After months of making submissions to publishers, I nearly fell out of my rocking chair when my dream publisher asked me to share more information about my pitch for mySouthern Sun Butter Bakingcookbook.
I hold up the bright yellow book, with pretty lemon slices, sunflowers, and an array of golden-baked goods on the cover.
“I’m a published cookbook author,” I say simply.
The table erupts with praise, gasps of shock, and squeals of delight—mostly from Rosie and Monroe. They both jump up to run over and take a closer look. I’m wrapped in a tight hug instantly by Rosie, followed by Monroe.
“This is incredible!”
“I’m so proud of you!”
“I knew you could do it.”
“Oh, I always knew you could too.”
They talk over each other, voices growing louder and more high-pitched with each statement. My smile is so big; it almost hurts. They ooh and aah over the shiny cover, taking turns flipping through it and asking questions before finally returning to their seats.
Holden, Cash, and Duke each give me a hug too.
“Proud of you, Dolls. This is badass,” Holden says, hugging me with Birdie perched on his hip. His wrist is bandaged from an incident a few days ago, where he fell off his horse and landed on it, fracturing the bone.
My niece wraps an arm around my neck and kisses my cheek.
“Thank you. You’re so sweet, B.” I kiss her back.
They return to their seats.
Sam is bringing over the smoked brisket to set down in the center of the table with all the side dishes that are covered to keep the flies out. Rosie starts uncovering them and serving up the twins some food.
From here, we have a beautiful view overlooking the small lake in the pasture behind the house. As the sun dips farther behind the horizon, the moon starts shining brighter against the surface of the water. Sam and I have spent many nights on the porch, watching the moonlight shine on the lake, oftentimes making love, or simply talking about future plans for the ranch or baby names we love.
“Well, you certainly deserved that blue ribbon all those years ago, didn’t you, Doll?” Duke grins, helping Pops serve himself some extra potatoes.
“Yeah, I guess you flirting with the female judgeswasn’tthe reason I won.”
He throws his head back in a laugh. “I guess not.”
“By the way, Duke, I’ve been meaning to ask if you can take on some roping lessons for a couple of kids over the next month until my wrist heals?” Holden says.
Duke shrugs. “Sure. What days?”
“It’s every Monday and Thursday afternoon.”
“How old are they?”
“Three. They’re Dallas Hayes’s twins.”
Duke perks up, leaning back in his chair. “Is that so? Didn’t she get back with her ex?”
Holden’s gaze darkens as he glances over at Rosie. She purses her lips. “Unfortunately, yes. If I were you, I wouldn’t be flirting with her in front of him. She’ll end up paying for it later.”
Duke’s grin vanishes. He slowly nods, the humor on his face completely gone. The table falls into an awkward silence for a few minutes.
“By the way, how is Sterling doing? I was hoping we’d get to see him tonight. I have a girlfriend I’d like to set him up with. Military cowboys are hard to come by.” Monroe clutches Cash’s arm tighter, smiling.
“Sterling has a wife now,” Duke blurts out.
Six pairs of eyes swing to look at him.
