm pretty protective of her. That's why she comes back here when she needs to. I've always had an open door for her."
"Well, I'm glad she has an uncle like you in her corner," I say, not knowing the whole story, not even half of it, but thankful nonetheless that Laura has her aunt and uncle who are always waiting for her with arms wide open. And I hope I can get close enough to Laura for her to open up to me too.
God knows, I want to do more than talk though. I want that woman, heart, soul, flesh.
I clench my jaw, needing to set my mind straight as Ella and Laura walk out onto the front porch. I can't help but grin when I look up at her because damn, that girl is a vision. She's wearing a short red dress with white hearts on it and her hair is done in curls. The skirt of her dress flares out, perfect for a dance. And she has a white sweater over her shoulders.
"You look beautiful," I tell her.
"Thanks Cole. You look pretty good yourself." She is holding a purple quilt and I take it from her. “For the picnic,” she explains.
"That dress, it looks wonderful on you."
Her cheeks go bright pink and she looks over at her aunt and uncle. Leroy chuckles, "Well, it's the truth. You look lovely, Laura. Now you two kids go have a good time."
Ella looks at her husband, giving him a wink. "And we need to get over to that barn and help with the decorations. Us old folks have to do our part to make the younger generation have a good time."